What's On — Classical events

CBSO Season 2009-10
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Wed 9 Sep Town Hall & Symphony Hall

*Public booking opens on Monday 15 June.* For list of concerts please see "www.cbso.co.uk/concerts":http://www.cbso.co.uk/concerts 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 Eva Wuestum at the CBSO on 0121 616 6513. FAMILY TICKETS FROM £20: (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 or 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: £15; child family ticket: £5. 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 Heather Brannan on 0121 616 6546 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 Centre 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 £21.50, and seats on all other levels for £14 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. NB 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 (for Symphony Hall/Town Hall) on 0121 780 4949 or CBSO Centre on 0121 616 6532. 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 at all three venues for Blue Badge holders driving their own vehicles. When reserving a space you will be asked for your Blue Badge number, vehicle registration, concert date and contact details. Symphony Hall: please contact the Box Office on 0121 780 3333. For requests of three or more dates, please obtain a booking form from the Box Office (call 0121 780 3333). Town Hall: please contact Stage Door on 0121 644 5039. CBSO Centre: call 0121 616 6532 to reserve parking in advance. For concerts at Town Hall, wheelchair users may also 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.
Birmingham International Concert Season 2009/10
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Wed 7 Oct to Sat 12 Jun 2010 Town Hall & Symphony Hall

h2. See the world’s greatest artists perform on the UK’s finest stages In the 2009/10 season, you can expect thrilling performances from Daniel Barenboim and the Berlin Staatskapelle, Riccardo Muti and Joshua Bell with the Philharmonia, the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, Murray Perahia, Lang Lang, Renée Fleming, Ian Bostridge and Sir James Galway, amongst many others. Just two years after its magnificent re-opening, we celebrate 175 years of Town Hall’s musical heritage with a series of anniversary concerts. And we cement our special relationship with the CBSO with three events, including a unique and epic collaboration with the Orchestra and Chorus of the Mariinsky Theatre under Valery Gergiev. From the unrivalled acoustic of Symphony Hall to the historic ambience of Town Hall, there are no better platforms for such outstanding talents. We hope you will cherish these special evenings of music making with us. *Concert Packages: Book six or more concerts and save up to 30%!* Book a concert package and guarantee those special musical experiences. And, the more concerts you book for, the more money you’ll save: * Book 6 to 8 concerts and save 10% * Book 9 to 10 concerts and save 15% * Book 11 to 16 concerts and save 20% * Book 17 or more concerts and save 30% You will also receive these exclusive benefits: * First choice of seats in Town Hall and Symphony Hall * Ticket exchange scheme * Free concert programme * Discounts on selected additional concerts throughout the year * 6 months interest free credit if you book by 30 June 2008 * Car parking for just £3.80 at Brindleyplace * 12½% discount THe SHop, our classical music shop at Symphony Hall * 10% discount on Town Hall and Symphony Hall merchandise * 30% discount on additional Birmingham International Concert Season concert tickets if you book 17 or more concerts in your package * Exclusive booking period for additional concerts included in this brochure *How to Book* Postal booking of concert packages is open now. Or download an order form from the top right hand side of this webpage.
An Anniversary Performance Of The Mikado Starring Alistair McGowan
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Sat 13 Mar 7:30pm Symphony Hall

A special semi-staged performance to celebrate the 125th Anniversary of Gilbert & Sullivan’s crowning masterpiece. Written in 1885, Gilbert had the inspired idea of transporting mid-Victorian England into the background of oriental Japan in a hilarious tale poking delicious fun at the politics and politicians of the day! Gilbert’s witty lyrics introduce a cast of comic characters that epitomise the very essence of G & S and Sullivan’s bountiful score is a sparkling gem, speeding the story along with a host of toe-tapping greats.
The all-star cast includes .. *David Curry* Nanki-Poo *Simon Butteriss* Ko-Ko *Bruce Graham* Poo-Bah *Giles Davies* Pish-Tush *Rebecca Bottone* Yum-Yum *Jill Pert* Katisha *Sophie-Louise* Dannpitti-Sing *Anna Lowe* Peep-Bo And *Alistair McGowan* As The Mikado Of Japan Richard Balcombe _conductor_ London Concert Orchestra & Chorus
Sunday Morning Coffee Concert: Morgenstern Trio ECHO Rising Stars Series 15th Season
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Sun 14 Mar 11:00am Town Hall

Nominated by the ECHO Halls in Cologne and Hamburg, this acclaimed piano trio offers a programme with a perfect balance of classical Haydn, youthful Leonard Bernstein, and an acknowledged masterpiece by Smetana.
*Morgenstern Trio* *Catherine Klipfel* _piano_ *Stefan Hempel* _violin_ *Emanuel Wehse* _violoncello_
*Haydn* Piano Trio in E flat *Bernstein* Piano Trio (1937) *Smetana* Piano Trio in G minor
University of Birmingham - Time and Tide
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Sun 14 Mar 6:00pm Symphony Hall

