Sorry, but we couldn't find that event

Were you looking for one of the following?

• BCMG The Series 2007-08  

  Sat 10 May Book through our ticket office for CBSO Centre

  
  
  Please note: This show is now SOLD OUT. There may be returns on the door but this is not guaranteed.
  

• BCMG The Series 2007-08  

  Sat 7 Jun 2008 Book through our ticket office for CBSO Centre

  
  
  
  

• BCMG The Series 2008/09  

  Sun 5 Oct Book through our ticket office for CBSO Centre

  
  
  
  

• BCMG The Series 2008/09  

  Sat 22 Nov Book through our ticket office for CBSO Centre

  
  
  
  

• BCMG The Series 2008/09  

  Sun 25 Jan 2009 Book through our ticket office for CBSO Centre

  
  
  
  

• BCMG The Series 2008/09  

  Thu 5 Mar Book through our ticket office for CBSO Centre

  
  
  
  

• BCMG The Series 2008/09  

  Sun 26 Apr Book through our ticket office for CBSO Centre

  
  
  
  

• BCMG The Series 2008/09  

  Sat 23 May Book through our ticket office for CBSO Centre

  
  
  
  

• BCMG Families@4  

  Sun 26 Apr Book through our ticket office for CBSO Centre

  
  
  
  

• Jason Moran Birmingham Jazz Series 2007/08 

  Fri 23 May Book through our ticket office for CBSO Centre

  
  
  
  

• Mike Gibbs' 70th Birthday Concert Birmingham Jazz Series 2007/2008 

  Sat 6 Oct Book through our ticket office for CBSO Centre

  
  
  
  

• BCMG Family Concert  

  Sat 17 Jan Book through our ticket office for CBSO Centre

  
  
  
  

• BCMG Family Concert  

  Sat 17 Jan 2009 Book through our ticket office for CBSO Centre

  
  
  
  

• 2007-08 Birmingham International Concert Season  

  1 Sep 07 - 31 Aug 08 Symphony Hall

  DISCOVER GREAT CLASSICAL MUSIC AT THE HEART OF BIRMINGHAM WHEELCHAIR USERS AND DISABLED PATRONS 50% discount on full priced tickets. If you require a companion, they are also entitled to a 50% discount. STUDENTS AND UNDER 25 50% discount on full priced tickets. KIDS GO FREE Adults £17.50, first child (under 18) free, additional children £7 each. Maximum group of 6 people. Free concert programme included. GROUPS OF 11 OR MORE 20% discount on full priced tickets. Phone the Group Booking Department on 0800 358 7070 open 10am to 5pm Monday to Friday. £5 TICKETS Some £5 tickets will be available one calendar month in advance of the concert. Limit of 4 per person. Not available as part of a concert package. STANDBY DISCOUNTS Available from 1pm on the day of the evening performance (10am on matinees):Passport to Leisure holders £12 Benefit* Recipients £5 Students and under 25s £5 *Qualifying benefits are Income Support, Pension Tax Credit and Disability Tax Credit.Please call the Ticket Office for further information. All tickets are offered subject to availability. Only one discount can apply unless stated otherwise. Proof of eligibility may be required when purchasing/collecting reduced price tickets. For terms and conditions of sale please visit www.thsh.co.uk. LOST TICKETS A charge may be made for printing duplicate tickets. CONCERT PACKAGE BENEFITS TICKET SAVINGS 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% Savings apply to full, student and under 25s, 60plus, wheelchair users and disabled price tickets. SIX MONTHS INTEREST FREE CREDIT If you book a concert package by Direct Debit by Saturday 30 June 2007 TICKET EXCHANGE SCHEME You can exchange package tickets for the same priced seats for any other concert in the Birmingham International Concert Series 2007/08, subject to availability. Each original ticket may be exchanged once; subsequent exchanges will be charged at £3 per concert. FREE CONCERT PROGRAMME For concerts in your package. CAR PARKING FOR JUST £3.80 AT BRINDLEYPLACE Please let us know the number of places required when ordering your concert package. We will issue a voucher entitling you to the reduced rate, which is payable on arrival at the car park. Spaces are subject to availability at the time of arrival. TOUR OF TOWN HALL Your invitation for the Town Hall tour will be sent to you with your tickets. 12½% DISCOUNT AT FARRINGDONS CLASSICAL MUSIC SHOP Discount applies to full price CDs, videos and DVDs. 10% DISCOUNT ON TOWN HALL AND SYMPHONY HALL MERCHANDISE Discount applies to your next purchase from our merchandise range.
  
  
  

• Jimmy Carr Repeat Offender 

  Fri 5 Oct Symphony Hall

  Jimmy Carr is one of the biggest faces in comedy. Literally - he’s got one of the biggest faces. Fresh from presenting 8 Out of 10 Cats (Channel 4), writing his first book (The Naked Jape: co-written by Lucy Greeves & out in paperback 27 September 2007), and recording his 3rd DVD (Comedian: released November 2007), British Comedy Award winner Jimmy Carr is back on the road doing what he does best with a brand new show: Repeat Offender. Not suitable for the easily offended. In fact not even a show for people that are quite difficult to offend. Essentially this is a show for people without a moral compass. Book early to avoid disappointment (or alternatively lower your expectations). "www.jimmycarr.com":http://www.jimmycarr.com Over 16's recommended
  
  
  

• Jimmy Carr Repeat Offender 

  Wed 21 Nov Symphony Hall

  Jimmy Carr is one of the biggest faces in comedy. Literally - he’s got one of the biggest faces. Fresh from presenting 8 Out of 10 Cats (Channel 4), writing his first book (The Naked Jape: co-written by Lucy Greeves & out in paperback 27 September 2007), and recording his 3rd DVD (Comedian: released November 2007), British Comedy Award winner Jimmy Carr is back on the road doing what he does best with a brand new show: Repeat Offender. Not suitable for the easily offended. In fact not even a show for people that are quite difficult to offend. Essentially this is a show for people without a moral compass. Book early to avoid disappointment (or alternatively lower your expectations). "www.jimmycarr.com":http://www.jimmycarr.com Over 16's recommended
  
  
  

• European Brass Band Contest 2007 Championship Section Set Piece 

  4 May 2007 Symphony Hall

  
  
  
  

• BBC Radio 3 Lunchtime Concert  

  Wed 21 May Town Hall

  Our friendly lunchtime concert series continues with the first in a series of recitals featuring Beethoven’s most popular violin sonatas in the hands of outstanding young players. Jennifer Pike was 2002 Young Musician of the Year, and has just been nominated for a South Bank Show/The Times Breakthrough Award. £7, 60 plus/full-time students/under 16’s/unwaged £5
  *Jennifer Pike* Violin *Daniel Tong* Piano
  *Mozart* Sonata for violin & piano 30 in E minor K304 12’ *Schubert* Sonata for violin & piano No.3 in G minor D408 16’ *Beethoven* Sonata for violin & piano in C minor Op.30 No.2 26’
  

• Talking Cities: 2008 Urban Design Public Lecture Series BJARNE WINTERBURG - Danish architect and urban planner 

  Wed 9 Apr Town Hall

  *Transforming Motor Cities into Liveable Cities: Examples from Scandinavia* As Birmingham aspires to be a `liveable` city, one of its major challenges is to humanise the modernist legacy of urban highways and roads. Bjarne Winterburg of the internationally acclaimed Ramboll Nyvig, has been working on international urban projects where context sensitive design, and visual and spatial coherence to squares, streets, buildings and public spaces has recreated settings for civic life. Bjarne will share his vision and design concepts for transforming roads into streets with the aim of influencing Birmingham`s urban future. Bjarne will talk for 45 minutes followed by 15 minutes for discussion. The 2008 series is sponsored by Atkins
  
  
  

• Talking Cities Lecture Series - Copenhagen: Eco-Metropolis  

  Mon 6 Apr Town Hall

  *Klaus Bondam*: Mayor, The City of Copenhagen, Technical and Environmental Administration. Talking Cities: MADE and Birmingham City University urban design blic lecture series. Consistently ranked as a top world city in which to live, Copenhagen is renowned for its architecture, public spaces and its leadership in tackling the environmental challenges of urban development. Klaus Bondam will discuss his goal for Copenhagen to be the Eco-Metropolis of the world by 2015 and his Metropolis for People policy, set to create even better conditions for urban life through public participation and dialogue between citizens and experts. The talk will be for 60 minutes without an interval, followed by questions from the audience. Sponsored by Atkins and Birmingham City Council.
  
  
  

• Talking Cities: Urban Design Public Lecture Series. The Public City Sponsored by Atkins 

  Programme Change

  Mon 16 Jun Town Hall

  
  
  Please note the start time has changed from 7pm to 6pm and will last until 7.30pm
  

• Talking Cities: Annual Urban Design Lecture Series 2008  

  Mon 18 Feb Town Hall

  Sunand Prasad, President of the RIBA, the Royal Institute of British Architects, will discuss his vision for cities and explore relationships between architecture, cities and the diverse communities who live and work in them. Born in India, Prasad came to England with his family in the early 60s and in 1988 co-founded Penoyre and Prasad LLP, now an internationally renowned architectural practice. As well as an architect he is also and a writer on subjects including, Le Corbusier, North Indian Urbanism, cultural diversity and the value of design. He has written the eight essays in ‘Transformation’- the Architecture of Penoyre & Prasad and is the editor of a forthcoming book on hospital design. The Annual Urban Design public lecture series is organised between Birmingham City University School of Architecture and MADE* the Regional Architecture Centre in the West Midlands, in association with RIBA West Midlands. The talk will be for 45 minutes without an interval, followed by questions from the audience. Sponsored by Atkins.
  
  
  

• Worcestershire Youth Music Gala Concert 2007  

  Sun 20 May Symphony Hall

  
  
  
  

• Lunchtime Concert  

  Thu 13 Mar Town Hall

  The joint winners of the 2007 Symphonym Hall Competition play their winning recital. This annual prize is open to advanced music students of the Birmingham Conservatoire, and invariably produces top quality performers. All seats £7.50, 60 plus/full-time students/under 16’s/unwaged £5
  *Yin Shan Hsieh* Percussion *William Duncombe* Clarinet
  
  

• Bach Discovery Day  

  Sat 30 May Symphony Hall

  Preceding Angela Hewitt's performance of the Goldberg Variations, we present a day-long series of talks by guest speakers, with discussions and live music, that will give us a deeper insight into Bach's beautiful mind, as well as the man behind the music. Chaired by BBC Radio 3's Graeme Kay, the Bach Discovery will include sessions on Bach the man, Bach and spirituality, Bach and the magic of numbers, Performing Bach, and a screening of the Bach episode from Simon Russell Beale's BBC 4 series on choral music. Participants include Chris de Souza (radio presenter, record producer and composer), musician and Lutheran liturgical expert Peter Lea-Cox, Kevin Jones (Emeritus Professor of Music, Kingston University), and the acclaimed jazz interpreter of Bach, David Rees-Williams, who plays at Town Hall on the morning of Sunday 31 May. From 1pm to 2.15pm there will be a free 'Come and sing' event on stage in Symphony Hall, based around Bach's motet Lobet den Herrn, conducted by Peter King, Organist of Bath Abbey. This session is open to all, whether or not you are attending the rest of the day.
  
  
  

• Rush Hour Blues: Del Camino at Oozells Square, BrindleyPlace 

  Fri 7 Aug Symphony Hall Foyer Bars

  Top latin rhythms to launch the summer series at BrindleyPlace.
  
