What's On — CBSO events

• Symphonic Dances  

  Wed 14 May 2008 Symphony Hall

  Simon Holt’s new Percussion Concerto offers a vivid and quirky portrait of the composer's childhood memories of his great uncle, who was a taxidermist: with movement titles such as ‘fly’, ‘skennin’ Mary’ and ‘a drawer full of eyes’, it is sure to offer up a few surprises! The solo part is taken by a brilliant young Scottish percussionist who has already performed with orchestras all around the world. Martyn Brabbins shows off his special affinity with Russian music in a centenary tribute to Rimsky-Korsakov in the shape of the colourful suite from his fairy-tale opera, and in Rachmaninov’s last orchestral work, the thrilling Symphonic Dances. 6.15pm pre-concert talk
  Martyn Brabbins conductor Colin Currie percussion
  Rimsky-Korsakov: The Golden Cockerel • Suite 24' Holt: A Table of Noises (World premiere) 21' Rachmaninov: Symphonic Dances 36'
  

• Chant d'Amour  

  Tue 20 May Symphony Hall

  There is nothing else in the whole of classical music to compare with the experience of hearing Messiaen’s amazing Turangalîla Symphony live. A larger-than-life tribute to the cosmic power of love, it features a massive orchestra and major solos for piano and ondes martenot, the other-worldly electronic instrument that was this composer’s speciality. It is conducted in the composer’s centenary year by Ilan Volkov, who has built a very strong reputation in large-scale 20th-century scores. We also begin a three-week Janácek focus with Taras Bulba, his stirring triptych telling of the battles and ultimate death of a Ukrainian Cossack hero. 6.15pm pre-concert talk
  Ilan Volkov conductor Steven Osborne piano Cynthia Millar ondes martenot
  Janácek: Taras Bulba 23' Messiaen: Turangalîla-Symphonie 76'
  

• Chant d'Amour  

  Thu 22 May Symphony Hall

  There is nothing else in the whole of classical music to compare with the experience of hearing Messiaen’s amazing Turangalîla Symphony live. A larger-than-life tribute to the cosmic power of love, it features a massive orchestra and major solos for piano and ondes martenot, the other-worldly electronic instrument that was this composer’s speciality. It is conducted in the composer’s centenary year by Ilan Volkov, who has built a very strong reputation in large-scale 20th-century scores. We also begin a three-week Janácek focus with Taras Bulba, his stirring triptych telling of the battles and ultimate death of a Ukrainian Cossack hero. 6.15pm pre-concert talk
  Ilan Volkov conductor Steven Osborne piano Cynthia Millar ondes martenot
  Janácek: Taras Bulba 23' Messiaen: Turangalîla-Symphonie 76'
  

• Czech Mates: Military Symphony  

  Wed 28 May Symphony Hall

  The young Czech conductor Jakub Hru°sˇa has been making a name for himself all over Europe in recent seasons, and for his CBSO debut he conducts a varied programme including music from his homeland. We continue our Janácˇek series with the Suite from his comic-book opera set among the forest wildlife, and you also have an all-too-rare opportunity to hear a set of Dvorˇák’s Slavonic Dances played as part of a concert rather than as encores! Haydn was the only major composer to write anywhere near a hundred symphonies • and this is a real gem. Tchaikovsky’s barn-storming overture completes a fun programme.
  Jakub Hrusa conductor
  Dvorák: Three Slavonic Dances 15' Haydn: Symphony No. 100 (Military) 28' Janácek: The Cunning Little Vixen • Suite 20' Tchaikovsky: 1812 Overture 18'
  

