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CBSO Friday Night Classics: Rodgers & Hammerstein
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Fri 2 Jul 7:30pm Symphony Hall

July is bustin’ out all over - so celebrate the summer with the supreme masters of the Broadway Musical. Everyone knows the sound of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s music, and all your favourite melodies are here - sung by two modern legends of musical theatre. From _Climb Ev’ry Mountain_, _Oh What a Beautiful Morning_ and _You’ll Never Walk Alone_ to _Some Enchanted Evening_ and _The Lonely Goatherd_, one thing’s for sure, John Wilson and the CBSO will send you home whistling a merry tune! Pre-concert event 6.15pm: CBSO Boys' Choir gives a free performance in the hall. Visit the "CBSO website":http://www.cbso.co.uk
*City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra* *John Wilson* coductor *Kim Criswell* vocalists *Brent Barrett* vocalist
Including music from: Carousel South Pacific The King and I The Sound of Music Oklahoma! State Fair Flower Drum Song Pipe Dream Cinderella and more!
Zimbe! Come Sing The Songs Of Africa!
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Fri 2 Jul 7:30pm Town Hall
Final of The Robert William and Florence Amy Brant International Pianoforte Competition 2010
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Sat 3 Jul 7:00pm Town Hall

With an illustrious list of former winners and a first prize of £3,000, this prestigious competition provides young pianists with the chance to further their careers and perform in world-class venues. CLOSING DATE for applications Friday 28 May 2010 Entry fee £35 (non-refundable) The competition is open to pianists of any nationality who are both resident in Great Britain at the time of application and between the ages of 20 and 28 on Friday 28 May 2010. Entrants are advised of the following dates: Preliminary round - 26 June 2010 at the Barber Institute of Fine Arts, Edgbaston Semi-final - 27 June 2010 at the Barber Institute of Fine Arts, Edgbaston Final - 3 July 2010 at Town Hall For more information about the competition or the application procedure, please contact Emily Jones at Town Hall and Symphony Hall, Birmingham Telephone: 0121 644 6068 E-mail: Emily.jones@thsh.co.uk The application form and prospectus (rules) are available for download below:
Tony Bennett
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Sat 3 Jul 8:00pm Symphony Hall

Living legend Tony Bennett was described by his friend Frank Sinatra as "_the best singer in the business_." Still touring worldwide with hits such as _I Left My Heart in San Francisco_ and _Rags To Riches_, his 60 year career has seen him connect with audiences of all ages. Whether through _Tony Bennett: MTV Unplugged_ or 2006’s _Duets_ (his triple-platinum album featuring McCartney, Sting, Bono and more), his classic style, timelessness and refusal to compromise wins him new fans every day. "_When they zig, I zag!_” Tony Bennett
Sing Live Sing Gospel
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Sun 4 Jul 7:00pm Town Hall
Robert Cray Band & very special guest Andy Fairweather Low
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Mon 12 Jul 8:00pm Symphony Hall

For over 30 years Robert Cray has laid down track after track of good-time, uptown, low-down blues. He's won 5 Grammys, been nominated for 11 more and collaborated with such luminaries as Eric Clapton, B. B. King, Muddy Waters, Chuck Berry and Bonnie Raitt. This concert follows the release of new album _This Time_.
CBSO Youth Orchestra Academy
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Sun 25 Jul 7:00pm Town Hall

Join the CBSO Youth Orchestra’s acclaimed chamber orchestra for an evening of sheer summer exuberance. Berio’s extraordinary mini-operas and Milhaud’s swinging jazz-age ballet are just the curtain raisers to Beethoven’s liveliest (and cheekiest!) symphony. Jörg Widmann’s Con brio, meanwhile, is an uproarious homage to Beethoven. It caused a sensation at last year’s BBC Proms; hear why, when our brilliant young players give it their show-stopping all.
*Michael Seal* _conductor_ Mezzo-soprano to be announced *CBSO Youth Orchestra Academy*
*Milhaud* La création du monde 16’ *Berio* Folk Songs 23’ *Widmann* Con brio 12’ *Beethoven* Symphony No 8 27’
CBSO Andris Nelsons conducts the New World Symphony
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Wed 28 Jul 7:30pm Symphony Hall

The first time Andris Nelsons conducted Dvořák’s New World Symphony with the CBSO, the Orchestra was so impressed that it made him Music Director! Hear why tonight, and be ready to fall in love all over again with Dvořák’s most popular symphony. Wagner’s Rienzi overture (a personal favourite of Andris Nelsons) opens the concert in barnstorming style, before the masterly young British pianist Paul Lewis makes a welcome and long-awaited return to the CBSO with Beethoven’s sparkling concerto.
*Andris Nelsons* _conductor_ *Paul Lewis* _piano_
*Wagner* Rienzi 13’ *Beethoven* Piano Concerto No. 2 28’ *Dvořák* Symphony No 9 (From the New World) 40’
Tinariwen
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Wed 28 Jul 7:30pm Town Hall

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National Youth Orchestra - Summer Prom
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Wed 4 Aug 7:30pm Symphony Hall

A fantastic summer concert on a fantastical theme: _Symphonie Fantastique_, _The Sorcerer’s Apprentice_ and Julian Anderson’s _Fantasias_ played by ‘_the most uplifting orchestra in the world_.’ (The Times) Conductor Semyon Bychkov works his magic on these inspiring young musicians, described by The Independent as ‘_breathtakingly good . . . they played, quite simply, like professionals_.’
*National Youth Orchestra* *Conductor* _Semyon Bychkov_
Tristan und Isolde Birmingham International Concert Season 2010/11
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Thu 23 Sep Symphony Hall