  
  

• Lunchtime Organ Concert - Matthias Maierhofer  

  Mon 2 Mar Symphony Hall

  ION Competition Winner 2007
  *Matthias Maierhofer* organ
  *Buxtehude* Toccata in D minor (BuxWv 155) *J S Bach* Three Choral Preludes (BWV 659, BWV 660 & BWV 661) *J S Bach* Fantasia & Fugue in G minor (BWV 542) *Bovet* Troisieme Prelude Hambourgeois *Karg-Elert* Eight Short Pieces, Op 154
  

• UK Sweet Adelines Barbershop Singing Championship: Show of Champions Concert  

  Sat 10 May Symphony Hall

  More than 1200 women from all over the country will be competing in two categories quartet and chorus competitions throughout the weekend. The quartet and chorus winners feature together with fabulous guest artists, the cottontown Men’s barbershop chorus and the gold medal winning chorus of 2007, Phoenix chorus, will perform their show package. £15, Under 16’s £8
  
  
  

• Talking Cities: Urban Design Lecture Series Robert West: People Shaping Places, Kings Cross Central 

  Mon 20 Oct Town Hall

  Birmingham’s Big City Plan is set to transform the city centre. As the regeneration goes ahead, should the citizen’s of Birmingham be involved in the shaping of its city’s public spaces? Learning from the experiences of Kings Cross, one of London’s most ambitious regeneration schemes, Bob West, Head of Urban Design and Renewal at Camden Council will reflect on the award-winning community engagement process. Bob will talk for 45 minutes followed by 15 minutes for discussion. Bob is the winner of the Mayor of London Planning Award 2008 for Best Personal Contribution to Planning for his commitment to the regeneration of the Kings Cross Area. The ambitious masterplan will deliver a mixed use development with new office buildings, the restoration and refurbishment of 20 historic buildings and structures, 2,000 homes, 20 new streets, and 10 new major public spaces. Talking Cities is the 2008 Urban Design Public Lecture series organised between Birmingham City University, School of Architecture and MADE, the Regional Architecture Centre in the West Midlands. £5 with concessions for students. Sponsored by Aitkins
  
  
  

• Shreefpunk  

  Fri 17 Apr Symphony Hall Foyer Bars

  Shreefpunk, a top young German band, play Rush Hour Blues as part of the ECHO (Eurpoean Concert Halls Organisation) series, in which rising stars tour the major concert halls of Europe. Free Admission
  
  
  

• Talking Cities: Urban Design Public Series  

  Wed 26 Nov Town Hall

  DAVID WEST of STUDIO EGRET-WEST talking on Strategy to Specificity The future of Birmingham’s Big City Plan will be defined by courage, cultural change and commitment to see ideas through. David West will discuss the challenges faced in translating “big ideas” through the scales - from Strategy to Specificity. David is a partner of Studio Egret West and a planner and urban designer specialising in urban visions and strategic framework plans. Since graduating from Manchester University / TU Delft, Holland, David has worked on a number of diverse projects all over the world. At Atkins, he worked on large scale masterplans in China, Portugal, Abu Dhabi, and Brazil. Then at Alsop, he established and led the ‘Big Architecture’ team, formulating radical urban strategies that challenged conventional thinking about places. Having set up Studio Egret West with Christophe Egret in 2004, David has pursued a passion for delivering place specific strategies and solutions. David sits on the CABE London 2012 Design Review Panel. Talking Cities is the 2008 Urban Design Public Lecture series organised between Birmingham City University, School of Architecture and MADE, the Regional Architecture Centre in the West Midlands. £5 and concessionary rates for students This event is sponsored by Atkins.
  
  
  

• Town Hall Re-opening Festival  

  4 - 21 October 2007 Town Hall

  h3. Town Hall, Birmingham re-opened on Thursday 4 October 2007 with a two-week festival of events on the theme Celebrating the Past, Pioneering the Future. Tickets on sale now! You can read more about the Town Hall Re-opening Festival "here":/page/town-hall-birmingham/re-opening-festival/
  
  
  

• Sunday Morning Coffee Concert: Rising Stars Series Pavel Haas Quartet 

  Sun 9 Mar Town Hall

  Ticket includes a cup of tea or coffee, a soft drink or a glass of sherry.
  
  *Haas* Quartet No 1, Op 3 *Beethoven* Quartet No 11 in F minor, Op 95 *Dvořák* Quartet No 12 in F major Op 96, _American_
  

• Centre Stage at CBSO Centre  

  Thu 25 Sep to Sun 14 Jun 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.
  
  
  

• Ed Byrne 'DIFFERENT CLASS’ 

  Wed 4 Mar Town Hall

  *It is with great regret that the Ed Byrne performance from March 4 has been rescheduled to March 19. This is due to Ed being offered the fantastic opportunity of appearing in the opening show in the new series of Graham Norton which transmits Thursday March 5. Ed understands the inevitable inconvenience that this will cause his audience and is very sorry for this* "Please Click Here For Ed Byrne's Rescheduled Date":http://www.thsh.co.uk/view/ed-byrne
  
  
  

• Friends of Birmingham  

  Fri 18 Apr Town Hall

  This event continues the Friends of Birmingham tradition of staging free, multicultural concerts to bring the wide range of culture in Birmingham to a broad audience. This year’s event has the theme of diverse people finding their roots in Birmingham and will be introduced by Carl Chinn. Admission FREE
  *Chinese and Irish children dancers* *Sikh Nari Manch and Ring of Sound choirs* *Jazz band* *Frazngus* *Birmingham Poet Laureate 2007* *Youth at Risk*
  
  

• Hayley Westenra  

  Change of Date

  Tue 3 Mar Town Hall

  The five years since the release of Hayley Westenra’s debut international album _Pure_ have been a whirlwind. Along with her second album _Odyssey_ and her third, _Treasure_, she has achieved combined sales of well over three million albums around the world making her a household name in many countries and breaking many records along the way. _Pure_ is still one of the fastest selling classical albums in the history of the UK charts and in December 2007 it was announced that Hayley Westenra was the biggest selling classical artist of the 21st century to date. *Please note this event has been rescheduled from 13 November* 2008.
  
  
  

• The Old Dance School, The Toy Hearts & The Destroyers Town Hall 175th Anniversary Series 

  Sun 11 Oct Town Hall

  Three of Birmingham's best-loved bohemian bands get together for a birthday shindig to remember. Expect the eclectic, with youthful folk from *The Old Dance School*, Brummie bluegrass from *The Toy Hearts*, and turbo-charged gypsy-punk from *The Destroyers*.
  
  
  

• Sunday Morning Coffee Concert ECHO Rising Stars Series 

  Sun 18 Nov Town Hall

  
  *Trio Chausson*
  *Haydn* Piano Trio no. 27 in C major *York Bowen* Piano Trio in E minor Op 118 *Brahms* Piano Trio no. 2 in C major Op 87
  

• Young People's Debate  

  Mon 15 Oct Town Hall

  10am-3pm Town Hall has been a forum for debate and speech-making throughout its history: practically every prime minister and politician of note has spoken here. Continuing that tradition, we host a debate for 11-18 year old students throughout the West Midlands. If you want your voice to be heard come and have your say on a current topic! The event will be the first of a series of Town Hall Debates for Young People. In association with University of the First Age
  
  
  

• Michael McDonald  

  Thu 19 Jun Symphony Hall

  While working with Steely Dan and the Doobie Brothers, Michael McDonald found time to build his own career. Since the 1982 release of _If That's What It Takes_, he has completed a series of solo projects, each distinguished by its high production value, well-crafted songs and sultry, full-throated vocals. A prominent part in the soundtrack to our times, Michael as an artist and songwriter, has been awarded an impressive five Grammys. He has both a remarkable voice and a body of well-crafted songs.
  
  
  

• LIVE NATION presents OMD plus special guests 

  Mon 6 Oct Symphony Hall

  After appearing on the music scene in the late 1970's OMD are back!The critically acclaimed Electronic Pop Gurus OMD are set to embark on their natonal tour this Autumn. Fresh from embarking on a UK and European tour in 2007 to showcase their classic Architecture & Morality album it proved just how much of an engaging band OMD were live. With a new album to be released shortly OMD continue to delight and entertain audiences globally. So don't miss the chance not to witness one of the greatest bands in history performing in one of the greatest venues in the world!
  
  
  

• Sunday Morning Coffee Concert ECHO Rising Stars Series 

  Cancelled

  Sun 14 Oct Symphony Hall

  
  *Efe Balticigil* Cello *Anna Polonsky* Piano
  *Beethoven* Variations on Mozart's _Ein Machen oder Weibchen_ Op 66 *H Ucarsu* Turku *Brahms* Cello Sonata No 2 in F major Op 99
  

• An Audience With Sally Morgan  

  Mon 23 Nov Town Hall

  Following her very own TV series - ‘Sally Morgan Star Psychic’ on National TV, Sally Morgan, the stars psychic goes on national tour for the ‘first time’. Sally's psychic power has been with her since she was nine months old and now is rated as one of the world’s top mediums. Her reputation has been built from her close relationship with many high profile celebrities. This show is set to take the UK by storm!! Early Booking Advisable!! To visit Sally's website "click here":http://www.starpsychic.co.uk
  
  
  

• Sunday Morning Coffee Concert: Francesco Tristano Schlime - Piano Rising Stars Series 

  Sun 20 Jan Town Hall

  The brilliant young Rising Star from Europe offers an unusual and intriguing programme based around J.S. Bach, Haydn and Frescobaldi, contrasting it with a 1965 Berio composition and immediately playing his own improvisation upon it.
  
  *Frescobaldi* Three Toccatas *Haydn* Sonata in C, Hob XVI:48 *J.S. Bach* French Suite in E flat BWV815
  

• Alela Diane and Special Guests  

  Wed 16 Sep Town Hall

  Californian singer/songwriter Alela Diane grew up singing with her musician parents before travelling the US seeking inspiration for her musical journey. In 2003, Alela began to write her own music and teach herself to play guitar, before long her incredible talent emerged. Her songs blend tense, trance-like arpeggios with warm, thick vocals and meditative lyrics about family and nature. Her debut album _The Pirate's Gospel_ won the Rough Trade shops album of 2007 and 2009 saw the release of acclaimed second album _To Be Still_. Age limit of 14 +, under 16s to be accompanied by an adult. More details to follow.
  
  
  

• Camille O'Sullivan: La Fille Du Cirque  

  Fri 5 Sep Town Hall

  Following sell out seasons in New York, UK and Australia, Camille sings the music of Nick Cave, Jacques Brel, Tom Waits, David Bowie and more. Her recent shows were awarded Spirit of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2007, Best Music at the Brighton Festival 2006 and garnered a host of 5 star reviews. Camille has recently appeared in Stephen Frears Oscar winning film Mrs Henderson Presents opposite Judi Dench, Bob Hoskins and Will Young, and has sung with Duke Special, Damien Rice and Shane McGowan. £17.50
  La Fille Du Cirque
  
  

• Deep River Joanna MacGregor & Andy Sheppard 

  Tue 13 Nov Town Hall

  Andy Sheppard is a saxophonist and composer who knows no boundaries. Joanna Macgregor is an innovative pianist and musical catalyst. Together, they draw on a shared fascination with experiment to create a uniquely expressive partnership. Deep River includes an unexpected and original take on a series of traditional gospel songs, as well as delving into a repertoire of music that includes Johnny Cash and Bob Dylan.
  
  
  

• Britten Sinfonia at Lunch Series  

  Mon 17 Dec 2007 Town Hall

  Britten Sinfonia has been widely praised for a fresh, intelligent approach to concert programming that centres on the development of both its players and audiences and features a collection of the country’s most talented and creative musicians. Their eagerness to explore new perspectives by working with the finest guest conductors, soloists and composers from across the musical spectrum has enabled Britten Sinfonia to develop a repertoire that goes far beyond that traditionally associated with orchestras. info@brittensinfonia.co.uk "Britten Sinfonia":http://www.brittensinfonia.co.uk
  
  
  

• Town Hall 175TH Anniversary A short series of events celebrating Town Hall's heritage 

  Sat 3 Oct Town Hall

  2009 marks the 175th Anniversary of Town Hall, which has been at the centre of British musical life since the day it opened in October 1834. Join us in celebrating the Hall's magnificent heritage.
  
  
  

• Sunday Morning Coffee Concert - Quintette Aquilon ECHO Rising Stars series 

  Sun 18 Jan 2009 Town Hall

  Here is some musical Parisian chic for a Sunday morning, courtesy of these Stars nominated by Paris's Cité de la Musique. A varied programme of attractive music for wind quintet embraces France's Jean Françaix and England's Gustav Holst, with extra novelties by Ligeti and Zemlinsky thrown in. £7.50, under 16s £3.50
  
  *Françaix* Quintette Op 5 No 1 *Holst* Quintet 14
  

• George Thorogood Plus Support 

  Sun 24 May Symphony Hall

  Thorogood and his band the Destroyers fought their way to the top. They came out of Delaware in the ‘70s as a jarringly high-energy bunch whose raucous, slide guitar-stoked, blues-rock takes on tunes by Chuck Berry, Elmore James, Bo Diddley and others, helped land them a record contract. Further fame came in the '80s through a series of gold records by the band, including Thorogood's best-known hit, _Bad to the Bone_. New album Hard Stuff keeps the faith with covers of tracks by John Lee Hooker, Jimmy Reed and Fats Domino.
  
  
  

• Sunday Morning Coffee Concert - Di Xiao  

  Sun 26 Oct Town Hall

  This brilliant Chinese pianist is already well known in Birmingham’s music circles as a result of being chosen to represent Town Hall and Symphony Hall in the ECHO Rising Stars series. Today’s concert launches a tour that will take her to play at eleven of Europe’s most prestigious concert halls during 2008/9. Come and hear her play sonatas by Mozart and Beethoven and a selection of miscellaneous pieces, and wish her bon voyage. £7.50 (unreserved), Under 16s £3.50 Ticket includes a cup of tea or coffee, a soft drink or a glass of sherry.
  
