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“A well deserved Douze Points!”

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Few cities buzz with a feeling quite like Liverpool, and that essence was captured during the Liverpool Philharmonic’s Eurovision Classics: Douze Points. A celebration of Eurovision hits, two years on from the city hosting the event, brought pure delight to all who attended and reminded everyone just how special that moment was.

Under the expert direction of conductor Richard Balcombe, the outstanding orchestra took the audience on a musical journey through Eurovision’s most iconic hits. The opening overture had longtime fans reminiscing, paving the way for a setlist full of beloved classics. Many of the musicians joined in the fun, donning Eurovision-inspired outfits – platform shoes, leg warmers and some truly questionable wigs added to the spectacle. From Lulu to Celine, Lordi to Nemo, and not one but two renditions of Waterloo, the orchestra breathed new life into both legendary and modern tracks. It left many wondering why Eurovision ever dropped its live orchestra in 1999.

Annie Skates led vocalists Kate Graham, Andrew Playfoot, and Steve Trowell through the show’s genre-spanning set with style and flair. All four brought passion and exuberance to the stage, with Trowell especially impressing the crowd – his performance of Stefania was an excellent display of vocal agility. Each number was met with cheers, clapping and the occasional sing-along from an audience utterly swept up in the magic.

Then there was Mel Giedroyc – dare I say, the perfect host. Graham Norton may want to watch his back, as Mel commanded both stage and audience with ease. Her sharp wit, boundless energy and genuine affection for the city elevated the evening and made it all the more glamorous. She brought warmth and sparkle in equal measure, keeping the pace upbeat and the smiles constant.

The lighting design added an extra layer of magic, creating a true multi-sensory experience. Bold and playful, it matched the high-octane mood of Eurovision itself and added to the show’s overall wow factor.

Perhaps the most touching aspect of the night was the audience. From children dancing with their families to longtime fans boogying in the aisles, the concert radiated the unity that Eurovision aims to achieve. It was heartwarming to witness such a mix of generations sharing in the joy, laughter and nostalgia.

Let’s hope the Liverpool Philharmonic makes this an annual tradition. In the meantime, they are showcasing a number of performances that continue to make classical music more accessible. This summer catch A Night at The Musicals celebrating hits from the most loved shows and Liverpool Songbook celebrating loved Liverpudlian acts.