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• Pram and Modified Toy Orchestra Plus Support Shady Bard 

  Mon 15 Oct Town Hall

  Town Hall celebrates the electric local music scene with three hotly-tipped Birmingham-based bands. Pram create haunting and mesmerising music and will launch their eagerly anticipated new album at the concert. Modified Toy Orchestra circuit-bend toys beyond their original capabilities, creating perfect pop songs from imperfect instruments. Completing the line up are the miniature indie orchestra Shady Bard. In association with Capsule
  
  
  

• 10.30am Birmingham City University - Law, Humanities, Development and Society 10.30am 

  Fri 15 Feb Symphony Hall

  Due to an unprecedented demand all guest tickets for this ceremony have now sold out. In addition to the internet broadcast of the Awards Ceremonies, the University has arranged for this Award Ceremony to be broadcast live to Hall 8 within the International Convention Centre. This is in the same building as Symphony Hall and friends and family will be able to watch the ceremony as it is broadcast live. Entry to this Hall is free of charge. Please contact Academic Registry on 0121 331 6509 to confirm the number of guests that you wish to attend the broadcast. Alternatively you may wish to email natasha.cochrane@bcu.ac.uk with the name of the graduating student, the ceremony broadcast that you will be attending and the number of guests that you will be bringing.
  
  
  

• 2.30pm Birmingham City University - Faculty of Health  

  Mon 4 Feb Symphony Hall

  Due to an unprecedented demand all guest tickets for this ceremony have now sold out. In addition to the internet broadcast of the Awards Ceremonies, the University has arranged for this Award Ceremony to be broadcast live to Hall 8 within the International Convention Centre. This is in the same building as Symphony Hall and friends and family will be able to watch the ceremony as it is broadcast live. Entry to this Hall is free of charge. Please contact Academic Registry on 0121 331 6509 to confirm the number of guests that you wish to attend the broadcast. Alternatively you may wish to email natasha.cochrane@bcu.ac.uk with the name of the graduating student, the ceremony broadcast that you will be attending and the number of guests that you will be bringing. PLEASE NOTE THIS GRADUATION STARTS AT 2.30PM
  
  
  

• The Ed Doolan Christmas Show  

  Fri 19 Dec Symphony Hall

  Ed and his team celebrate the festive season at Symphony Hall with a special broadcast that you can be part of. There will be special interviews with Paul Nicholas, The Krankies and Bev Bevan, as well as some great music from the West Midlands Fire Service Band and Birmingham's Community Gospel Choir. We'll also be expecting you to join in for a rousing finale of Christmas Carols led by pupils from Baverstock School! You can find more information by visiting "BBC Christmas":http://www.bbc.co.uk/birmingham/christmas/
  
  
  

• 'AND NOW, THE NEWS'  

  Thu 5 Jun Town Hall

  What soundtrack would you choose to accompany the news? Have you wondered about the music behind the headlines? A new commission by New Guide to Opera (Michael Wolters and Marcus Dross) explores this idea in our increasingly media-driven society, with original music performed to a live broadcast of the BBC News. The performance features students from Birmingham Conservatoire alongside cellist Julian Lloyd Webber, one of the most creative musicians of his generation. Julian will also perform a new work written specifically for him by Howard Goodall. The concert launches both the New Generation Arts Festival and Integra 2008, taking place at Birmingham Conservatoire. Integra works take centre stage in the second half, with the performance of a second commission, by Ed Bennett and Juneau Projects as well as a performance by renowned swedish ensemble Ars Nova and works by Pierre Jodlowski and Kent Oloffson. £10, 60 Plus/Under 16’s/Unwaged £8, Students £2.50 Please note that, owing to the live link with the BBC News, this concert will start promptly at 7pm. Please be seated by 6.55pm.
  *Launch of New Generation Arts Festival and Integra 2008* *Julian Lloyd Webber* _cello_
  
  

• Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain Christmas Special 

  Thu 6 Dec Town Hall

  The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain is a cult orchestra of all-singing, all-strumming, all-plucking ukulele players, featuring only ukuleles little ones, big ones, high ones, low ones, with not a twang incongruous. No guitars, No drums, No pianos, No backing tracks, and certainly No banjos. The orchestra has sold out shows all over the UK and have made triumphant appearances at the Glastonbury Festival, The Big Chill, the Edinburgh Fringe, and on Jools Holland’s Hootenanny on BBC 2.
  
