Liverpool’s Tung Auditorium Solidifies Its Reputation As A ‘Hub For The Best Emerging Talent In Merseyside’
Opened in 2022 and located within the Yoko Ono Lennon Centre at The University of Liverpool, The Tung Auditorium has become a vital space in the city for young emerging musicians wanting to pursue the arts professionally.
Previous Liverpool-based artists featured in the Tung’s programme include: Jazz FM’s Breakthrough Act of the Year (2025) Ni Maxine, rising Scouse Hip/Hop & Rap artist KOF, and Birkenhead’s emerging songsmith & Winner of the Young Songwriter’s Competition (2025), Grace Elizabeth Harvey.
Offering unique performance opportunities, platforms for artistic development as well as its fantastic student placements and graduate opportunities within the University, the venue plays an imperative role in Liverpool’s cultural fabric and evolving music scene.
This month marks the return of the Department of Music’s annual showcase (18 March) – featuring an exciting evening of varied live music from some of the city’s best rising talent.
Brought to life by students on the MA Music Management programme, this special showcase celebrates the incredible breadth of creativity of students across the department. From stripped-back acoustic originals to rich classical ensemble performances, the programme offers a dynamic range of genres.
Expect intimate performances from singer-songwriters and indie bands sharing original music, alongside the vibrant choral harmonies of the Chamber Choir and the playful energy of the Trombone Ensemble performing feel-good favourites.
Classical highlights include a four-hand piano performance of Dvořák’s Slavonic Dances, as well as chamber orchestra repertoire performed by the Liverpool Students Sinfonietta. Musical theatre fans can also enjoy numbers from shows including Thoroughly Modern Millie and Bonnie and Clyde.
One participant from last year’s showcase includes one of Liverpool’s young rising Classical musicians, Soraya Verjee. Soraya is a budding concert pianist, and has gone on to champion underrepresented female composers in the Classical world, performing their works in her own solo concerts and appearing on the BBC’s hit show, The Pianist.
Soraya spoke about her experience and the impact that Liverpool and The Tung Auditorium have had on her career so far:
“Liverpool is one of the most creative and vibrant places I’ve been in, and the city is full of live music from across all genres. People here are always so open to new styles of music and unique approaches to performance, and it’s been a really safe place to explore my artistic vision.
I think I was incredibly lucky to have used The Tung Auditorium every week during our performance training. As a pianist, I think one of the main benefits was playing around with the nuance of our sound to fit a concert hall (not to forget the absolutely beautiful Steinways they have!) and developing other performance skills we couldn’t work on in the practice room. As well as using the space to perform in, I am so grateful to have had free live music to watch every Wednesday Lunchtime. Some of my favourite concerts I saw as a student were watching my performance lecturer, Ruth Minton, perform solo recitals, and going to see Milap perform Indian classical music in my third year. I aimed to use the space as much as I could during my time there, doing multiple recording projects, performing with the University’s Music Society, and participating in the Music showcases. Many of my favourite performances occurred here, an example being accompanying Thea Hobbs in Harrison Parrott’s Op.1 Concert, and this hall holds many memories of my growth as a musician.”
Whether you love pop, classical, indie or musical theatre, this is a chance to experience the exciting work our students are writing and performing right now. Catch a glimpse of the upcoming artists of tomorrow at the Department of Music Showcase on 18th March at The Tung Auditorium!
Tickets are ‘Pay what you feel’ so you choose, ranging from completely free to £8 (plus booking fee).
To book tickets visit thetungauditorium.com.