  
  

• Sunday Morning Coffee Concert: Rising Stars Series Christian Svarfvar & Anders Kilstrom 

  Sun 17 Feb 2008 Town Hall

  Ticket includes a cup of tea or coffee, a soft drink or a glass of sherry.
  *Christian Svarfvar* Violin *Anders Kilstrom* Piano
  *Sjögren* Poem for Violin and Piano in c major Op 40 *Prokofiev* Violin Sonata in D major Op 94 *Sinding* Suite for Violin in A minor Op 10
  

• I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue Special Guest host Jack Dee 

  Mon 28 Sep Symphony Hall

  Following two sell-out tours in 2007 and 2008, BBC Radio’s multi award-winning antidote to panel games starts an all-new touring stage show for 2009. Join Barry Cryer, Graeme Garden, Tim Brooke-Taylor, Jeremy Hardy and special guest host Jack Dee for an unmissable evening of inspired nonsense. Colin Sell provides piano accompaniment. _“Whether the teams are singing the words of one song to the tune of another, making up serial rhymes or entering the mythic maze of Mornington Crescent, they have now become the National Theatre of fun”_ Gillian Reynolds, Daily Telegraph
  
  
  

• The Star Awards 2007 Featuring Shekinah Glory Ministries 

  Fri 7 Dec Town Hall

  The Grand Finale Showcase for Gospel vocalists, MC’s/rappers and dancers found in the STAR Awards National Talent Search. The vocal winner this year will receive £1000 to help advance their careers. Special guest artists The Shekinah Glory Ministry will be coming over from the USA to perform tracks from their latest billboard chart-topping album Shekinah Glory LIVE! There will also be performances by Gospel R ‘n’ B Artist Monique, Gospel rapper Sammy G, STAR Awards 2006 Winner Chan, and one of the queens of Gospel music CIE.
  
  
  

• Family Concerts: The Sounds of South America  

  Sat 3 Nov Town Hall

  Experience the magical sounds of South America in this interactive concert for all the family, the first in a monthly series of Town Hall Saturday morning family concerts. Caliche will introduce and play a range of South American instruments such as panpipes, rustic flutes and mandolins, evoking the wonderful scenery of the Andes and the colourful folk traditions of the cradle of Inca civilization.
  
  
  

• Raymond Froggatt in Concert The Lights of Amsterdam Tour 2007 

  Thu 22 Nov Town Hall

  After his stunning guest appearance during the Town Hall Re-Opening Festival, Raymond Froggatt returns for his own concert. Join Froggie and his band at their hometown gig on his current ‘Lights Of Amsterdam’ world tour. As well as writing numerous hit records for artistes the world over Froggie writes and sings his own songs mesmerising his audience, making them laugh with one of his many stories or cry with emotion with a song that touches the heart like no other. Raymond’s hits include : _Red Balloon_, _Roly_, _Big Ship_, _Only The Memories_, _and Under The Sun_. An evening with Raymond Froggatt is pure magic, an evening not to be missed.
  
  
  

• Guillemots with CBSO  

  Thu 11 Oct Town Hall

  Nominated for the 2006 Mercury Music Prize for their debut album _Through The Windowpane_, and the 2007 Brits Best British Live Act, Guillemots are pioneering the future, inspired by the vision and voice of their lead singer, Birmingham-born Fyfe Dangerfield. This unique event features the Guillemots working live with CBSO. It includes the world premiere of a specially commissioned piece by Fyfe, alongside songs for the band with orchestra and music chosen by Fyfe as influential upon him. Commission supported by the John Feeney Charitable Trust.
  *Guillemots* *City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra* *Nick Ingman* Conductor
  
  

• Rush Hour Blues Series Free jazz 

  Symphony Hall

  *Free jazz at Symphony Hall's Level 3 Bar* *Friday evenings at 5.30pm* After a long week at work come along and unwind in the intimate, relaxing atmosphere of Symphony Hall's Level 3 Bar and let the sensational sounds of Rush Hour Blues help you find that Friday feeling. It's all free - and you deserve it! _"It's free and it really is the place to be."_ Birmingham Post Presented in association with "Birmingham Jazz":http://www.birminghamjazz.co.uk
  
  
  

• Hayley Westenra No Support 

  Cancelled

  Thu 13 Nov Town Hall

  *We are sorry to announce that Hayley Westenra has had to cancel her performance due to illness. The concert has been rescheduled to Tuesday 3 March 2009. Tickets for 13 November are valid for the new date. Ticket holders who are unable to attend on 3 March should contact the Box Office on 0121 780 3333 for information on how to obtain a refund.* The five years since the release of Hayley Westenra's debut international album _Pure_ have been a whirlwind. Along with her second album _Odyssey_ and her third, _Treasure_, she has achieved combined sales of well over three million albums around the world making her a household name in many countries and breaking many records along the way. Pure is still one of the fastestselling classical albums in the history of the UK charts and in December 2007 it was announced Hayley Westenra was the biggest selling Classical artist of the 21st Century to date. £27.50
  
  
  

• The Proclaimers Plus support Miles Hunt and Erica Nockalls 

  Mon 26 Oct Symphony Hall

  lt's 22 years since The Proclaimers released their first album _This Is The Story_. Strikingly individual, twin brothers Craig and Charlie Reid have over the years enjoyed huge successes across the globe. They have carved a niche for themselves where pop, folk, new wave and punk collide as the emotional honesty, political fire, wit and sing-along raucousness of their songs and their extensive touring has enlightened and entertained fans new and old. 2007 saw The Proclaimers play their biggest ever UK tour and collaborate for Comic Relief with Peter Kay and their number one fan Matt Lucas, to top the charts with their classic anthem _I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)_. 2009 sees the twins and band back on the road following the June release for their new album _Notes & Rhymes_.
  
  
  

• Mark Watson All the Thoughts I Have had Since I was Born 

  Fri 16 Jan 2009 Town Hall

  Last year, Mark Watson won best show at the Adelaide and Sydney Comedy Festivals, completed a 100-date tour of the UK, Australia and New Zealand, recorded the second series of his cult Radio 4 show Mark Watson Makes The World Substantially Better, trained as a climate change lecturer under Al Gore, performed another 24-hour show, wrote his third book and continued his regular appearances on the likes of BBC2's Mock The Week. He is now one of Britain’s most-discussed comedians, but also very tired and stressed. He returns to the road with a brand-new show where he describes his attempts to reclaim his sanity. www.markwatsonthecomedian.com
  
  
  

• Sunday Morning Coffee Concert - Minetti Quartett ECHO Rising Stars series 

  Sun 8 Feb 2009 Town Hall

  Since its formation in 2003 the Minetti Quartett, consisting of four outstanding young Austrian musicians, has enjoyed considerable success. The Minetti Quartett has been chosen to participate by the European Concert Halls Organisation and will also perform at Amsterdam Concertgebouw, Stockholm Konserthuset, Cité de la musique Paris, and many more prestigious European venues.
  
  *Haydn* String Quartet Op 64 No 4 *Webern* Six Bagatelles Op 3 *Beethoven* String Qurtet in E minor Op 59 No 2
  

• Town Hall presents Bellowhead with support In association with Moseley Folk Festival 

  Tue 16 Dec Town Hall

  Bellowhead have taken the festival scene by the scruff of the neck over the past couple of years. Voted best group and best live band in the 2007 BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards, their euphoric live shows are much more than just folk, taking traditional songs to modern places with a wild invention, wit and energy that defies categorisation. _“Wild, joyous, perverse, bold, crazed, full-blooded, intricate, fearless, funny, epic and mostly BIG . . . Bellowhead don't disappoint. Prepare to be amazed.”_ fRoots _“They sweep all before them into a heady mix of great tunes, innovative arrangements, rampant imagination and brazen front . . . Extraordinary.”_ Mojo
  The support acts are as follows: *The Old Dance School* and *Dave Swarbrick*
  
  

• American Dreams Classical Encounters with Orchestra of the Swan 

  Tue 19 Feb 2008 Town Hall

  What could be more American than a story of pioneering spirit as portrayed in Appalachian Spring or their love affair with the movies…Copland’s music captures both brilliantly. Samuel Barber’s setting of James Agee's remarkable prose poem Knoxville: summer of 1915, depicts a dreamy summer evening as seen through the eyes of a small child, both text and music appear deceptively simple yet are astonishingly beautiful. Based in Birmingham Joanna Lee is establishing a fine reputation with work performed by BCMG among others. One of her key inspiration is Luciano Berio, and his warmth and lightness-of-touch and her new work will be a perfect foil for the Samuel Barber. The soloist for both works is Jane Manning, one of the UK’s most highly regarded and singers. '....Orchestra of the Swan ought to give masterclasses in how to build audiences, a genuine empathy between the musicians and their listeners; programming is an exciting blend....conductor David Curtis can be found mingling with the punters....nothing could be further from the ivory tower....' Birmingham Post Supported by KPMG and Arts Council England "www.orchestraoftheswan.org":http://www.orchestraoftheswan.org
  Conductor - David Curtis Soprano - Jane Manning
  Copland - Music for the Movies Joanna Lee - New work** Barber - Knoxville: summer of 1915 Copland - Appalachian Spring ** Orchestra of the Swan commission and world premiere Pre-concert talk taking place in the auditorium at 6.30pm Post-concert Conversation Club taking place in the Circle Bar 15 minutes after the end of the performance. Entrance free to concert ticket holders
  

• Lunchtime Concert - Australian String Quartet  

  Wed 24 Sep Town Hall

  A new series of our popular lunchtime concerts is given a terrific send-off by snapping up Australia’s finest string quartet on a rare visit to the UK. They team up with their illustrious countryman the pianist Piers Lane for a Beethoven masterpiece and Dvorák's adorable Piano Quintet. £7.50 60 plus/full-time students/unwaged/under 16s £5 Concert lasts approximately one hour.
  
  Australian String Quartet Piers Lane Piano Beethoven String Quartet Op 74, Harp Dvorák Piano Quintet Op 81
  

• Stewart Lee If You Prefer A Milder Comedian, Please Ask For One 

  Wed 25 Nov Town Hall

  _"This guy makes more enemies in 30 minutes than most of us do in a lifetime"_ The Times Following his acclaimed BBC TV series Stewart Lee returns to live stand-up with a brand new show. The co-writer of _Jerry Springer The Opera_ follows his award-winning UK tour _41st Best Stand-up Ever_ with a provocative performance inspired by an altercation in a High Street coffee chain. _"Riotous fun"_ The Independent _"Lee proves himself, once again, to be the maestro"_ The Guardian _"Literate, edifying and funny all at the same time ... great stuff"_ Chortle _"Surreally brilliant"_ The Times _"The funniest, most cliché-free comedian on the circuit"_ Ricky Gervais "Stewart Lee's website":http://www.stewartlee.co.uk
  
  
  

• Britten Sinfonia at Lunch  

  Wed 21 Nov Town Hall

  The first in a new series of monthly Town Hall lunchtime chamber concerts, offering an exciting mixture of familiar music and a new commission in every concert. Spend a memorable lunch hour in the company of the superb musicians of Britten Sinfonia, renowned for their stylish and accessible playing. The concert lasts no longer than an hour "Britten Sinfonia":http://www.brittensinfonia.co.uk
  *Thomas Gould* Violin *Joy Farrall* Clarinet *Huw Watkins* Piano
  *Stravinsky* Movements from Soldier’s Tale Suite *Michael Zev Gordon* Fragments from a Diary *Huw Watkins* Dream *Bartok* Contrasts
  

• Al Murray - The Pub Landlord ' And Another Thing...' LAST EVER CHANCE TO SEE SELL OUT TOUR 

  Fri 2 Nov Symphony Hall

  The multi-award winning Al Murray The Pub Landlord comes to Symphony Hall with a crowning performance of his sell-out tour show _…And Another Thing_. The nations favourite Pub Landlord holds court with his distinctive common sense reasoning on subjects such as The War on Terror, Hell, Life Itself, and his personal crusade to Bring Back Shame. Having joined the realms of comedy royalty with the success of his prime-time entertainment show Happy Hour (ITV1) and an unprecedented second An Audience with Al Murray The Pub Landlord (ITV1), “Britain’s funniest Pub Landlord” (The Sun) is back and more opinionated than ever. “It's a high-wire act that he pulls off with phenomenal comic balance... and he works the crowd with a sharpness that approaches brilliance.” The Times Book now to avoid disappointment. Final live shows of 2007. www.thepublandlord.com
  
  
  

• Elgar's 150th: The Enigma  

  Thu 13 Dec Symphony Hall

  Throughout 2007 we have been celebrating the anniversaries of Elgar and Grieg, and Sakari Oramo has chosen to close the year in style with their most popular pieces. Elgar’s music has been an Oramo speciality during his time with the CBSO, and the composer’s affectionate portrait of his Worcestershire friends is as fresh today as when it announced his arrival as a major international composer in 1899. Grieg’s evergreen concerto has retained an equally secure place in our affections, especially when played by the magnificent Norwegian pianist who has become its most famous modern interpreter. Music from Tchaikovsky’s seasonal ballet sets the seal on a perfect Christmas present!
  Sakari Oramo conductor Leif Ove Andsnes piano
  Tchaikovsky: The Nutcracker Suite Grieg: Piano Concerto Elgar: Enigma Variations
  

• Elgar's 150th: The Enigma Evening 

  Sat 15 Dec Symphony Hall

  Throughout 2007 we have been celebrating the anniversaries of Elgar and Grieg, and Sakari Oramo has chosen to close the year in style with their most popular pieces. Elgar’s music has been an Oramo speciality during his time with the CBSO, and the composer’s affectionate portrait of his Worcestershire friends is as fresh today as when it announced his arrival as a major international composer in 1899. Grieg’s evergreen concerto has retained an equally secure place in our affections, especially when played by the magnificent Norwegian pianist who has become its most famous modern interpreter. Music from Tchaikovsky’s seasonal ballet sets the seal on a perfect Christmas present!
  Sakari Oramo conductor Leif Ove Andsnes piano
  Tchaikovsky: The Nutcracker Suite Grieg: Piano Concerto Elgar: Enigma Variations
  