  
  

• Family Concert: Animal Magic with the Orchestra of the Swan  

  Sat 1 Dec Town Hall

  Orchestra of the Swan will play a programme of family favourites including Peter and the Wolf and Jungle Nocturne for orchestra and audience. Bring your favourite cuddly animal and join Explorchestra of the Swan on a musical safari!
  
  
  

• 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
  

• CBSO Summer Concert - CBSO Youth Orchestra Academy  

  Sun 10 Aug Town Hall

  When the CBSO Youth Orchestra Academy, the virtuoso chamber orchestra drawn from the CBSO’s acclaimed Youth Orchestra, gave its first concert last September, the critics were unanimous. “Rapture was really the only natural response,” declared The Birmingham Post, going on to describe the Academy as “this jaw-droppingly brilliant group”. Now it steps onto a bigger stage: past meets present, as the stars of tomorrow raise the roof in Birmingham’s most historic music venue.
  *Michael Seal* Conductor *Morgan Szymanski* Guitar
  *Part* Cantus in Memoriam Benjamin Britten *Ligeti* Concert Romanesc *Rodrigo* Concierto de Aranjuez *Beethoven* Symphony No.7
  

• The National Children's Orchestra of Great Britain  

  Sat 12 Apr Town Hall

  The National Children’s Orchestra will leave you astounded and amazed by the quality of sound produced by such a young orchestra. £17, £14, £10, under 16’s £5 60 plus/full-time students/unwaged £15, £12, £8
  *Hilary Davan Wetton* Conductor
  *Handel* Overture in D minor (arr Elgar) *Walton* Henry V Suite (arr Mathieson) *Finzi* Elergy: The Fall of the Leaf *Arnold* Tam O’Shanter Overture *Vaughan Williams* Job, A Masque For Dancing
  

• Orchestra of the Swan: Tasmin Little and Sibelius  

  Sun 10 May 2009 Town Hall

  
  *Tasmin Little* Violin
  *Sibelius* Rakastava *Roxanna Panufnik* Tibetan Winter Violin & Orchestra *Sibelius* The Swan of Tuonela *Sibelius* Violin concerto
  

• The National Children's Orchestra  

  Sat 23 Aug Town Hall

  If you are looking to see something outstanding and inspiring this summer period then the National Children's Orchestra is the performance to see. The quality of sound produced by such a young orchestra is outstanding. Each year NCO auditions hundreds of talented children to take up the 500 highly sought after places. The sheer passion and enthusiasm of the children adds to the experience making it perfect, for you and your friends and family alike. You have to see it to believe it! £10, £14, £17, Under 16's £5 60 plus/full-time students/unwaged/ disabled patrons £8, £12, £15
  
  
  

• Birmingham Schools Gala Concert - 2nd July 2008  

  Wed 2 Jul Symphony Hall

  
  Birmingham Schools': Azaad Dhol Group String Sinfonia Steel Band Wind Orchestra Choir Symphony Orchestra
  
  

• Made in America  

  Tue 24 Feb 2009 Symphony Hall

  Many composers have left Europe to find a new home in the USA, and both in Bartók’s wartime Concerto for Orchestra • composed for the virtuosi of the Boston Symphony Orchestra • and Dvorˇák’s most popular concerto, composed in New York, you can hear elements of each composer’s old world as well as the new. John Adams’ riotous orchestral showpiece seems more authentically American, though it was a by-product of his celebrated opera Nixon in China, and imagines Madam Mao reliving her music-hall past.
  Andris Nelsons - conductor Alban Gerhardt - cello City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra
  Adams: The Chairman Dances (24 Feb) 12’ Dvorák: Cello Concerto in B minor 40’ Bartók: Concerto for Orchestra 35’
  