*University of Birmingham University Choir and Symphony Orchestra* *Colin Timms* _conductor_ *Wendy Dawn Thompson* _mezzo soprano_
*Verdi* Overture to _La forza del destino_ *Elgar* The Music Makers *Elgar* Sea Pictures *Verdi* Te Deum
Lunchtime Organ Concert Benjamin Saunders
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Mon 15 Mar 1:00pm Town Hall

*Benjamin Saunders* _organ_
*Vierne* Cathédrales *Bach* Three Chorales (BWV 649, 639 & 671) *Kellner* Praeludium in C *Martini* Plaisir d’amour *Kushnariov* Passacaglia
The Romantic Violin: Tasmin Little Performs Bruch Orchestra of the Swan
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Wed 17 Mar 2:30pm Town Hall

Tasmin Little has chosen two favourites works for tonight’s concert. Rossini’s overture, the _Barber of Seville_ will ensure a sparkling opening to the afternoon.
*Orchestra of the Swan* *David Curtis* conductor *Tasmin Little* violin/conductor
*Rossini* Overture _Barber of Seville_ *Mozart* Symphony No 35 in D _Haffner_ *Dvorak* Romance for violin *Bruch* Concerto in G minor
The Choral Society of Bromsgrove School presents 'The Creation' by Haydn
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Sat 20 Mar 7:30pm Town Hall

The Choral Society of Bromsgrove School, featuring pupils, parents, staff and friends present Haydn’s great oratorio, supported by a professional orchestra and renowned soloists.
*Angela Kazimierczuk, Paul Badley, William Coleman* _soloists_ *Mairi Dodd* _leader_ *Richard Knight* _organ_ *Jonathan Kingston* _director of music_
*Haydn* The Creation
Spring Season of love and beauty
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Sun 21 Mar 4:00pm Book through our ticket office for Highbury Hall

Please visit www.excathedra.co.uk for more information
Ex Cathedra Consort Conductor - Jeffrey Skidmore
Shrewsbury School Symphony Orchestra and Community Choir
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Sun 21 Mar 7:30pm Town Hall

Shrewsbury School Orchestra and Community Choir present a brilliant and varied evening of choral and instrumental works, featuring some of the most talented young musicians in the West Midlands area.
*Jeremy Goulding*, _soloist_ *Iliana Grosse-Buening* _soloist_
*Orff* Carmina Burana *Fauré* Elegie *Tchaikovsky* Piano Concerto No 1
Lunchtime Organ Concert Paul Hale
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Mon 22 Mar 1:00pm Town Hall

*Paul Hale* _organ_
*Cook* Fanfare *Corrette* Selection from _Suite du Premier Ton_ *Vierne* Claire de Lune *Guilmant* Sonata No 3 in C minor, Op 56 *Willan* Introduction, Passacaglia & Fugue in E flat minor
Muti Conducts Beethoven
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Tue 23 Mar 7:30pm Symphony Hall

There have been few more glamorous conducting careers than that of Riccardo Muti, who has conducted the world’s greatest orchestras and spent nearly twenty years as director of La Scala, Milan. Tonight he appears at Symphony Hall for the first time, conducting two towering Beethoven masterpieces: the majestic Eroica Symphony and the timeless Violin Concerto, played by one of the finest violinists of his generation, Joshua Bell. Classic FM’s Anne-Marie Minhall, says of tonight’s recommended concert: _“Riccardo Muti and Joshua Bell go back a long way. When the violinist was just fourteen years old it was with Maestro Muti and the Philadelphia Orchestra that he made his debut.”_
*Philharmonia Orchestra* *Riccardo Muti* _conductor_ *Joshua Bell* _violin_
*Beethoven* Violin Concerto 42’ *Beethoven* Symphony No 3, _Eroica_ 50’
CBSO Tuned In: The Firebird
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Thu 25 Mar 7:30pm Symphony Hall

The CBSO presents a performance of _The Firebird_ with a difference, as broadcaster Stephen Johnson gives a guided tour of Stravinsky’s famous score. Discover how the composer creates his astonishing sounds, hear how the music works, and learn the story of how Stravinsky only got the gig because his teacher Liadov was too lazy! - all illustrated with live music from Andris Nelsons and the full CBSO. Then, after the interval, enjoy a complete performance of _The Firebird_. A real eye (and ear) opener - perfect for aficionado and novice alike.
*City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra* *Andris Nelsons* _conductor_ *Stephen Johnson* _presenter_
*Liadov* Baba Yaga 3’ Introduction to _The Firebird_ - with live orchestral examples 45’ _interval_ *Stravinsky* _The Firebird_ (1910 version) 44’
Last Night Of The Spring Proms
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Sat 27 Mar 7:30pm Symphony Hall

Welcome the new season with this superb concert bursting with popular classics and a rousing finale of all your Proms favourites. With Proms Favourites including Rule, Britannia! Nessun Dorma Land of Hope and Glory Colonel Bogey March Those Magnificent Men in their Flying Machines There’ll Always Be An England
Jonathan Stoughton _tenor_ James McOran-Campbell _baritone_ Stephen Bell _conductor_ LONDON CONCERT ORCHESTRA
*ROSSINI* Barber of Seville Overture Largo al factotum *BIZET* Duet _from The Pearl Fishers_ Farandole _from L’Arlesienne_ *SUPPE* Light Cavalry Overture *ELGAR* Chanson de Matin *GRIEG* Morning and In the Hall of the Mountain King *STRAUSS* Blue Danube Waltz *MENDELSSOHN* Spring Song *DI CAPUA* O Sole Mio *TCHAIKOVSKY* Polonaise _from Eugene Onegin_
Lunchtime Organ Concert Roland Maria Stangier
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Mon 29 Mar 1:00pm Town Hall

