Yoko Ono Lennon, a long-standing supporter of the University of Liverpool, has committed, via Spirit Foundations, a donation to the Tung Auditorium's Lunchtime Concert Series.
Spirit Foundations is the charitable foundation established by Mrs Lennon and John Lennon and its donation ensures the continuation of the popular free concert programme for the next three years. The series will now be known as the Yoko Ono Lennon Lunchtime Concert Series in honour of her contribution.
Yoko Ono Lennon, is an Honorary graduate and long-standing philanthropic supporter of the University. A spokesperson from Spirit Foundations said: "It gives us great pleasure to know the popular Lunchtime Concert Series will continue. Music has power - it can heal, connect, and uplift. By supporting this series, it is our hope that audiences from all backgrounds will continue to experience the joy, inspiration and sense of unity that live music brings. The fact that these concerts remain free and accessible makes this support especially meaningful."
The newly renamed series will launch on Wednesday 24 September with a performance by rising local artist Remée, presented in partnership with BlackFest. The Series also forms part of the wider Tung Auditorium's autumn/winter 2025 season, which presents a vibrant and eclectic programme of music. The Tung Auditorium, Liverpool's state-of-the-art concert hall, is located in the Yoko Ono Lennon Centre at the University of Liverpool.
Remée
Richard Hartwell, Artistic Director at The Tung Auditorium, welcomed the donation and spoke about the significance of the season: "This generous gift from Yoko Ono Lennon and Spirit Foundations is an extraordinary endorsement of the value of music in public life. Her support enables the University of Liverpool to continue offering high-quality, free cultural experiences through the Lunchtime Concert Series. This season, The Tung Auditorium presents an exciting line-up of artists across genres, from classical to contemporary, established names to emerging talents. There is something here for every listener."
The wider Autumn/Winter 2025 evening programme includes:
- Local legends China Crisis performing on Friday 3 October.
- Celebrated pianist Imogen Cooper performing a programme of Schubert piano trios, Wednesday 22 October.
- Adrian Chandler returns to Liverpool with La Serenissima - Vivaldi: Plucked and Bowed, Friday 24 October.
China Crisis
New collaborations also feature in the season:
- Two lunchtime concerts in partnership with local promoter Decks In The City, featuring KOF + Jazz Gittens, Wednesday 29 October and The Ambro Collective, Wednesday 19 November.
- A new opera, The Hive, offering a bold and contemporary musical experience, Saturday 8 November.
- Performances from stalwarts of the folk-rock scene, Fairport Convention, Sunday 2 November and Steeleye Span, Sunday 23 November.
KOF
Seasonal highlights include:
- A collaboration between Manchester Collective, and The Marian Consort, presenting an evocative winter performance Saturday 29 November.
- Eliza Carthy and Jon Boden combine their talents for a festive 'wassail' - a traditional and festive toast wishing good health, Sunday 30 November.
- The return of local singer-songwriter Robert Vincent on, Friday 5 December, for what has become an annual December tradition, followed by a festive calendar filled with choirs and brass ensembles to celebrate the holiday season.
Manchester Collective x The Marian Consort © Gaëlle Beri
The Tung Auditorium is part of the University of Liverpool and is situated on the corner of Grove Street and Oxford Street.
To view the Autumn/Winter 2025 programme, and to book your tickts, please visit thetungauditorium.com
More about Yoko Ono Lennon and the University of Liverpool
Yoko Ono Lennon is one the University's biggest and longest standing supporters.
In March 2022 the Yoko Ono Lennon Centre opened. It is a purpose-built facility for teaching, learning and research. As well as The Tung Auditorium, the centre includes the 600-seat Paul Brett Lecture Theatre, a smaller lecture theatre for 450, the Fröhlich Café Bar, seminar rooms and backstage facilities.
In 1991 the John Lennon Memorial Scholarship was established. The award supports students from Merseyside who might be in financial need and enhance, among other things, awareness of global problems and environmental issues. Since beginning it has supported 650 students.
Lead image: Matthew Placek © Yoko Ono Lennon