• Lunchtime Concert  

  Programme Change

  Wed 12 Nov Town Hall

  Thomas Gould was chosen by the Evening Standard as a rising star of 2008. You'll have heard him at Town Hall as co-leader of the Britten Sinfonia, but today we have the chance to hear this outstanding young player in his own right, performing popular works by Schubert and Debussy and another in our series of Beethoven Violin Sonatas. This concert replaces the previously advertised Radio 3 Lunchtime concert by Alina Ibragimova and Cedric Tiberghien which has been rescheduled to 13 January 2009.
  *Thomas Gould* violin *John Reid* piano
  *Beethoven* Sonata No.2 in A, Op.12 No.2 *Debussy* Violin Sonata *Schubert* Rondo Brillant in B minor
  

• Tim Minchin: Ready for This? Over 16s yrs only 

  Sat 31 Oct Symphony Hall

  After a sold out perfomance at Town Hall in September Tim Minchin lugs his piano back out to Symphony Hall to give those poor souls who missed out another chance to see his biting and brilliant show. Back from a massive Australian tour, Tim wants to know if you are Ready For This, without really specifying what this is. In London, they reckon he's the "Next big thing in musical comedy" *Time Out* and _"The best musical comedian since Bill Bailey"_ *The Times* In Melbourne, they say he's _"Witty, smart and unabashedly offensive"_ *The Age* In New York, they call him _Dazzlingly daffy... so refreshing"_ *NY Times* In Norway, they say _"Tim Minchin er noe av det morsomste jeg har sett noen gang."_ *Stavanger* Winner: Perrier Award for Best Newcomer, Edinburgh 2005 Winner: Festival Director's Award, Melbourne 2005 Winner: Best Alternative Comedian, US Comedy Arts Festival 2007
  
  
  

• Jackson Browne- Time The Conqueror Tour No Support 

  Wed 8 Apr Symphony Hall

  Jackson Browne has written and performed some of the most literate and moving songs in popular music and has defined a genre of songwriting charged with honesty, emotion and personal politics. He’s been honored with inductions into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (2004) and the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame (2007). At the latter ceremony, Jackson performed his song _Lives In The Balance,_ which SHOF notes is, _“a fitting example of how his social and political activism has influenced much of his work.”_ Browne’s latest release, 2008’s Time The Conqueror, is his first set of new material in six years. Accompanying Browne is his band of fifteen years: *Kevin McCormick* (bass), *Mark Goldenberg* (guitars), *Mauricio Lewak* (drums) and *Jeff Young* (keyboards, backing vocals). They have been with him since 1993’s I’m Alive, playing on Looking East (’96) and The Naked Ride Home (’02).
  
  
  

• CBSO & Aston Performing Arts Academy Proudly Present Latino Grooves  

  Mon 29 Jun Town Hall

  A collaboration with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Aston Performing Arts Academy, The Drum and Birmingham Conservatoire. Featuring the Aston Singers, the CBSO Berkley Street Dance Orchestra plus guest vocalists and the APAA Orchestra. Join in the celebrations and achievements of the APAA students in a Latino musical extravaganza! Latino Grooves features favourites such as the _Mexican Hat Dance_ and _The Girl From Ipanema_. This community event is the culmination of a series of coaching sessions led by the CBSO musicians over the course of the summer term.
  *Jenetta Hurst* conductor
  
  

• Sci-Fi Symphony II CBSO Summer Concert 

  Tue 11 Sep Symphony Hall

  Symphony Hall: The Final Frontier. Back by popular demand, Carl Davis takes the CBSO on a fantastic journey through the greatest music ever inspired by space, science-fiction and fantasy. From John Williams' unforgettable themes for _ET_ and _Star Wars_ to highlights from Holst's spectacular odyssey through _The Planets_, and whether by Thunderbird or TARDIS, it's an out-of-this-world programme. Begin the count-down, engage warp-drive, and beam on board as Carl and the CBSO boldly go where no orchestra has gone before! (Please note: this concert is not part of the 2006/2007 CBSO Season, therefore tickets cannot be bought as part of a concert package or other promotion.)
  *Carl Davis* Conductor
  Sci-Fi Symphony II
  

• Jackson Browne- Time The Conqueror Tour No Support 

  Thu 9 Apr Symphony Hall

  Jackson Browne has written and performed some of the most literate and moving songs in popular music and has defined a genre of songwriting charged with honesty, emotion and personal politics. He’s been honored with inductions into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (2004) and the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame (2007). At the latter ceremony, Jackson performed his song _Lives In The Balance,”_which SHOF notes is, “a fitting example of how his social and political activism has influenced much of his work.” Browne’s latest release, 2008’s Time The Conqueror, is his first set of new material in six years. Accompanying Browne is his band of fifteen years: Kevin McCormick (bass), Mark Goldenberg (guitars), Mauricio Lewak (drums) and Jeff Young (keyboards, backing vocals). They have been with him since 1993’s I’m Alive, playing on Looking East (’96) and The Naked Ride Home (’02). £40
  
  
  

• Centre Stage Lunchtime concerts at the CBSO Centre 

  Wed 26 Sep 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. With a ‘close enough to touch’ atmosphere, these concerts put the talents of our musicians in the spotlight, and provide the perfect setting in which to get near to the performers and the music they’ve chosen. All Centre Stage events are held at CBSO Centre, a landmark building in the heart of Birmingham between The Mailbox and 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.
  
  
  

• Tim Minchin: Ready For This?  

  Sat 26 Sep Town Hall

  *NEW DATE ANNOUNCED! "SAT 31 OCT, 7.30PM, SYMPHONY HALL":http://www.thsh.co.uk/view/tim-minchin--ready-for-this* After a sold out UK tour last Autumn, uberminstrel Tim Minchin lugs his piano back out on the road to give those poor souls who missed out another chance to see his biting and brilliant show. Back from a massive Australian tour, Tim wants to know if you are Ready For This, without really specifying what this is. In London, they reckon he's the "Next big thing in musical comedy" *Time Out* and _"The best musical comedian since Bill Bailey"_ *The Times* In Melbourne, they say he's _"Witty, smart and unabashedly offensive"_ *The Age* In New York, they call him _Dazzlingly daffy... so refreshing_ *NY Times* In Norway, they say _"Tim Minchin er noe av det morsomste jeg har sett noen gang."_ *Stavanger* Winner: Perrier Award for Best Newcomer, Edinburgh 2005 Winner: Festival Director's Award, Melbourne 2005 Winner: Best Alternative Comedian, US Comedy Arts Festival 2007
  
  Please note: Over 16s only
  

• Sunday Morning Coffee Concert: ECHO Rising Stars Series Rising Star George-Emmanuel Lazaridis 

  Sun 6 May Symphony Hall

  Pianistic fireworks may be expected in this final Rising Stars concert given by the exciting young pianist George-Emmanuel Lazaridis, nominated by the Mergaron Concert Hall in Athens. Chopin�s sombre Fantasy, his longest single-span work, will make a perfect contrast with Mussorgsky�s celebrated �Pictures� which, when heard (as here) in their original format, comprise one of the most brilliant and virtuosic pieces in the piano repertoire.
  George-Emmanuel Lazaridis, Piano
  Chopin Fantasy in F minor Op 49 Mussorgsky Pictures at an Exhibition
  

• Michel Legrand and his orchestra with special guest Alison Moyet  

  Mon 2 Feb 2009 Symphony Hall

  Michel Legrand has charmed audiences for generations with his music. He is the winner of three Oscars, five Grammy awards, and two Palmes d’Or. He has written the scores for numerous movie classics which include Yentl, The Thomas Crown Affair and The Umbrella’s of Cherbourg. Michel is an accomplished and innovative musician as gifted in the jazz milieu as he is with classical music and is one of the giants of popular song. Accompanying Michel will be the mellifluous Alison Moyet famed for her strong blues voice and award winning music career spanning 26 years; from mainstream pop group YAZOO, to solo artist, and more recently acting in the musical CHICAGO and the play SMALLER both in the West End. Winner of three BRIT awards and Grammy nominee, her latest album THE TURN was released in the UK in 2007 and the US in 2008.
  
  
  

• Sci-Fi Symphony II CBSO Summer Concert 

  Fri 31 Aug Symphony Hall

  Symphony Hall: The Final Frontier. Back by popular demand, Carl Davis takes the CBSO on a fantastic journey through the greatest music ever inspired by space, science-fiction and fantasy. From John Williams' unforgettable themes for _ET_ and _Star Wars_ to highlights from Holst's spectacular odyssey through _The Planets_, and whether by Thunderbird or TARDIS, it's an out-of-this-world programme. Begin the count-down, engage warp-drive, and beam on board as Carl and the CBSO boldly go where no orchestra has gone before! (Please note: this concert is not part of the 2006/2007 CBSO Season, therefore tickets cannot be bought as part of a concert package or other promotion.) *PERFORMANCE REPEATED ON TUESDAY 11TH SEPTEMBER*
  *Carl Davis* Conductor
  Sci-Fi Symphony II
  

• Sunday Morning Coffee Concert -Hendrickje Van Kerckhove & Inge Spinette ECHO Rising Stars Series 

  Cancelled

  Sun 26 Apr Town Hall

  This delightful soprano comes as a 'Rising Star' on the recommendation of the Concertgebouw Amsterdam and the Brussels Philharmonic Society. She offers a delightfully varied programme ranging from Grieg's Six German Lieder Op 48 through four of Richard Strauss's songs (including Ständchen and Morgen) to lighter numbers by Reynaldo Hahn and Oscar Straus and some cabaret songs - perfect fare for a Sunday morning in Town Hall Birmingham.
  *Hendrickje Van Kerckhove* soprano *Inge Spinette* piano Town Hall regrets that due to circumstances beyond its control this concert has been cancelled
  
  

• Elgar's 150th: The Enigma Afternoon 

  Sat 15 Dec Symphony Hall

  Throughout 2007 we have been celebrating the anniversaries of Elgar and Grieg, and Sakari Oramo has chosen to close the year in style with their most popular pieces. Elgar’s music has been an Oramo speciality during his time with the CBSO, and the composer’s affectionate portrait of his Worcestershire friends is as fresh today as when it announced his arrival as a major international composer in 1899. Grieg’s evergreen concerto has retained an equally secure place in our affections, especially when played by the magnificent Norwegian pianist who has become its most famous modern interpreter. Music from Tchaikovsky’s seasonal ballet sets the seal on a perfect Christmas present!
  Sakari Oramo conductor Leif Ove Andsnes piano
  Tchaikovsky: The Nutcracker Suite Grieg: Piano Concerto Elgar: Enigma Variations
  

• Soweto Kinch: A Life in the Day of B19 Part 2 Basement Fables 

  Fri 25 Jul Town Hall

  Brilliant saxophonist and MC Soweto Kinch is back with an early chance to hear material from A Life in the Day Of B19: Basement Fables. It’s the highly anticipated follow-up to his acclaimed album B19: Tales of the Towerblock, which earned Kinch a 2007 MOBO award. Basement Fables will shake up audiences and critics on both sides of the Atlantic, weaving an ambitious narrative that fuses jazz, hip-hop and poetry. Alongside Soweto, pioneering young artists from B19 will showcase extracts from their recently premiered Hockley Flyover show. Don’t miss the chance to catch one of the UK’s outstanding musicians, a cutting-edge jazz player but also a leading rap artist and MC. “Mr Kinch demonstrates what England has to teach [the USA] about narrative hip-hop. Don’t sleep on Mr Kinch” The New York Times “A rawness and power that mark him out from his peers in British jazz” The Independent £12.50
  
  
  

• Spanish for Beginners! Classical Encounters with Orchestra of the Swan 

  Sun 21 Oct Town Hall

  The final concert of our Re-opening Festival is your first chance to enjoy a _Classical Encounter with Orchestra of the Swan_. _Spanish for Beginners_ is the first in a series of friendly and informal afternoon concerts hosted by conductor David Curtis. The centrepiece of the programme is Rodrigo's Guitar Concerto, its haunting slow movement the epitome of Spanish melancholy. "www.orchestraoftheswan.org":http://www.orchestraoftheswan.org
  *David Curtis* Conductor *David Le Page* Violin *Morgan Szymanski* Guitar
  *Elgar*: Suite, _The Spanish Lady_ *Piazzolla*: Four Seasons of Buenos Aires *Rossini*: Overture, _The Barber of Seville_ *Rodrigo*: Concierto de Aranjuez
  

• Black Voices Christmas Concert Plus support Soul and Spirit 

  Sat 15 Dec Town Hall

  Black Voices are delighted to be back at the brand new Town Hall for their annual Christmas Concert 2007. They will perform a programme of music spanning their 19 years as the Uk’s longest running and most successful female a cappella group. Their Christmas concert will feature specially commissioned works written and arranged for Black Voices by Mark kibble of Take 6 - the world’s best, and most highly acclaimed male a cappella group, including a world premiere of a medley of carols. Soul and Spirit are Birmingham based vocal trio who have been performing together for the last ten years. Like Black Voices, they draw upon their African-Caribbean heritage as well as other, contemporary styles to shape their repertoire. Tonight they are joined by members of the Birmingham Conservatoire and will be performing a selection of songs including one or two with a festive flavour £10, £12.50, £15 Black Voices is a Town Hall Associate Artist.
  