_Tristan und Isolde_ provides a groundbreaking opening concert to the "2010/11 Birmingham International Concert Season":http://www.thsh.co.uk/bics-2010-11. Full details of the season will be published in mid-April. _Tristan und Isolde_ co-producers: "Philharmonia Orchestra":http://www.philharmonia.co.uk/, Konzerthaus Dortmund and Lucerne Festival In association with: Southbank Centre London and Symphony Hall, Birmingham Also performed in: KKL, Lucerne (10 September), Konzerthaus, Dortmund (17 September) and Southbank Centre, London (26 September)
*Philharmonia Orchestra* *Esa-Pekka Salonen* _conductor_ *Gary Lehman* _Tristan_ *Christine Brewer* _Isolde_ *Anne Sofie von Otter* _Brangäne_ *John Relyea* _King Marke_ *Jukka Rasilainen* _Kurwenal_ *Stephen Gadd* _Melot_ *Andrew Kennedy* _Shepherd/Sailor_ *Darren Jeffery* _Helmsman_ *Philharmonia Voices* *Bill Viola* _visual artist_ *Peter Sellars* _artistic collaborator_
*Wagner* _Tristan und Isolde_ 255’
Lisa Williams Messages From Beyond
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Wed 29 Sep 7:30pm Book through our ticket office for ICC Hall 1

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Stewart Francis plus support
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Fri 8 Oct 7:30pm Town Hall

“Tour De Francis” Great Comedians Come in Cycles. As seen on Mock The Week, Michael McIntyre's Comedy Roadshow and 8 Out of 10 Cats. "_One of very few stand-ups whose perfectly-crafted gags bear proper comparison with transatlantic greats like Steven Wright and Woody Allen_." Guardian ‘_Consistently brilliant one-liners... 80 minutes of mind-blowing stand-up comedy_.’ Scotsman ***** "Stewart Francis":http://stewartfrancis.com
Level 42 - The 30th Anniversary Tour Plus special guests
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Sun 10 Oct 7:30pm Symphony Hall

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Jeff Beck plus support
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Sun 17 Oct 7:30pm Symphony Hall

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John Barrowman
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Tue 19 Oct 7:30pm Symphony Hall

John Barrowman returns to Symphony Hall to mark the release of his third solo album, the self-titled _John Barrowman_. His previous appearances have sold out, so book now. John Barrowman is easily one of the most familiar faces on British television and the West End stage. He is best known for playing Captain Jack Harkness in _Torchwood_ and _Doctor Who_. He has also been a judge on the award-winning BBC1 entertainment shows _How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria?_, _Any Dream Will Do_ and _I’d Do Anything_.
The Hollies
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Fri 22 Oct 7:30pm Symphony Hall

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Al Murray The Pub Landlord Barrel of Fun
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Sun 24 Oct 8:00pm Symphony Hall

*Al Murray The Pub Landlord* is back on the road to roll out his *Barrel of Fun*, a brand new stand-up show for 2010. Britain’s best-known Pub Philosopher will be serving up his own special brew of bar room banter at venues across the UK this autumn. “_The way he integrates the crowd into the show is awe-inspiring_” The Times In 2009, the People’s Publican left over 230,000 of his regulars over-flowing with laughter, on his one-man crusade to fix Broken Britain. This year you can expect a whole new Barrel of Fun, and one thing is certain… there will be no half measures. “_A national treasure_” ***** Daily Telegraph “_Thoroughly recommended_” ***** The Sun "The Pub Landlord":http://thepublandlord.com
The RAF In Concert 70th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain
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Thu 28 Oct 7:30pm Symphony Hall

This year's prestigious Royal Air Force in Concert Tour officially commemorates the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Britain with an exciting and nostalgic programme of music that will conjure up the atmosphere surrounding Britain's 'finest hour'. The varied programme ranges from the _Battle of Britain March_ by Goodwin and the _Fighter Command March_ by Alwyn to Gershwin’s _A Foggy Day in London Town_ and _Rhapsody in Blue_. Sing along to _Underneath the Arches_ and _Blue Birds Over the White Cliffs of Dover_. Enjoy the Big Band swing sound of the RAF Squadronaires as they perform a Glenn Miller tribute and the trumpet classic _Tico Tico_. Flight Lieutenant Matthew Little will again delight audiences with his vocal talents, performing under the baton of the RAF's Principal Director of Music, Wing Commander Duncan Stubbs. A wonderful trip down memory lane, this flag-waving, musical tribute to the men and women who took part in the Battle of Britain is not to be missed!
*Alan Dedicoat* (Radio 2) _compere_
Tommy Emmanuel Plus support
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Wed 10 Nov 7:30pm Town Hall

Recognised as the elite of the elite and arguably the greatest living acoustic guitar player, two-time Grammy nominee Tommy Emmanuel has mesmerised both fellow musicians and audiences alike. With a professional career that spans over four decades, Tommy’s dazzling performances, flawless guitar skills and voluminous repertoire never fail to amaze and engage his legions of fans. From the wilds of Australia’s outback to bustling major cities throughout the world, Emmanuel’s flair, unforgettable showmanship and exhaustive worldwide touring schedule have created an enviable fan base that continues to grow even larger every year. Guitar players of all levels come to his shows to watch the magic hands of the ‘Guitar Wizard of Oz’ but his appeal goes far beyond musicians. His live shows are known for their humour, passion and infectious joy. Tommy Emmanuel loves music and delights in sharing it with the world, one audience at a time. This date is one of a handful of autumn appearances and should not be missed.