• Battles On The Ice: Military Symphony  

  Sat 31 May Symphony Hall

  Throughout history the Russian people have taken great pride in their ability to defend the Motherland from foreign invasion, and Russian composers have also been quick to immortalise these victories in music. Tonight we hear two of the best works thus inspired: Tchaikovsky’s patriotic Overture celebrates the victory over Napoleon in 1812, while Prokofiev’s Cantata (based on his music for Eisenstein’s famous film) depicts a legendary medieval battle between a Russian prince and the invading Teutonic knights. Haydn’s music is rather less warlike, but he incorporates the sounds of the military into his 100th Symphony with typical wit and charm. 5.45pm pre-concert talk
  Jakub Hrusa conductor Elena Manistina mezzo soprano City of Birmingham Symphony Chorus
  Tchaikovsky: 1812 Overture 18' Haydn: Symphony No. 100 (Military) 28' Prokofiev: Alexander Nevsky 36'
  

• Family Concert: Action Stations!  

  Sun 1 Jun Symphony Hall

  Sound the trumpets, beat the drums, and CHARGE! The CBSO swings into action with a whole concert of action and adventure. Don your armour and draw your sword, as Prokofiev’s Alexander Nevsky sends the orchestra hurtling into a thunderous battle on the ice. Duck for cover as Tchaikovsky lets fly with bells and cannons in the roof-raising 1812 Overture! And that’s just for starters. Anything could happen in this thriller of a concert. So come ready for bangs, crashes and some seriously loud musical fun. FREE CREATIVE WORKSHOPS AND MUSIC in the foyers from 1.30pm
  *Jakub Hru°sa* conductor *Tommy Pearson* presenter *City of Birmingham Symphony Chorus*
  
  

• Friday Night Classics: Music for Champions  

  Fri 6 Jun Symphony Hall

  As Euro 2008 prepares to kick off, the CBSO announces the squad for its own big match. Our premier team of musicians, captained by the inimitable Carl Davis, tackles some of the all-time champion sporting themes. From fans’ favourites like Nessun Dorma, Boléro and We Are the Champions to TV and movie classics, including Chariots of Fire, Rocky and Superman, it’s a line-up to have you cheering from the terraces! Get behind Davis and the CBSO as they play for Birmingham in the stunning acoustic of Symphony Hall, our very own field of dreams!
  *Carl Davis* Conductor *Jon Christos* Tenor
  
  

• Farewell, But Not Goodbye  

  Wed 11 Jun Symphony Hall

  The end of a ten-year tenure: Sakari Oramo bows out as Music Director in truly spectacular style, with a thrilling pair of life-affirming masterpieces. This is the last chance to see Sakari conduct the CBSO in Symphony Hall, until he returns in a new guise as Principal Guest Conductor for the 2008/09 season. Janácˇek’s Sinfonietta is one of the greatest of all 20th-century scores, its brassy fanfares (featuring an extra nine trumpets in addition to a large orchestra) surrounding a work of astonishing originality and power. Beethoven’s final Symphony is also a summation of a life’s work, and its culminating vocal setting of Schiller’s ‘Ode to Joy’ has become an anthem for all humanity. A great team of soloists and our own magnificent Chorus join the Orchestra for what is certain to be the hottest ticket of the season • be sure to book early! 6.15pm pre-concert talk
  *Sakari Oramo* conductor *Lisa Milne* Soprano *Jane Irwin* Mezzo-soprano *Gordon Gietz* Tenor *Matthew Rose* Bass *City of Birmingham Symphony Chorus*
  *Janácek* Sinfonietta 25' *Beethoven* Symphony No. 9 (Choral) 67'
  

• Farewell, But Not Goodbye  

  Thu 12 Jun Symphony Hall

  The end of a ten-year tenure: Sakari Oramo bows out as Music Director in truly spectacular style, with a thrilling pair of life-affirming masterpieces. This is the last chance to see Sakari conduct the CBSO in Symphony Hall, until he returns in a new guise as Principal Guest Conductor for the 2008/09 season. Janácˇek’s Sinfonietta is one of the greatest of all 20th-century scores, its brassy fanfares (featuring an extra nine trumpets in addition to a large orchestra) surrounding a work of astonishing originality and power. Beethoven’s final Symphony is also a summation of a life’s work, and its culminating vocal setting of Schiller’s ‘Ode to Joy’ has become an anthem for all humanity. A great team of soloists and our own magnificent Chorus join the Orchestra for what is certain to be the hottest ticket of the season • be sure to book early! 6.15pm pre-concert talk
  *Sakari Oramo* conductor *Lisa Milne* Soprano *Jane Irwin* Mezzo-soprano *Gordon Gietz* Tenor *Matthew Rose* Bass *City of Birmingham Symphony Chorus*
  *Janácek* Sinfonietta 25' *Beethoven* Symphony No. 9 (Choral) 67'
  