  
  

• Beverley Knight Plus Special Guests 

  Mon 29 Oct Symphony Hall

  UK Soul Queen Beverley Knight embarks on her biggest ever UK tour. Following the success of last year’s quarter of a million selling Greatest Hits CD, “Voice”, award winning UK singer songwriter Beverley Knight released her eagerly awaited 5th studio album, ‘Music City Soul’ on 7th May 2007. Recorded in 5 days Nashville, Tennessee (known as ‘Music City’ due to it’s rich musical heritage), ‘Music City Soul’ sees Beverley adopting a live, organic soul sound that pushes her gospel roots to the fore - and the result is electric. The album is produced by Mark Nevers (producer of last year’s acclaimed Candi Staton album) and features a fine collection of local Tennessee musicians who have played with legends such as Elvis Presley and Al Green. ‘Music City Soul’ also features the guitar playing of legendary Rolling Stone Ronnie Wood on three tracks.
  
  
  

• Beyond the Barricade 8th record-breaking year 

  Sun 22 Apr Symphony Hall

  *Encore Lounge* - Make your evening at Symphony Hall even more special by enjoying complimentary bar service of champagne, wines and beers both before the concert and during the interval and canap�s designed by our award winning chefs in an exclusive lounge area for �17.90 per person. Please note booking is essential. For further information and to book please contact Emily Waller, Symphony Hall Catering Manager on 0121 644 5102 or email catering@symphonyhall.co.uk (Please note this package is subject to cancellation if demand is insufficient)
  Now in its 8th record-breaking year, the UK�s leading musical theatre concert appears with a new show for 2007, featuring songs from the world�s greatest musicals.
  This cast of past principal performers from Les Miserables perform songs from Miss Saigon, The Lion King, Tell Me on a Sunday, Phantom Of the Opera, We Will Rock You, Chicago, Blood Brothers and many more, climaxing with a spectacular finale from, of course, Les Miserables!
  

• Los Arrieritos in ‘13 Rosas’ - UK Premier  

  Sat 10 Nov Town Hall

  Spectacular dance and live music create a profound and moving performance that has scooped top awards in Spain and throughout Europe. An unforgettable experience and an artistic highlight of 2007, 13 Rosas is a thrilling flamenco dance performance portraying the lives of thirteen women fighting for freedom, fighting for their lives. Spain’s respected El Mundo newspaper said: “The way they have distilled with such simplicity both the reality of the situation and the emotional state is extraordinary…” With Birmingham their only UK date, 13 Rosas is a compelling dance and music drama which touches the heart and fires the imagination, an inspiring story from the tragic Spanish Civil War. Los Arrieritos features a company of flamenco and contemporary dance soloists, musicians and top production team - a combination that has just won two prestigious “Max” awards (the Spanish equivalent of the Olivier Awards) for best choreography and best dance performance of the year. Audiences and critics throughout Spain have been raving about Los Arrieritos and this, their most powerful show to date. Unmissable.
  
  
  

• Andris Nelsons with the CBSO  

  Wed 5 Mar 2008 Symphony Hall

  The CBSO is joined for the first official concert in the 2007/2008 Season by Andris Nelsons, who will take over from Sakari Oramo as Music Director in 2008, for an exciting concert which offers pieces engaged in a dialogue with the past. Throughout musical history composers have always been fascinated by the music that came before them. Strauss's best-loved opera is an affectionate love letter to the Viennese waltz, while a new concerto by one of today's leading Austrian composers, Olga Neuwirth - especially composed for trumpet virtuoso Håkan Hardenberger - offers a kaleidoscope of Handel, jazz and memories of other music. Arvo Pärt's timeless classic looks back to the spirituality of medieval music. Nelsons finishes the programme in style with Shostakovich's exuberant pre-war symphony. 6.15pm pre-concert talk
  Andris Nelsons conductor Håkan Hardenberger trumpet
  Strauss: Der Rosenkavalier Suite 22' Neuwirth: “…miramondo multiplo…” (UK premiere) 18' Pärt: Fratres 10' Shostakovich: Symphony No. 6 32'
  

• Wolfgang Rihm's I Am A Mistake  

  Thu 6 Dec Symphony Hall

  From July 2007, smoking in public buildings in England becomes illegal. There will be many though, including the leading German composer Wolfgang Rihm, who continue to resist what society says they should think or do, including smoking. _I Am A Mistake_ is a passionate plea against political correctness and a rhapsodic love-song to smoking, in the composer's words, "the pleasure that is trying to kill me." Bringing together film, live music, song and dance, _I Am A Mistake_ has been created in collaboration with Jan Fabre, one of the most radical and innovative artists working today.
  *Jan Fabre* Text, Scenography and Direction *Jan Fabre and the dancers* Choreography *Chantal Akerman* Film *Wolfgang Rihm* Musical Composition *Lucas Vis* Conductor *Miet Martens* Assistant to Jan Fabre and Dramaturg *Hilde Van Mieghem* Speaker *Ensemble Recherche & Guest Artists* Musicians *Matthias Horn & Johannes M. Kosters* Singers *Sylvia Camarda, Manon Avermaete, Eleonora Mercatali, Tawny Andersen* Dancers
  
  

• Russian Classics CBSO Benevolent Fund Concert 

  Fri 14 Sep Symphony Hall

  Romantic symphonies don’t come more romantic than Rachmaninov’s Second. A sweeping Russian epic, it’s chock-full of great melodies and its slow movement contains some of the most rapturously beautiful music he ever wrote. It’s a glorious way to launch the season, and Russian maestro Vassily Sinaisky has this music in his blood. Three magical musical pictures open this concert the proceeds of which will go to help CBSO musicians, past and present, through the CBSO Benevolent Fund. (Please note: this concert is not part of the 2007/2008 CBSO Season, therefore tickets cannot be bought as part of a concert package or other promotion.) CBSO Benevolent Fund (Reg. Friendly Society 735F)
  *Vassily Sinaisky* Conductor
  Mussorgsky: Night on the Bare Mountain Liadov: The Enchanted Lake Rimsky-Korsakov: Capriccio espagnol Rachmaninov: Symphony No. 2
  

• Great Romantics  

  Sat 13 Dec Symphony Hall

  Last Christmas Sakari Oramo brought us all some seasonal cheer with highlights from The Nutcracker; this year it’s the turn of another of Tchaikovsky’s great ballets. It shares the first half with possibly the most popular of all piano concertos, played by the Russian pianist with whom the CBSO has made an acclaimed series of Rachmaninov recordings. Elgar said that his First Symphony expressed ‘a wide experience of human life with a great charity (love) and a massive hope in the future’ how better to celebrate the festive season?
  Sakari Oramo - conductor Nikolai Lugansky - piano City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra
  Tchaikovsky: Sleeping Beauty (highlights) 10’ Rachmaninov: Piano Concerto No. 2 32’ Elgar: Symphony No. 1 52’
  

• BBC Big Band with Ian Shaw In association with BBC Radio 2 

  Fri 17 Oct Town Hall

  Britain’s finest Big Band returns for a second season at Town Hall. This concert, to be recorded for BBC Radio 2’s Big Band Special, features an evening of jazz and swing classics, plus special guest vocalist Ian Shaw. Winner of Best Vocalist at the 2007 BBC Jazz Awards, Ian is a regular performer with the BBC Big Band and will feature jazz standards and songs from his recent albums, Drawn To All Things-The Songs of Joni Mitchell and the self-penned Lifejacket. “He has few rivals” Sunday Times “The best jazz vocalist we have” Time Out “One of the contemporary scene’s class acts” The Guardian “A razor-sharp performer with faultless time and unrivalled passion” WBGO Jazz88FM New York In association with BBC Radio 2. Concert to be recorded forBBC Radio 2’s Big Band Special. BBC Big Band is a Town Hall Associate Artist.
  *Jiggs Whigham* Conductor *Ian Shaw* Vocals
  
  

• 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'
  

• Romeo and Juliet  

  Thu 13 Nov Symphony Hall

  Popular CBSO guest Andrew Litton returns with a colourful programme featuring two brilliant musical responses to Shakespeare: Walton’s score for Laurence Olivier’s 1944 film of Henry V, together with highlights from Prokofiev’s ever-popular ballet (currently featured as the music for the BBC series _The Apprentice_) premiered six years earlier. Barber’s gloriously lyrical Violin Concerto, composed between these two works, receives its first-ever CBSO performance, played by a dazzling American soloist.
  Andrew Litton - conductor Anne Akiko Meyers - violin City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra
  Walton: Henry V - Suite 15’ Barber: Violin Concerto 25’ Prokofiev: Romeo and Juliet (highlights) 50’
  

• Orchestra of the Swan Season 2008/09  

  Sun 12 Oct to Sun 10 May Town Hall

  A series of friendly and informal afternoon concerts hosted by conductor David Curtis. Orchestra of the Swan - an Explorchestra! Making music - breaking barriers '...a gutsy and versatile group...' The Guardian Orchestra of the Swan gives performances of the highest professional standard, sharing our passion and conveying the spirit with all our audiences. '...a clear, warm-toned performance...a radiant lyrical splendour...' The Independent Supported by Arts Council England "www.orchestraoftheswan.org":http://www.orchestraoftheswan.org
  Conductor David Curtis
  Pre-concert talk taking place in the auditorium at 1.30pm Post-concert Conversation Club taking place in the Circle Bar 15 minutes after the end of the performance. Entrance free to concert ticket holders
  

• Sibelius and Elgar in Birmingham Tampere Philharmonic Orchestra 

  Sat 8 Dec Town Hall

  A hundred years ago Sibelius visited Birmingham where his music was regularly performed. It was at Birmingham's 1912 Triennial Festival that he met his great contemporary Elgar and conducted the first British performance of his own Fourth Symphony, lean and concise yet full of explosive passion. Now, 50 years after Sibelius's death and 150 years after Elgar's birth, we bring these two composers together once again. Classic FM's Anne-Marie Minhall says of tonight's recommended concert: _" We're coming to the end of 2007 which has seen two anniversaries of two great composers whose music is featured tonight. Tonight, Elgar fans have their chance to enjoy the Violin Concerto, the violin was Elgar's own instrument and he aimed to make a career as a soloist himself at one point."_ *6.15pm Pre-concert talk: Lyndon Jenkins, Elgar and Sibelius at the 1912 Birmingham Festival*
  *John Storgards* Conductor *Isabel van Keulen* Violin
  *Elgar* Violin Concerto 50' *Sibelius* Symphony No 4 30' *Sibelius* Finlandia 7'
  

• CBSO Youth Orchestra  

  Sun 17 Feb 2008 Symphony Hall

  Martyn Brabbins regularly wows Birmingham audiences with his interpretations of British and contemporary music; tonight he makes his first appearance with the CBSO Youth Orchestra in a powerful 20th-century programme. Former BBC Young Musician of the Year Guy Johnston is the soloist in Shostakovich’s punchy First Cello Concerto, but first the Youth Orchestra brings all its zest and freshness to Britten’s bracing suite of seascapes. And then Martyn Brabbins leads them through one of the great modern orchestral showpieces Bartók’s Concerto for Orchestra. Part life-and-death drama, part flamboyant musical firework display, it’ll be a gripping challenge for this outstanding young orchestra. “There can be no higher compliment you can pay to the CBSO Youth Orchestra than that they can be listened to like an orchestra of professionals; no allowances made for youth or inexperience.” The Birmingham Post, February 2007
  Martyn Brabbins conductor Guy Johnston cello
  Britten: Four Sea Interludes from Peter Grimes Shostakovich: Cello Concerto No. 1 Bartók: Concerto for Orchestra
  

• An afternoon with PAM AYRES  

  Sun 11 Oct Symphony Hall

  Pam Ayres comes to Symphony Hall for the first time, following her sell-out concert at Town Hall two years ago. Pam’s current show includes material from her bestselling books, _Surgically Enhanced_, _With These Hands_, and _The Works_, along with new poems and stories. It’s over 30 years since Pam first appeared on the TV talent show _Opportunity Knocks_. Now she’s a regular broadcaster on BBC Radio 4 in programmes such as _Just A Minute_, _Loose Ends_, and in her own series _Ayres On The Air_ and _Potting On_. On TV Pam has recently been seen on _QI_, _The One Show_, _The Paul O’Grady Show_, and _Countdown_. _“Pam Ayres carries the audience in the palm of her hand”_ *Daily Express* _“Forget the corny comedian: Pam Ayres is a proper poet, whose wistful, funny, and perceptive verse captures both the joy and unfairness of life.”_ *Sunday Times*
  Pam Ayres
  
  

• The International Pianoforte Competition - The Finals 28th Robert William & Florence Amy Brant International Pianoforte Competition 

  Symphony Hall

  The prestigious competition is open to up to 25 young pianists aged between 20 and 28. There is a first prize of £3,000 and a prize fund of £6,000. The Preliminary and Semi-Final stages will take place at the CBSO Centre (Berkely Street) on Saturday 30 June at 9am and Sunday 1 July at 9.30am. The Final takes place at Symphony Hall on Saturday 7 July at 7pm. The three finalists will select their own varied programmes of up to 40 minutes to include music by three composers drawn from Albeniz, Grieg, Mozart, Brahms, Liszt, Schubert, Chopin, Mendelssohn, Rachmaninov, and Schumann. For further information or an application form please contact Victoria Green, Performnaces Birmingham, Symphony Hall, Broad Street, Birmingham, B1 2EA or send an email headed 'Piano Competition Application Form Request' to pianocompetition@thsh.co.uk The closing date for applications is 13 June 2007.
  