• Made in America  

  Wed 25 Feb 2009 Symphony Hall

  Many composers have left Europe to find a new home in the USA, and both in Bartók’s wartime Concerto for Orchestra • composed for the virtuosi of the Boston Symphony Orchestra • and Dvorˇák’s most popular concerto, composed in New York, you can hear elements of each composer’s old world as well as the new. John Adams’ riotous orchestral showpiece seems more authentically American, though it was a by-product of his celebrated opera Nixon in China, and imagines Madam Mao reliving her music-hall past.
  Andris Nelsons - conductor Alban Gerhardt - cello City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra
  Brahms: Three Hungarian Dances 12’ Dvorák: Cello Concerto in B minor 40’ Bartók: Concerto for Orchestra 35’
  

• Symphonic Rock with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra  

  Fri 20 Feb 2009 Symphony Hall

  Following sell-out shows at London's Royal Albert Hall, experience the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra performing great rock anthems and classic pop tracks, featuring hits by: *Queen, The Moody Blues, The Beatles, Procol Harum, U2, Madonna, Bon Jovi, Meat Loaf and Eric Clapton*
  *Nick Davies* conductor *Metro Voices*
  
  

• Orchestra of the Swan: Mozart V Salieri  

  Sun 30 Nov Town Hall

  Despite a lack of evidence, the legend that Salieri poisoned Mozart out of jealousy has been fixed in people's minds by the film Amadeus. The older composer could certainly spin a good tune, but judge for yourselves whether he comes anywhere near the genius of two of Mozart's most delightful. 1.30pm free pre-concert talk Post-concert Conversation Club in the Circle Bar 15 mins after the end of the performance. "It's just how music should be." Birmingham Post £8.50, £12.50, £16.50, £19.50 Choir benches £6.50 60 plus £7.50, £11.50, £15, £17.50 Orchestra of the Swan is a Town Hall Associate Artist.
  *Orchestra of the Swan* *David Curtis* Conductor *Diane Clark* Flute *Helen Cole* Harp
  *Salieri* Symphony in D *Mozart* Concerto for flute & harp K297 *Mozart* Symphony No 29
  

• CBSO Youth Orchestra Academy Conductor Michael Seal - Mathias, Shchedrin, Beethoven 

  Sat 1 Sep Book through our ticket office for CBSO Centre

  Be there at the start of something special - the inaugural concert of the CBSO Youth Orchestra Academy, a virtuoso chamber orchestra drawn from the membership of the CBSO's acclaimed Youth Orchestra. The Youth Orchestra's brass show their mettle in a modern Welsh showpiece, before CBSO Assistant Conductor Michael Seal leads our young players through Shchedrin's hilarious, very Russian re-imagining of Bizet's opera. Beethoven's most brilliant symphony brings the evening to a flying finish. www.cbsoyouthorchestra.com *TICKETS FOR THIS EVENT NOW AVAILABLE ON THE DOOR ONLY*
  Michael Seal conductor
  *Programme to include:* *Mathias* Summer Dances *Shchedrin* Carmen Suite *Beethoven* Symphony No. 4
  

• 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
  

• The Queen Symphony  

  Sun 10 Jun Symphony Hall

  The Queen Symphony is the brainchild of composer, conductor and arranger Tolga Kashif. Four years in the making, it is an explosive new work for orchestra and choir celebrating the enormous musical legacy of rock legends Queen. It is an opportunity to hear their most famous tunes as you have never heard them before.
  *Orchestra of Opera North* *Leeds Philharmonic Choir* *Tolga Kashif* Conductor *Ian Buckle* Piano
  *Glinka* Overture _Russlan and Ludmilla_ *Rachmaninov* Piano Concerto No 2 *Kashif* Queen Symphony
  

• Symphonic Spectacular!  

  Fri 19 Sep Symphony Hall

  This concert is for secondary schools, and is designed for and by students in Key Stages 3 & 4. Forget keyboards and samplers - the full symphony orchestra is the biggest, most powerful machine ever devised for making music! Get up close and see how it works in this special concert. Tommy Pearson takes the orchestra to pieces, while the CBSO’s brilliant new conductor Andris Nelsons steers the full CBSO through a showcase performance of Berlioz’ thrilling Fantastic Symphony.
  Andris Nelsons - conductor Tommy Pearson - presenter City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra
  
  