• American Classics  

  Tue 17 Jun Symphony Hall

  Andrew Litton has become a firm favourite with CBSO audiences in the last few seasons, and tonight he takes centre stage as both pianist and conductor in a trio of well-known American scores. Gershwin’s Piano Concerto was the composer’s most ambitious work for the concert hall, and features the same ‘symphonic jazz’ style with which he had made his name in Rhapsody in Blue. Copland’s Third Symphony was begun in 1944, and looks ahead to a brighter future, in this case with a finale based on his own hugely successful Fanfare for the Common Man. Bernstein’s fizzing comedy overture gets the evening off to a flying start.
  *Andrew Litton* Conductor / Piano
  *Bernstein* Candide Overture 5' *Gershwin* Piano Concerto 31' *Copland* Symphony No. 3 40'
  

• A Sea Symphony  

  Sat 21 Jun 2008 Symphony Hall

  In a special programme to celebrate his 25 years as Chorus Director to the CBSO, Simon Halsey conducts a superb pair of English works which themselves mark significant anniversaries this year. 2008 sees the 50th anniversary of the death of Vaughan Williams, and it was his stirring setting of Walt Whitman which announced his arrival as a major symphonist almost exactly a century ago. At the same time his friend Holst was exploring music on a far smaller scale, and his haunting chamber opera Savitri, composed in 1908, tells a timeless Indian tale from the Mahabharata translated into a style heavily influenced by English folk-song. Four oustanding British soloists join the Orchestra, Choruses and Simon Halsey for this stirring evening’s singing. 5.45pm pre-concert talk
  Simon Halsey conductor Janice Watson soprano Sarah Connolly mezzo-soprano James Oxley tenor James Rutherford baritone City of Birmingham Symphony Youth Chorus City of Birmingham Symphony Chorus
  Holst: Savitri 30' Vaughan Williams: A Sea Symphony 64'
  

• Notelets: Global Grooves Morning 

  Sun 22 Jun 2008 Book through our ticket office for CBSO Centre

  Discover music from around the globe in this fun-packed and interactive performance, devised specially for 3-5 year olds and their families, and featuring musicians from the CBSO. Join us for craft workshops one hour before each show, and enjoy post-performance music workshops.
  
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• Notelets: Global Grooves Afternoon 

  Sun 22 Jun 2008 Book through our ticket office for CBSO Centre

  Discover music from around the globe in this fun-packed and interactive performance, devised specially for 3-5 year olds and their families, and featuring musicians from the CBSO. Join us for craft workshops one hour before each show, and enjoy post-performance music workshops.
  
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• Pictures At An Exhibition  

  Wed 25 Jun 2008 Symphony Hall

  For our last ‘symphonic’ concert of the season we turn to Chinese conductor Xian Zhang, acclaimed internationally for her dynamic and spirited performances. Tonight she directs the CBSO in music from Ravel’s great ballet Daphnis and Chloé, and also in Ravel’s magnificent orchestral version of Mussorgsky’s piano portraits. She is joined by a Canadian rising star for Lalo’s best-known work, a colourful violin concerto based on Spanish dance tunes.
  Xian Zhang conductor Karen Gomyo violin
  Mussorgsky (orch. Ravel): Pictures at an Exhibition 32' Lalo: Symphonie espagnole 31' Ravel: Daphnis and Chloé • Suite No. 2 18'
  