  
  

• CBSO Friday Night Classics: You Call the Tunes  

  Fri 21 May 2010 Symphony Hall

  This is your chance to nominate and vote for the music you want to hear! Tonight the CBSO plays the people’s favourites in a concert packed with Midlanders’ most-loved classical music. Look out for details on the CBSO website, and in CBSO podcasts and concert programmes during autumn 2009, to find out how to nominate your absolutely-must-hear pieces. The most popular nominations will then be voted on by CBSO fans ready for the performance in Symphony Hall on 21 May, culminating in the Midlands’ Favourite Classic for 2010. Following her success in the BBC’s conducting series _Maestro_, tonight’s presenter Sue Perkins will also step onto the podium once again to conduct the CBSO for one of tonight’s pieces. Sue Perkins appears professional contracts permitting. Visit the "CBSO website":http://www.cbso.co.uk
  *City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra* *Michael Seal* conductor *Sue Perkins* presenter
  
  

• Orquesta Buena Vista Social Club featuring guajiro Mirabal, Aguaje Ramos, Manuel Galban & Barbarito Torres 

  Thu 8 Oct Symphony Hall

  An extraordinary line-up of Buena Vista Social Club™ stalwarts, together in a 13 piece band direct from Havana present some of the finest Cuban music ever made. This unique concert will take audiences on a musical excursion from the original 1996 Buena Vista Social Club™ recordings up to the present day. Each of these artists has an individual take on the gamut of Cuban Music, and they’ve each put their own stamp on son montunos, danzón, cha cha cha, boleros and Cuban jazz. Having honed their skills over many years, their passion for the music has remained undiminished. Now after ten years as the backbone of the Buena Vista Social Club™ and as Ibrahim Ferrer's live band and Grammy winning albums, this esteemed group finally gets their chance to shine. The heartbeat of the Buena Vista Social Club™, Cuban bass player Orlando 'Cachaíto' López is the only musician who has played on every track on every album in the World Circuit Buena Vista Social Club™ series. Cachaito's groundbreaking debut album on World Circuit, Cachaíto, won a BBC Radio 3 Award for Word Music in 2002 and was hailed by The Independent as a 'masterpiece'. Guajiro Mirabal's distinctive trumpet sound has accompanied virtually every Cuban star you could mention. His blistering tribute to the Su Conjuntos of the great Arsenio Rodriguéz, _Guajiro Mirabal_, has been nominated for a Latin Grammy and its release was met with widespread praise. 'Brilliant' - New York Times. Jesús 'Aguaje' Ramos' trombone has been an integral part of World Circuit's Cuban recordings for the past decade, and both his playing and bandleading skills have made him a key feature on various Buena Vista tours. He is the musical director of the show as he was on many of the past Buena Vista tours led by Ibrahim Ferrer and Rubén González Guitarist, pianist and organist Manual Galbán made his name with seminal Cuban doo-wop group Los Zafiros, and in recent years has appeared on a number of albums in the Buena Vista series. His duets album with Ry Cooder, _Mambo Sinuendo_, won a Grammy in 2004. Barbarito Torres, another of the “original” Buena Vista Social Club lineup, is Cuba’s reigning master of the laud, a twelve string lute. He uses traditional guajiro rhythms to render traditional Cuban music that defies you not to dance. The New York Times called him “the Cuban Chuck Berry”.
  
  
  

• Britten Sinfonia at Lunch - Dec 2008  

  Thu 4 Dec Town Hall

  This opening concert in Britten Sinfonia’s acclaimed lunchtime series features works chosen by the eminent British composer Colin Matthews, including Mozart’s masterful Kegelstatt Trio. Matthews’ award-winning Elegiac Chaconne will be performed alongside a specially commissioned work from his chosen composer, Charlotte Bray.
  *Polina Leschenko* piano *Janne Thomsen* flute *Joy Farrall* clarinet *Martin Outram* viola *Caroline Dearnley* cello
  *Chopin* Polonaise Brilliante for piano and cello 8’ *Charlotte Bray* New Work 10’ (world première tour) *Colin Matthews* Elegiac Chaconne 7’ *Mozart* Kegelstatt Trio K 498 20’
  

• Ultimate Romantics 1: Mahler and Wagner  

  Wed 10 Dec Symphony Hall

  In two concerts this winter, some of the most extravagant and passionate music of the late romantic era comes to Symphony Hall. The second act of Wagner’s Tristan contains one of music’s greatest love scenes. The adagio from mahler’s unfinished tenth Symphony is similarly in love with life, but it is the heartfelt last testament of a man about to be torn from the world. Few young conductors have received the plaudits that have been awarded to Vladimir Jurowski, new Principal Conductor of the London Philharmonic Orchestra and music Director of Glyndebourne Opera, who conducts the first concert in this series. 6.15pm pre-concert talk Tickets £5-£37.50
  *London Philharmonic Orchestra* *Vladimir Jurowski* conductor *Anja Kampe* Isolde *Robert Dean Smith* Tristan *Sarah Connolly* Brangaene *Laszlo Polgar* Marke *Stephen Gadd* Melot/Kurnewal
  *Mahler* Adagio from Symphony No 10 22’ *Wagner* Act II from Tristan and Isolde 75’
  

• The Shaolin Wheel of Life  

  Sun 26 Oct Symphony Hall

  The Ultimate Masters of Kung-Fu return to the UK, following previous sell-out seasons with “Shaolin Wheel Of Life”, a show jam-packed with incredible feats of strength and skill, which will delight the whole family. Twenty Shaolin Monks and five young trainees have travelled all the way from the Shaolin Temple in China, to demonstrate their martial arts expertise. In a crescendo of kung-fu sequences, the Shaolin Monks are lifted aloft on sharpened spears, splinter wooden blocks with their bare hands, break bricks on their heads and fly through the air in a series of incredible back flips and spins. This show is the Shaolin legend made real and is definitely NOT to be tried at home! * The twenty men on stage are not like the rest of us • Sunday Express * It’s a thrilling, uplifting sight. You’ll want to go straight home and shave your head. - Daily telegraph * Hair raising brilliance • Daily Telegraph * Jaw dropping • Evening Standard * The Ultimate Masters Of Kung Fu • Time Out * Near Miraculous feats of strength and endurance • What’s On
  
  
  

• Igorfest: the Rake's Progress  

  Wed 5 Dec Symphony Hall

  Our ground-breaking four-year journey through Stravinsky’s complete works reaches a major milestone with his only full-length opera. The Rake’s Progress - composed in 1951 to a libretto by his great collaborator W H Auden, and Chester Kallman - is a witty retelling of the Faust legend inspired by Hogarth’s famous series of paintings. The setting in 18th-century London allowed Stravinsky to indulge his passion for neo-classical pastiche, and so the opera is a 20th-century take on the Mozart operas which he adored. Dutch conductor Jac van Steen is joined by a distinguished British cast for this very modern morality tale. Sung in the original English. 6.15pm pre-concert talk
  Jac van Steen conductor Ed Lyon _Tom Rakewell_ Claire Booth _Anne Trulove_ James Rutherford _Nick Shadow_ Susan Bickley _Baba the Turk / Mother Goose_ Christopher Gillett _Sellem_ City of Birmingham Symphony Chorus
  Stravinsky: The Rake’s Progress
  

• Steeleye Span 40th Anniversary Tour 

  Fri 27 Nov Town Hall

  *Part of Town Hall 175th Anniversary Series.* In a world where bands come and go in the blink of an eye, the enduring success of Steeleye Span is one of the great stories in rock music. 2009 will see them celebrate an incredible forty years together, an achievement made all the more remarkable by the fact that the band has seldom been more active in its career. The current line-up of Maddy Prior, Peter Knight, Liam Genockey, Ken Nicol and Peter Zorn will come to the stage for this very exciting year in the history of Steeleye. At a period in their career when most bands are happy to settle down to rehashing past glories, Steeleye Span have pushed on with a succession of acclaimed albums, each seeing them re-define their classic sound. Their fortieth anniversary year will be spent in much the same way as every other; they will play live (two UK tours, plus visits to Australia and USA) and make music, releasing a new album that will typically see them buck their own trend and go back to their roots, the interpretation of traditional song. This though, has always been the Steeleye way. Tied not to the past, the present or the future - simply timeless.
  
  
  

• CBSO Elgar's Enigma  

  Sat 23 Jan 2010 Symphony Hall

  To begin our series featuring the amazing musical decade leading up to the CBSO’s birth in 1920, we have one of the jewels of English music - Vaughan Williams’ luminous Tallis Fantasia, premiered in 1910. Britten’s late work for viola and strings also draws on older English music, while James Macmillan’s striking trumpet concerto is a prayer inspired by the composer’s Christian faith. This concert of deeply personal British music ends with Elgar’s brilliant tribute to his friends. *Pre-concert talk 5.45pm* Elgar to MacMillan Conductor Edward Gardner introduces tonight’s concert, in conversation with Stephen Maddock. "www.cbso.co.uk":http://cbso.co.uk
  *City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra* *Edward Gardner* _conductor_ *Alison Balsom* _trumpet_ *Christopher Yates* _viola_
  *Vaughan Williams* Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis 15’ *Macmillan* Epiclesis 25’ *Britten* Lachrymae 15’ *Elgar* Enigma Variations 29’
  

• CBSO Elgar's Enigma  

  Wed 20 Jan 2010 Symphony Hall

  To begin our series featuring the amazing musical decade leading up to the CBSO’s birth in 1920, we have one of the jewels of English music - Vaughan Williams’ luminous Tallis Fantasia, premiered in 1910. Britten’s late work for viola and strings also draws on older English music, while James Macmillan’s striking trumpet concerto is a prayer inspired by the composer’s Christian faith. This concert of deeply personal British music ends with Elgar’s brilliant tribute to his friends. *Pre-concert talk 6.15pm* Elgar to MacMillan Conductor Edward Gardner introduces tonight’s concert, in conversation with Stephen Maddock. "www.cbso.co.uk":http://cbso.co.uk
  *City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra* *Edward Gardner* _conductor_ *Alison Balsom* _trumpet_ *Christopher Yates* _viola_
  *Vaughan Williams* Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis 15’ *Macmillan* Epiclesis 25’ *Britten* Lachrymae 15’ *Elgar* Enigma Variations 29’
  

• Jason Donovan plus support 

  Fri 12 Dec Symphony Hall

  Jason Donovan has enjoyed a very successful and varied career in film, television and theatre plus a record-breaking international solo career in which he made over 13 million record sales. Most famous for his role as Scott Robinson in _Neighbours_, Jason won nearly every Australian award during his time on one of Australia’s most successful drama series and the hearts of millions. Jason’s vocal career began in 1988 when he released ‘Especially for You’ with Kylie Minogue and a debut solo album, _Ten Good Reasons_. Following the release of his second album in 1989, Jason became the biggest selling UK and European artist. In the same year he was voted Best Male Singer and Britain’s Best Album at the Smash Hits Awards. Jason has performed internationally to sell-out audiences of thousands. Jason triumphed in the West End when he starred as Joseph in _Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat_ at the Palladium. Jason played to critical acclaim and sell-out business. In 1998, Jason again drew sell-out crowds for his performance as Frank ‘N’ Furter in The Rocky Horror UK Tour, during the show’s 25th Anniversary.
  
  
  

• Britten Sinfonia at Lunch - March 2009  

  Thu 12 Mar Town Hall

  For the final concert in our lunchtime series, Britten Sinfonia draws on a programme devised by John Woolrich. Woolrich’s evocative Quiddities - written for Nicholas Daniel and Britten Sinfonia in 2005 - is set alongside a Walacinski's oboe and string trio _Little Autumn Music_, a small romantic piece written in the aleatoric technique. Chacony is perhaps the best known of Britten’s Purcell editions, and there is also a chance to hear Schoenberg’s beautiful Verklärte Nacht at its most transparent and delicate in the original string sextet version. Please note - change to previously advertised programme.
  *Jacqueline Shave* violin/director *Thomas Gould* violin *Martin Outram* viola *Clare Finnimore* viola *Caroline Dearnley* cello *Ben Chappell* cello *Nicholas Daniel* oboe/cor anglais
  *Purcell ed. Britten* Chacony in G minor *Adam Walacinski* Little Music of Autumn *John Woolrich* Quiddities *Schoenberg* Verklärte Nacht
  

• Ocean Colour Scene Pure Acoustic. Plus Support 

  Thu 17 Apr Town Hall

  Since last April’s studio album _On the Leyline_, Ocean Colour Scene spent the majority of 2007 doing what they do best, performing live to fans not only in the UK but taking in countries as far a field as Korea and Japan. A busy year indeed on the road which ended with the annual “OCS Christmas tour” which guitarist Steve Cradock spoke of recently on the band's website diary, “We really enjoyed these gigs, the response from the crowd was immense and only enhanced our performance.” The sell out dates included fantastic gigs in London, Liverpool, Birmingham, Newcastle and three sell out nights at the Barrowlands, Glasgow. Last summer saw the band performing at various festivals home and abroad, notably the V-Festivals and T-in-the-Park, which had fans rushing to the large tents to get inside. A testament to how popular this band still are after all these years, and the crowds it is capable of drawing in. On to 2008 where the lads have just recently announced a UK and Ireland Acoustic tour during April, playing at venues they have either not done before or haven’t visited for some time. “The lads and I are doing a small acoustic tour in April playing songs we never play, B-sides, album tracks, that kind of thing, don’t expect _Riverboat_ or _Day We Caught the Train_ we're hoping for it to be a bit more obscure, I'm looking forward to this, it will make a real change playing forgotten songs” explains Steve.
  