*Franck* Final from Six Pièces *Holst* Selections from The Planets Mars , the Bringer of War; Venus, the Bringer of Peace; Jupiter,the Bringer of Jollity (arr. Stangier) *Stangier* Improvisation on given themes. If you wish to provide a theme for the improvisation, please hand a copy to a steward before the concert.
CBSO Alfie Boe with the CBSO
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Tue 30 Mar 7:30pm Symphony Hall

Whether as the composer of theme tunes from _Blackadder_ to _The Vicar of Dibley_, or as a wonderfully accessible TV champion of classical music in all its forms, Howard Goodall is one of Britain’s best-loved composers. And his new tuneful and deeply moving Requiem, _Eternal Light_, has already become a bestseller. This performance, with star soloists Alfie Boe and Natasha Marsh, will show you why. Alfie Boe also sings Finzi’s radiant masterpiece. 6.15pm. Free pre-concert talk: *Howard Goodall* The popular conductor, composer and broadcaster introduces his new Requiem.
*City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra* *Simon Halsey* _conductor_ *Natasha Marsh* _soprano_ *Alfie Boe* _tenor_ *William Berger* _baritone_ *CBSO Youth Chorus*
*Holst* Choral Hymns from the _Rig Veda_ 12’ *Finzi* _Dies Natalis_ 25’ *Howard Goodall* _Eternal Light_ (Requiem) 45’
CBSO Alfie Boe with the CBSO
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Thu 1 Apr 2:15pm Symphony Hall

Whether as the composer of theme tunes from _Blackadder_ to _The Vicar of Dibley_, or as a wonderfully accessible TV champion of classical music in all its forms, Howard Goodall is one of Britain’s best-loved composers. And his new tuneful and deeply moving Requiem, _Eternal Light_, has already become a bestseller. This performance, with star soloists Alfie Boe and Natasha Marsh, will show you why. Alfie Boe also sings Finzi’s radiant masterpiece. 1.15pm. Free pre-concert talk: *A Century of British Choral Music* Chorus Director Simon Halsey introduces today's choral matinee.
*City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra* *Simon Halsey* _conductor_ *Natasha Marsh* _soprano_ *Alfie Boe* _tenor_ *William Berger* _baritone_ *CBSO Youth Chorus*
*Holst* Choral Hymns from the _Rig Veda_ 12’ *Finzi* _Dies Natalis_ 25’ *Howard Goodall* _Eternal Light_ (Requiem) 45’
Good Friday St John Passion
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Fri 2 Apr 2:00pm Symphony Hall

This year Symphony Hall develops the long tradition of its Good Friday passion performances by turning to Bach’s St John Passion. Enduring in its emotional appeal, there are few who remain unmoved by the glorious music. BBC Music magazine’s Editor Oliver Condy explains why he has recommended tonight’s concert: _“In a world that often recognises Bach’s St Matthew Passion as the composer’s greatest choral work, his St John has a tricky time getting a look in. But the St John contains some of Bach’s most colourful and emotional music ... this concert will make for a poignant Good Friday.”_
*Ex Cathedra Soloists, Choir and Baroque Orchestra* *Jeffrey Skidmore* _conductor_ *Jeremy Budd* _Evangelist_ *James Rutherford* _Jesus_ *Greg Skidmore* _Pilate_ *Grace Davidson* _Soprano_ *Matthew Vennr* _Alto_ *Samuel Boden* _Tenor_
*J S Bach* St John Passion 115’
Pandit Shivkumar Sharma (Mother India Weekend)
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Fri 9 Apr 7:00pm Town Hall

The weekend’s journey starts at the pinnacle of the Indian classical tradition, with a rare UK recital by santoor maestro Pandit Shivkumar Sharma, one of its greatest living exponents.
*Pandit Shivkumar Sharma, Master of Santoor* With *Pandit Anindo Chatterjee*, _tabla_ *Rupinder Panesar* _sitar_ With *Upneet Dhadyalla* _tabla_
BBC Radio 3 Lunchtime Concert: Leon McCawley
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Mon 12 Apr 1:00pm Town Hall

2010 is the centenary of the birth of American composer Samuel Barber. BBC Radio 3 marks that anniversary with a series of lunchtime concerts at Town Hall, which place Barber’s chamber music in context with some of his contemporaries and influences. This afternoon one of England’s finest young pianists performs.
*Leon McCawley* _piano_ *Barber Nocturne* Op 33 *Chopin* Sonata in B flat minor, Op 35 *Chopin* Nocturne in C sharp minor, Op 27 No 1 *Barber* Sonata for Piano, Op 26