• Schools Concert: Pictures At An Exhibition  

  Thu 26 Jun 2008 Symphony Hall

  Mussorgsky’s epic tour through a Russian picture gallery provides the inspiration for this introduction to the symphony orchestra, specially devised for Key Stage 2 students (years 3 and 4). From old castles and catacombs, through farm carts and bustling markets, to the Great Gate of Kiev, this colourful music should set young imaginations on fire. For information on pre-concert support packages for schools, please contact the CBSO’s Education Department by emai(education@cbso.co.uk) or telephone (0121 616 6500). Teachers are also invited to contact the CBSO for details of other opportunities available to schools under our Education and Community programme.
  Xian Zhang conductor Tommy Pearson presenter
  
  

• Schools Concert: Pictures At An Exhibition  

  Thu 26 Jun 2008 Symphony Hall

  Mussorgsky’s epic tour through a Russian picture gallery provides the inspiration for this introduction to the symphony orchestra, specially devised for Key Stage 2 students (years 3 and 4). From old castles and catacombs, through farm carts and bustling markets, to the Great Gate of Kiev, this colourful music should set young imaginations on fire. For information on pre-concert support packages for schools, please contact the CBSO’s Education Department by emai(education@cbso.co.uk) or telephone (0121 616 6500). Teachers are also invited to contact the CBSO for details of other opportunities available to schools under our Education and Community programme.
  Xian Zhang conductor Tommy Pearson presenter
  
  

• Saregama & the CBSO present Rafi Resurrected with Sonu Niigaam  

  Tue 15 Jul Symphony Hall

  *A Tribute to Mohammad Rafi* Sonu Niigaam, the most popular playback singer in India today, and famous as the presenter of hit talent show _SaReGaMa_, teams up with Birmingham’s world-renowned orchestra, to perform 18 legendary hits by Mohammad Rafi, the radiant and nostalgic voice of Bollywood’s golden era. Songs performed will include tracks from the forthcoming _Rafi Resurrected album_, plus several extra tracks specially arranged for the spectacular sounds of a 75-piece orchestra amplified by state of the art audio equipment. Presented by SaReGaMa in association with the CBSO. VIP tickets available from SaReGaMa on 020 8961 3344. Please note that the concert starts promptly at 7.45pm.
  *City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra*
  
  