• Glenn Miller Orchestra  

  Fri 2 Jan 2009 Symphony Hall

  _Swing In The New Year_ Have yourself a classic forties celebration as Ray McVay directs the UK’s greatest Big Band in a nostalgic journey through Glenn Miller’s legendary hits and wartime chart toppers.
  Jan Messeder, Colin Anthony, The Uptown Hall Gang, The Moonlight Serenaders _With very special guest International award-winning singing sensation_* Rosemary Squires* and *Lindy-hopping duo* *The Jumping Jack Jivers*
  _All your favourites_ Moonlight Serenade In The Mood Adios American Patrol Little Brown Jug Kalamazoo St. Louis Blues March The Orchestra will perform the second half of the concert in the World War II uniforms of the US Army Air Force
  

• The Scottish Fiddle Orchestra Hogmanay Celebration 

  Sat 29 Dec Town Hall

  The Scottish Fiddle Orchestra returns to Town Hall with its fun-filled programme of jigs, reels, strathspeys, songs, and beautiful slow airs. Their strings, accordions, flutes, piano, piper, percussion, singers, piano, and the Town Hall organ will have you clapping along to the music and joining in the songs. A lively night to remember for all of the family, with a particularly Scottish theme, which will get you in the mood for Hogmanay.
  *John Mason MBE* Conductor *Colette Ruddy* Soprano *Dennis Haggerty* Tenor *Chris Bone* Piper *Iain McGlinchey* Organist *Jim McColl MBE* Compere
  
  

• Cleveland Orchestra Plays Mahler  

  Sun 21 Oct Symphony Hall

  If you had to name the top half-a-dozen orchestras in the world, the Cleveland would be amongst them. They return to Birmingham with the work that inaugurated Symphony Hall in 1991. Mahler's _Resurrection_ Symphony is a man's journey through exultation and despair, culminating in a terrifying vision of the last judgement and crowned by one of the most joyful endings in all music. Great music, a great orchestra and a great hall this is one of the highlights of the season.
  *Franz Welser-Most* Conductor *Malin Hartelius* Soprano *Bernarda Fink* Mezzo-soprano *City of Birmingham Symphony Chorus*
  *Mahler* Symphony No 2, _Resurrection_
  

• British Classics  

  Fri 8 Aug Town Hall

  The National Youth Orchestra of Wales has the distinction of being the first national youth orchestra in the world. It combines traditional expectations with a contemporary outlook, develops a first-class training experience into performances that are full of energy and passion, and is not afraid to challenge audiences with a repertoire that is bold and adventurous. £10, Full-Times Students & 60 plus £6
  *National Youth Orcehstra of Wales* *Owain Arwel Hughes OBE* conductor
  *Mathias* Celtic Dances *Britten* Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra *Vaughan Williams* Symphony No 2, a London Symphony
  

• Orchestra of the Swan: Italian Sunshine  

  Sun 12 Oct Town Hall

  Mozart meets Mediterranean sunshine for an autumn Sunday matinee. Orchestra of the Swan are renowned for the vivacity of their excellent playing and the sunny informality of their presentation. They're joined this afternoon by the outstanding Jennifer Pike, 2002 BBC Young Musician of the Year and 2008 winner of the South Bank Show/The Times Breakthrough Award. Top-class playing and fantastic value for money. -"It's just how music should be."_ *Birmingham Post* 1.30pm free pre-concert talk and Post-concert Conversation Club in the CircleBar 15 mins after the end of the performance. £8.50, £12.50, £16.50, £19.50 Choir benches £6.50 60 plus £7.50, £11.50, £15, £17.50 Orchestra of the Swan is a Town Hall Associate Artist.
  Orchestra of the Swan David Curtis _conductor_ Jennifer Pike _violin_
  *Rossini* Overture, _An Italian Girl in Algiers'_ *Mozart* Violin Concerto No. 3 in G *Mendelssohn* Italian Symphony
  

• Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain Christmas Special  

  Thu 11 Dec Town Hall

  The cult orchestra of all-singing, all-strumming, all-plucking ukulele players return to Town Hall following last year's triumphant sell out concert! *Please note this performance is currently sold out. Clicking on the below link will take you to the booking page if any returns are available.* Alternatively you can call the Box Office on 0121 780 3333 to enquire.
  