  
  

• Celebrating Nielsen: The Inextinguishable  

  Wed 7 Jan 2009 Symphony Hall

  After last season’s acclaimed cycle of Sibelius symphonies, this season we feature the equally impressive cycle by his exact contemporary Carl Nielsen. His varied output holds the same central place in Danish music as Sibelius does in Finland, and his six symphonies are full of struggle, reflection and strong emotion - just like real life. Principal guest conductor Sakari Oramo begins this series with a charming picture-postcard overture and the composer’s best-known work. Written at the height of the First World War, this symphony is a volcanic musical struggle between the forces of destruction and the energy of life itself, culminating in one of the most uplifting - and thrilling - endings in all music. 6.15pm Pre-concert talk - Nielsen: The Inextinguishable An introduction to the CBSO and the Hallé’s joint Nielsen Cycle and tonight’s concert.
  *Change of Conductor* Sakari Oramo, the CBSO’s Principal Guest Conductor, has unfortunately had to withdraw from this concert through ill health. This concert will now be conducted by Dmitri Slobodeniouk. Nikolai Lugansky - piano City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra
  Nielsen: A Fantasy Trip to the Faroes 12’ Rachmaninov: Piano Concerto No. 2 32’ Nielsen: Symphony No. 4 (The Inextinguishable) 36’
  

• Andrew Taylor: The Public City  

  Mon 16 Jun Town Hall

  Andrew Taylor, with an invited panel, will discuss the nature of cities as public places, showing how European cities, from Venice to Barcelona, have achieved their greatness through their parks and public spaces. Andrew is a founding partner of Patel Taylor, a practice distinguished by its commitment to particularity of place and a passion to make the urban fabric more human. The practice has gained recognition for projects, including thames barrier park and Old Market Square Nottingham, where architecture, landscape and urban design are integrated into a seamless whole. In 2006, from an international shortlist of 6, Patel Taylor won Birmingham City Council’s competition to design the Eastside Urban Park which will be Birmingham’s first city park for over a century. Tickets £5 The talk will be for 30 minutes then Philip Singleton, Acting Assistant Director city centre development and design will chair a 30 minute panel discussion with questions from the audience. Talking cities is organised between Birmingham City University, School of Architecture and made, the Regional Aarchitecture Centre in the West Midlands. Sponsored by Atkins.
  *Talking Cities Urban Design Public Lecture Series*
  
  

• Dvorák’s New World Symphony  

  Fri 8 May Symphony Hall

  Libor Pešek is one of a long line of Czech conductors who have the music of Dvorák firmly in their blood. He visits Symphony Hall with the Prague Symphony Orchestra in two of Dvorák’s best-loved works: the Cello Concerto, packed with superb melodies that tug at the heart-strings, and the evocative _New World_ Symphony, one of the most enduringly popular of all symphonies. *Classic FM’s Anne-Marie Minhall says of tonight’s recommended concert:* _I interviewed the cellist Steven Isserlis for The Guest List on Classic FM before he was due to give a series of performances of Dvorak’s Cello Concerto and he had this insight into the work: “I think recordings distort it because actually although the cello is of course the most important instrument, it's really like a big symphony in that there are so many important parts in the orchestra as well. The solo flute part is very, very important, (as is) the solo clarinet part, and there's lots of duets and there's lots of bits where the cello is accompanying the orchestra, so I like to think of it as chamber music on a huge scale." Tonight Nina Kotova is the soloist for the Concerto written by a love-struck and homesick Dvorak._ "Classic FM":http://www.classicfm.co.uk
  *Prague Symphony Orchestra* *Libor Pešek* conductor *Nina Kotova* cello
  *Dvorák* Prague Waltzes 9’ *Dvorák* Cello Concerto 40’ *Dvorák* Symphony No 9, From the New World 40’
  

• John Barrowman  

  Tue 8 Apr Symphony Hall

  John Barrowman, much loved actor, singer, TV and West End star has just announced his first solo tour. Performing songs from his new album, _Another Side_ John will be appearing at Symphony Hall. _Another Side_ is an album full of classic songs. They are songs that John has wanted to record for many years, all of them having had a personal meaning or connection in his life and career. John is a unique actor, singer and presenter. He is best known on British TV as Captain Jack Harkness in BBC’s _Doctor Who_ and it’s especially created spin-off series _Torchwood_. In the last year alone he has been on a variety of primetime television shows, whether judging on the award winning BBC1 entertainment shows _How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria?_ and _Any Dream Will Do_, as a celebrity skater on the ITV show _Dancing On Ice_, and a hugely amusing and memorable guest on _The Jonathan Ross Show_, _The Friday Night Project_ and _Never Mind the Buzzcocks_. He has also starred in many top West End productions including _Anything Goes_, _Miss Saigon_, _Beauty & The Beast_, _Grease!_ and _The Phantom Of The Opera_. His standing with the British public is such that he was recently proclaimed ‘a national treasure’ by The Times. Now, he has returned to his first love, music.
  
  
  

• A Tribute to Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan Rahat Fateh Ali khan and his Qawwali Group 

  Tue 16 Oct Town Hall

  2007 is the 10th anniversary of the death of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, an artist who reached out to millions of people across the globe by inviting them to eavesdrop on his eloquent communing with God. Following his death, the mantle of Nusrat’s genius fell upon the shoulders of his nephew Rahat. His ecstatic vocals are the result of years of training at the feet of his superstar uncle, and he’s also world-famous for his forays into Bollywood. So expect an unforgettable evening as Rahat and his extraordinary ensemble recreate the memory of the fantastic concerts Nusrat played at Town Hall, and transport us into the rapturous realms of spiritual discovery. Canadian guitarist Michael Brook, one of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s greatest collaborators, will join Rahat Fateh Ali Khan in the tribute concert. Nusrat’s collaborations with Michael Brook resulted in his two most successful worldwide fusion albums, Mustt Mustt and Night Song. Putting the two together was the idea of Peter Gabriel at whose Real World studio they embarked on an intensive four-day session. The ‘East meets West’ album that resulted, Mustt Mustt, was hugely influential, and its title track achieved worldwide popularity when Massive Attack’s remixed version was used as the soundtrack for a Coca-Cola ad during the Cricket World Cup. Their collaboration continued to evolve with Night Song, nominated for a 1997 Grammy Award. Supported by Sampad and BBC Asian Network
  *Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and his Qawwali Group* *Michael Brook* Due to scheduling difficulties, Abida Parveen is now unable to perform at this concert
  
  

• Ryuichi Sakamoto: Plays the Piano  

  Sun 22 Nov Symphony Hall

  Legendary composer, performer and producer Ryuichi Sakamoto will tour the UK for the first time in fifteen years this autumn. Ryuichi will present audiences with an opportunity to hear and experience the new arrangements from ‘out of noise’ alongside favourites from his extensive and highly acclaimed recording career. Sakamoto's interest in different types of music - jazz, bossa nova, modern classical, dub and gamelan - was evident in his writing for YMO, his own solo albums, and starting in 1983 with _Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence_, a series of soundtracks. That year, Sakamoto left YMO to launch his career as a solo artist and to pursue his interest in "world music." These interests have carried over in Sakamoto's collaborations with, among others, David Bowie, David Byrne, David Sylvian, Iggy Pop, Youssou N'dour, Robbie Robertson, Caetano Veloso, as well as writers William Burroughs and William Gibson. Sakamoto's best-known work is probably the soundtrack to _Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence_, but in 1987, his score for Bertolucci's _The Last Emperor_ won him an Oscar, a Grammy, a Golden Globe, as well as the New York, Los Angeles and British Film Critics Association awards for best original soundtrack. Since then, he has worked with Bertolucci twice (_The Sheltering Sky, Little Buddha_), Oliver Stone (_Wild Palms_), Pedro Almodovar (_High Heels_), and Brian De Palma twice (_Snake Eyes, Femme Fatale_).
  
  
  

• k.d. lang Plus support Duston O'Halloran 

  Fri 1 Aug Symphony Hall

  k.d. lang has announced a series of European tour dates in July and August as part of her continuing worldwide Watershed Tour. The tour follows sold out concerts in Glasgow and London earlier this year. Of January’s London concert, the Daily Telegraph declared, ‘lang’s voice remains a wonder to behold. Many pass themselves off as “proper” singers, but lang is one of the few who can really, really sing. Glorious.’ The Times echoed, ‘With the pop world suddenly in thrall to a bevy of young, female torch singers, here is a star who really knows the stylistic and emotional ropes of the genre.’ k.d.’s latest album is the acclaimed bestseller, _Watershed_, which was released by Nonesuch Records in January and saw k.d. achieve some of the best chart success of her 25-year career, including her highest ever debut on the US Billboard chart at no.8. The album comprises 11 new songs written and produced by k.d., including the first single _I Dream Of Spring_ and the forthcoming single _Coming Home_. It is the first album of newly written material from the four-time Grammy winner since 2000's _Invincible Summer_, and her first studio album since 2004's Canadian songbook, _Hymns Of The 49th Parallel_. It is also the first self-produced collection of her career. The Sunday Times Magazine called it a ‘masterpiece’, and in a four-star review Q proclaimed it ‘The best thing she’s done since 1992’s _Ingénue_.’
  
  
  

• World's Greatest Drummer 2008  

  Sat 15 Nov Town Hall

  In the 29th September 2007, Palmerlive held the sell-out concert 'The World's Greatest Drummer' to celebrate the music and the man who most agree was the world's greatest drummer, Buddy Rich. ''A top quality band playing 'full-on' accompanying each drummer, and so many legendary figures on one stage, made my night. The finale was astounding." Kevin Thomas, audience member. This year, six of the UK's leading drummers from a variety of musical backgrounds and fresh from touring all over the world, perform the music made famous by Buddy Rich. They are joined by the superb 'The World's Greatest Drummer Big Band', where only the best UK session musicians have been selected. Featuring UK leading drummers... *Steve White* Paul Weller, The Players *Gary Husband* John McLaughlin, Level 42 *Karl Brazil* James Blunt, Bodyrockers, James Morrison *Darrin Mooney* Primal Scream *Pete Cater* Pete Cater Big Band *Ian Palmer* Georgie Fame, The Liquid Theory Experience a very unique show, the only of its kind to appear in Town Hall to date. It's full of passion with quality drumming at its very best. See drummers perform Buddy Rich's music and then join forces to perform a heart stopping finale. We guarantee you will be on your feet and inspired by The World's Greatest Drummer, suitable for all the family and all musical tastes! Supported by Drummer and Rhythm Magazine and raising awareness for Teenage Cancer Trust
  *Unfortunately, Jon Brookes of The Charlatans is unable to perform in The World's Greatest Drummer. This is because he now has commitments with The Charlatans.* *We are pleased to announce that Darrin Mooney of Primal Scream will now be performing .*
  
  

• Handel's Arianna  

  Wed 13 May Town Hall

  Handel heaven for lovers of great singing! We present a truly star-studded international cast for _Arianna_, the last in the Academy of Ancient Music’s series of Handel operas in Birmingham and a fitting celebration of the 250th anniversary of Handel’s death. Since its first recording in 1999 Arianna has emerged as a forgotten masterpiece, full of vital, colourful music. It is the perfect vehicle for the sublime voices of Kristina Hammarström, Lisa Milne and their colleagues, and baroque opera is a wonderful experience in the intimate and beautiful surroundings of Town Hall. *Please note* Angelika Kirchschlager has unfortunately had to cancel her performances of Handel's opera _Arianna in Creta_ with the Academy of Ancient Music due to illness. Ms Kirchschlager, who was this week due to complete a major US recital tour which was also cancelled, has been told by her doctor to rest. The Academy of Ancient Music and Christopher Hogwood are delighted that the Swedish mezzo soprano Kristina Hammarström is able to join them at very short notice. Ms Hammarström is one of Scandinavia's most celebrated vocalists and is in demand around the world for her interpretations of Handel operatic roles. Concert performance sung in Italian, with English surtitles. There will be two intervals.
  *Academy of Ancient Music* *Christopher Hogwood* conductor *Miah Persson* _Arianna_ *Lisa Milne* _Alceste_ *Kristina Hammarström* _Teseo_ *Sonia Prina* _Carilda_ *Marina de Liso* _Tauride_ *Antonio Abete* _Minos_ Please note Marina de Liso replaces Alice Coote in the role of Tauride.
  *Handel* Arianna in Creta (1733) 164’
  