• CBSO Season 2008-09  

  Town Hall & Symphony Hall

  DISCOUNTS FOR CBSO CONCERTS Please note that only one discount can be applied to any ticket. Special offers, discounts and concessions cannot be combined. Concerts which are not promoted by the CBSO may have different discounting policies please check with the Ticket Office at time of booking. *CONCERT PACKAGES* Buy tickets for 3 or more CBSO concerts at Symphony Hall/Town Hall to start saving and receiving package benefits. *GROUP BOOKERS* are entitled to a 20% discount for parties of 11 or more and receive one FREE ticket for the group organiser. Groups also benefit from a reservation facility - please call the Group Booking Department on Freephone 0800 358 7070. There is also the opportunity to meet CBSO musicians at concerts; please call Amy Poyser at the CBSO on 0121 616 6513. *FAMILY TICKETS* (for Symphony Hall & Town Hall) To qualify for a family ticket, one or two adults must be accompanied by one or more children aged 16 and under, up to a maximum group of six people. Family tickets are available in all areas, and will be allocated subject to availability. Adult family ticket: £17; child family ticket: £8.50. *STUDENTS & YOUNG PEOPLE* From 1pm on the day of each evening performance and from 10am for matinée concerts, anyone in fulltime education and young people aged 25 and under can purchase remaining tickets at the discounted price of £4. Proof of eligibility may be required. Please note: the CBSO reserves the right to allocate these tickets in certain areas of the hall. Under our ‘Audiences for Tomorrow’ scheme, the CBSO offers a limited number of tickets at special prices for secondary school groups, subject to availability. Teachers should call Katy Russell on 0121 616 6530 for information. *STANDBY TICKETS* Available from 1pm on the day of each evening performance and from 10am for matinée concerts (Symphony Hall & Town Hall concerts), and from CBSO Centre one hour before CBSO Cntre performances. Please come early to avoid queues. All standby tickets are issued subject to availability and on production of valid and suitable identification. Please note the CBSO reserves the right to allocate standby tickets in certain areas of the hall. Patrons aged 60+ (Symphony Hall & Town Hall only) receive 10% discount. Patrons who are benefit recipients can purchase tickets for £4 at all venues (qualifying benefits: Income Support, Pension Tax Credit, Job Seekers Allowance and Disability Tax Credit). Holders of ‘Passport to Leisure’ cards can purchase Circle tickets for £21, and seats on all other levels for £13.50 at Symphony Hall and Town Hall (one ticket per Passport holder), and receive £1 off a full-price ticket at CBSO Centre. *DISABLED PATRONS* If you have a disability you are entitled to receive 50% discount off full price seats. Should you need the service of a companion, their ticket is also half price. Proof of eligibility may be required. N.B. Disabled patrons can combine their 50% discount with the additional Concert Package discounts. For further information on facilities for patrons with disabilities, including the infra-red system for the hearing impaired, please contact Symphony Hall on 0121 780 4949. Receivers are available from the Performance Manager at the concert. Guide dogs welcome. *WHEELCHAIR POSITIONS* Spaces for patrons who need to remain in their wheelchair during the performance are located on the stalls and upper circle levels of Symphony Hall, stalls & circle levels of Town Hall and are available at CBSO Centre. Please book in advance for Symphony Hall & Town Hall by calling 0121 780 4949 during opening hours. *CAR PARKING* Limited space is available for Blue Badge holders driving their own vehicles. To reserve free parking, please contact the Ticket Office on 0121 780 3333. You will be asked for your Blue Badge number, vehicle registration, concert date and contact details when booking a space. Please put requests for more than three dates in writing to Performances Birmingham Ticket Office, Symphony Hall, Broad Street, Birmingham B1 2EA. For concerts at Town Hall, wheelchair users may be dropped off outside the building by Paradise Circus. Blue badge parking bays in the vicinity of Town Hall can be found on Margaret Street, Edmund Street and Pinfold Street. *This brochure is available free of charge on audio-cassette. Please call 0121 616 6513.* *RETURNS & RESALES* Tickets are accepted at the discretion of the Ticket Office but all CBSO sales take priority. There is a service charge of 10% of the face value and money resulting from a resale will be forwarded by cheque. NB only cash or cheques will be accepted in payment for returns. *LOST TICKETS* Please note there is a £2 charge for printing duplicate tickets.
  
  
  

• Centre Stage at CBSO Centre  

  Book through our ticket office for CBSO Centre

  Devised and performed by the musicians of the CBSO, Centre Stage provides a series of intimate chamber concerts designed to complement the music being performed at Symphony Hall. Centre Stage events start at 1.10pm and normally last about 50 minutes. Snacks and a licenced bar are available before every performance.
  
  
  

• Schumann & Shostakovich with Schiff  

  Wed 8 Oct Symphony Hall

  High romance and biting sarcasm - the superb Austrian cellist and conductor Heinrich Schiff makes a welcome return to the CBSO with a programme of extremes. Kurt Weill’s Threepenny Opera Suite is the ultimate in musical irony, irresistibly sarcastic, shamelessly sleazy and unforgettably tuneful. In Shostakovich’s First Cello Concerto, though, the satire has teeth - it’s a punchy political drama driven by profound emotion. Schiff himself performs the solo part, before taking the podium to conduct Schumann’s noblest symphony - a world of romantic dreams and classical beauty, a million miles from the 20th century.
  Heinrich Schiff - conductor / cello
  Shostakovich: Cello Concerto No. 1 28’ Weill: Threepenny Opera - Suite 20’ Schumann: Symphony No. 2 36’
  

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