• English Originals Weekend Festival Exploring the rich and diverse traditions of English Music 

  Fri 25 Apr - Sun 27 Apr Town Hall & Symphony Hall

  Much has been made recently of the musical traditions of Ireland and Scotland and more recently Welsh music has begun to assert itself. But what of our own English traditions? In the week of St George’s Day, three special concerts at Birmingham Town Hall and Symphony Hall celebrate Englishness, in all it’s diversity, from traditional folk to contemporary singer-songwriters, individuals all connected by a strong sense of place, identity and wit, as well as possessing some fine musical talent. National treasure and renowned singer-songwriter *Billy Bragg* opens the weekend (25 Apr) at Town Hall with an evening of exploration, looking at his own English roots and performing songs from his splendid new album _Mr Love and Justice_. Expect some special guests appearing on stage for a memorable night of inspired musical offerings from the ‘Baird of Barking’. Town Hall welcomes the fresh sound of emerging talent with an evening of Rising Folk (26 Apr), featuring *Seth Lakeman*, hot on the heels of his double 2007 BBC Radio 2 Folk Award success for ‘Best Album’ and ‘Singer of the Year’. A former band mate of Kate Rusby and Cara Dillon and now sharing a record label with KT Tunstall and Joss Stone, Seth is one of the rising stars of English folk. Organic shape shifting folk-electronica collective *Tunng* will also be performing, twisting familiar folk soundscapes with their stunning and unique blend of experimental production, live vocals and music along with more artists to be confirmed soon. Exploring the rich tradition of English female song and singers, the Festival presents the celebrated sounds of *Daughters of Albion* at Town Hall (27 Apr). Promising a night of dark wit interwoven with melancholy and passion, and featuring the talents of *Norma Waterson, June Tabor, Kathryn Williams, Bishi, Lou Rhodes and Lisa Knapp* this is a unique opportunity to let some of the finest female voices in this country take you on an exhilarating journey through English music traditions both past and present.
  
  
  

• Bat For Lashes plus special guests School of Seven Bells 

  Sun 12 Apr Town Hall

  With her dazzling second album, _Two Suns_, Bat For Lashes is set to assume the mantle of the most dynamic and intriguing pop performer in the UK right now. Natasha Khan’s debut _Fur And Gold_ was nominated for the 2007 Mercury Music Prize, and earned two Brit Award nominations for Best Breakthrough and Best Female in 2008. The album’s blend of spooky childhood reveries and magical piano balladry caught the imagination of everyone and not just in the music world. Natasha was feted by the fashion crowd, appearing everywhere from Vogue to Dazed & Confused and she recently collaborated with Alexander McQueen’s McQ label on several one-off pieces featured on the _Two Suns_ artwork. As if that weren’t enough, Bat For Lashes has inspired the making of a fantasy film-musical based on the songs from Fur And Gold. Natasha went on to be chosen by The Guardian as one of 2007’s women of the year - the only musician to appear on their list that year. Bat for Lashes was also asked to support Radiohead on their European tour last summer at the band’s personal request, where she assembled a new live band to explore fresh musical forms, before heading out to New York and the Californian desert to write what has now become _Two Suns_. _Two Suns_ sees Natasha exploring her creative personas and the world around her in a very different way. Envisioning herself as two separate yet ultimately attached beings, we discover her inner character Pearl, the destructive blonde femme fatale that represents one extreme of her personality. Pearl’s troubled obsession with childlike escapism and self-absorption opposes the wild and mystical desert being who represents Natasha’s more spiritual self. Through the songs on the album, Natasha and Pearl take us on a journey as they intertwine and overflow into each other’s realms, struggling to reconcile with each other, love and the forces of the outside world. _“Bat For Lashes has clearly and equivocally her own voice..entrancing. One of the year’s most exciting debuts”_ Music Week _“there’s something unique on this debut. Her voice floats over electronics, handclaps, piano and autoharp, while her mystically-shaped lyrics feature weeping seals and ghostly horses..otherworldly”_ Q Magazine _“Tim Burton flavoured chamber-pop”_ Sunday Telegraph
  
  
  

• Ed Byrne ‘DIFFERENT CLASS’ 

  Change of Date

  Thu 19 Mar Town Hall

  *It is with great regret that the Ed Byrne performance from March 4 has been rescheduled to March 19. This is due to Ed being offered the fantastic opportunity of appearing in the opening show in the new series of Graham Norton which transmits Thursday March 5. Ed understands the inevitable inconvenience that this will cause his audience and is very sorry for this.* Half toff, half pikey... All comic! Comedy favourite returns with a blisteringly funny new one man show about marriage, class, the youth of today and anything else that strikes him as humorous. It's hard to say any more than that as this blurb had to be written in April when the new show was barely taking shape. He might end up doing an hour about going to the Opera for all I know. Oh, no he's done that. www.edbyrne.com “_His wit won deafening cheers and feet stomping_” The Guardian “_Dazzling_” The Sunday Times “_Jokes come so fast that hecklers don’t have a chance to get a word in edgeways_” The Times “_Hottest tip this year is Ed Byrne…fluent, assured and wicked_” The Sunday Times “_It is rare for a comic to merit the word “masterful” but in this case it is no overstatement_” The Scotsman “_His set had the audience in stitches for most of the evening - they roared their approval at the end - but he is technically excellent as well, the sure sign of a comic on the cusp of a major career. It does not come much better than this._” The Stage “_Utterly Charming_” The List “_Astoundingly polished material_” The Sunday Telegraph “_This charming man may well be threatening to give stand up a good name_” The List “_Byrne looks set to become a comic who will inspire as many swoons as guffaws_” The List “_A comedian with everything going for him, Ed Byrne has all the attributes to upgrade to the big time…see him_” The Independent “_He describes himself as a stick insect rather than a sex symbol but the high proportion of women hanging on his every witticism suggests otherwise. He may be thin and weedy but his material certainly is not._” Daily Express “_In complete rapport with his capacity audience_” The Scotsman “_A stunningly original piece of work - a comedy star_” Irish Times “_The audience went into rapture and insisted on an encore_” Time Out
  
  
  

• Suzanne Vega Casa Alianza 10th Anniversay Benefit Concert presented by Katie Fitzgeralds 

  Sun 12 Jul Town Hall

  *ONLY UK PERFORMANCE THIS YEAR* Plus *Eddy Morton* Widely regarded as one of the most brilliant songwriters of her generation, New York singer songwriter Suzanne Vega emerged as a leading figure of the folk-music revival of the early 1980s when, accompanying herself on acoustic guitar, she sang what has been labelled contemporary folk or neo-folk songs of her own creation in Greenwich Village clubs. Since the release of her self-titled, critically acclaimed 1985 debut album, she continues to give sold-out concerts in many of the world's best-known venues. Her debut album _Suzanne Vega_ released in 1985 was a platinum-selling success. With two hit singles _Luka_ and _Tom’s Diner_ featured on her next album, _Solitude Standing_ (1987), the undeniable talents were firmly established in the hearts and minds of legions of fans around the world. Since then, with a total of 8 solo albums and songs featured on soundtracks of major Hollywood films, the commercial and critical acclaim for this incredible singer/songwriter, who wrote her first song at the tender age of fourteen, continues. In August 2006, Suzanne Vega became the first major recording artist to perform in avatar form in the online virtual world, Second Life. In 2007, her last album release - the deeply personal _Beauty & Crime_ - Vega’s talents as a singer/songwriter are displayed like never before. _Beauty & Crime_ is that rare album by an artist in her third decade; an album that is as original and startling as her first. _Beauty & Crime_ won a Grammy for Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical. Suzanne Vega, a long-standing supporter of Casa Alianza, maintains her commitment to child rights and is delighted to be headlining this 10th Anniversary Benefit Concert. Casa Alianza Charity provides care, rehabilitation and legal aid for street children in Central America & Mexico. "www.casa-alianza.org.uk":http://www.casa-alianza.org.uk/ "www.suzannevega.com":http://www.suzannevega.com/ "www.katiefitzgeralds.co.uk":http://katiefitzgeralds.co.uk/ "www.myspace.com/eddymorton":http://www.myspace.com/eddymorton
  *Eddy Morton* support
  
  

• Birmingham International Concert Season 2009/10  

  Wed 7 Oct to Sat 12 June 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.
  
  
  

• Courtney Pine & Jazz Warriors Afropeans  

  Thu 26 Mar Town Hall

  _"...barnstorming solos, delicate bowed strings, skanking reggae backing tailgate trombones, foot-stamping chains. Hugely entertaining."_ (The Times) In October 2007, Courtney Pine led a freshly minted Jazz Warriors in the Afropeans project - a concert and award-winning album to mark the Bicentenary of the Abolition of the Slave Trade act in the UK. Now, this extraordinary ensemble returns to tour the UK, with a mouth-watering line-up that crosses generations of leading UK jazz soloists, including the likes of Jason Yarde, Alex Wilson and Omar Puente, rubbing shoulders with newcomers-to-watch Shabaka Hutchings and Ayanna Witter-Johnson - with a host of sensational reviews for both CD and live concerts. Afropeans Jazz Warriors picks up where the original Jazz Warriors left off - this seminal big band, formed in the 80s to celebrate the rich heritage of Afro-Caribbean jazz that contributed massively to the UK jazz scene since the 50s, is re-invented for a new century. With a _"kick-ass line-up"_ (All About Jazz) and music that is _"irresistibly vibrant"_, Afropeans was just too good not to have an extended outing. This show was recently seen in London and was given great reviews: _"The emotional heat is as potent as ever in Courtney Pine's national tour."_ The Telegraph _"A joyous celebration of survival in adversity, portrayed through an evocation of the musical encounters and collisions engendered across centuries of the African diaspora."_ The Telegraph _"Samuel Dubois's solos on steel pans were beautifully focused; Shabaka Hutchings's tightly patterned clarinet solos kept everyone spellbound."_ The Telegraph "Courtney Pine Interview":http://thejazzbreakfast.wordpress.com/2009/03/22/courtney-talks-about-afropeans/ £16.50, £18.50 presented in association with the Drum
  featuring Courtney Pine (saxophone & clarinet) Chris Storr, Colin Graham, Mark Crown (trumpets), Trevor Edwards (trombone), Jason Yarde, Shabaka Hutchins (reeds), Omar Puente (violin), Ayanna Witter-Johnson (cello, voice), Alex Wilson (piano), Samuel Dubois (steel pan), Darren Taylor (bass), Robert Fordjour (percussion), Donald Gamble (percussion)
  
  

• Russell Watson  

  Thu 23 Apr Symphony Hall

  Russell’s music career moved to the next level in 1999, when he was invited to Old Trafford to sing the world cup anthem ‘Nessun Dorma’ before United’s Premiership winning game. He received a standing ovation and this incredible exposure led Russell to be signed by the Decca Music Group for a six-album deal. A factory worker born in Salford in North West England, Russell went from performing on the pub and club circuit in his spare time, to selling over 7 million albums globally, and to be dubbed ‘The Peoples Tenor’ taking opera and classical music to a new audience world wide. Russell has performed around the world in front of many audiences - from Independence Day celebrations in Washington DC; the Beckham’s pre-World Cup party; to more intimate performances for the President of the United States, the UK Prime Minister and the Pope; as well as duets with artists as diverse as Cliff Richard, Lulu, Lionel Ritchie, Mel C (of Spice Girls fame) and Meatloaf. He has broken a succession of records, being the first British male to simultaneously occupy a No.1 spot in the UK and American classical charts, as well as being the first artist to have a classical album at the No.1 spot in the UK classical charts for an entire year. With 5 albums going gold, platinum, or double platinum and 4 Classic BRIT Awards under his belt, Russell is recognized world-wide as the UK’s biggest selling classical artist of the 21st century. Following a successful recovery after suffering from a second Brain Tumor in 2007, Russell's 5th studio album has been released reaching Number 4 in the charts and 2008 has seen Russell perform a sell out 17 date UK tour and he now looks to establish his long term future internationally, and is enjoying the creative freedom his success has granted him. Russell has recently finished as the head judge on the BBC 1 Saturday night hit show 'Last Choir Standing' where he helped select the UK's favorite choir, with the final show being viewed by over 7 Million people. Russell’s 6th studio album _People Get Ready_ is due for release on the 17th November 2008. Please note this performance is currently sold out. Clicking on the below link will take you to the booking page if retuns are available. Alternatively you can call the Box Office on 0121 780 3333 to enquire.
  
  
  

Book Tickets

Choose and event below
or phone 0121 780 3333

View Pick-A-Seat tutorial video

Create an Account

Get Connected

receive listings updates

0 2007 2008 2009 2010 January February March April May June July August September October November December

M	T	W	T	F	S	S
		1	2	3	4	5
6	7	8	9	10	11	12
13	14	15	16	17	18	19
20	21	22	23	24	25	26
27	28	29	30	31

Show me events at: Pick a venue CBSO Centre Highbury Hall ICC Hall 5 St Paul's Church Symphony Hall Symphony Hall Foyer Bars The Oratory Town Hall Town Hall & Symphony Hall