  
  

• Brahms: German Requiem English Concert Singers, Chorus & Orchestra 

  Sun 8 Mar 2009 Town Hall

  To celebrate their 20th anniversary year, the 200 performers of the English Concert Singers/Chorus and Orchestra, under their founding Music Director, Dr. Roy Wales, present Brahms’ greatest choral work, A German Requiem. Vaughan Williams’ beautiful, lyrical Serenade to Music (choral version) and Mendelssohn’s colourful overture The Hebrides complete this special anniversary concert.
  *English Concert Singers* *English Concert Chorus* *English Concert Orchestra* *Roy Wales* Conductor *Helena Dix* Soprano *William Berger* Baritone
  *Mendelssohn* The Hebrides (Fingal’s Cave) *R. Vaughan Williams* Serenade to Music *Brahms* A German Requiem
  

• Orchestra of the Swan: Bach's Brandenburg  

  Wed 18 Feb 2009 Town Hall

  *Handel* Concerto Grosso Op 6 No 9 *Bach* Suite in B minor *Bach* Brandenburg concerto No 4 *Bach* Brandenburg concerto No 5 *Christine Whiffen* harpsichord *David Le Page* violin *Diane Clark* flute
  
  
  

• 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
  
  

• Rattle Conducts Schumann  

  Fri 19 Dec Symphony Hall

  Earlier this year, Sir Simon Rattle picked music by Schumann as one of his eight choices on Desert Island Discs. Now he turns his attention to two of the composer’s most popular works: the fresh and vibrant _Spring Symphony_ and the _Rhenish Symphony_ - a joyous celebration of the Rhineland, the awe-inspiring gothic architecture of Cologne Cathedral and, of course, the river itself. *Classic FM’s Anne-Marie Minhall says of tonight’s recommended concert:* _Fresh from his role as one of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra’s Artists Laureate 2008 for the European Capital of Culture, Sir Simon Rattle returns to his former stomping ground here in Birmingham. This evening he’ll be conducting the OAE, an orchestra he’s been closely associated with for many years now. Rattle is one of just six conductors who’ve been key in the development of this self-governing orchestra established more than twenty years ago. It was he who took the OAE to Glyndebourne for the first time in 1989 with Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro; the orchestra is now a regular visitor to the East Sussex festival._ "Classic FM":http://www.classicfm.co.uk Tickets £5-£45
  *Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment* *Sir Simon Rattle* conductor
  *Berlioz* King Lear overture 15’ *Schumann* Symphony No 1, Spring 32’ *Schumann* Symphony No 3, Rhenish 33’
  

• Orchestra of the Swan: The English Romantic  

  Wed 15 Apr 2009 Town Hall

  £8.50, £12.50, £16.50, £19.50 Choir benches £6.50 60 plus £7.50, £11.50, £15, £17.50 Orchestra of the Swan is a Town Hall Associate Artist. Please note that the choir area is bench seating, the benches are behind the stage area, and there is limited legroom and no back support. The view of the stage from this area is limited. Book 3 or more OOTS concerts in one transaction and receive a 10% reduction. Book all 6 in transaction and receive a 20% reduction. Please call the Box Office direct on 0121 780 3333 to take advantage of these offer
  *Mark Bebbington* Piano
  *Vaughan Williams* The Wasps *John Ireland* Piano concerto No 1 *Brahms* Symphony No 2
  

• Mahler's Third Symphony  

  Tue 7 Oct Symphony Hall

  From its opening primeval theme, thundered out by eight horns, to its exultant earth-shattering close, this is a journey of discovery like no other. Mahler’s Third Symphony is one of the most extravagant all-embracing symphonies ever written, with an impact that will fill every corner of Symphony Hall. Mahler himself spoke of it as being “of such magnitude that it mirrors the whole world”. It is performed by Iván Fischer and the Budapest Festival Orchestra, whose recent performances of Mahler have had the critics reaching for superlatives. £5-£37.50 Choir not available. Please note there is no interval.
  *Budapest Festival Orchestra* *Iván Fischer* conductor *Birgit Remmert* mezzo-soprano *The Ladies of the City of Birmingham Symphony Chorus* *City of Birmingham Symphony Youth Chorus - Seniors*
  *Mahler* Symphony No 3 99’
  

• Good Friday St Matthew Passion Sung in English 

  Fri 6 Apr Symphony Hall

  This annual performance of Bach�s sublime St Matthew Passion is now a well-established Easter tradition in Birmingham. Once again Birmingham�s own Bach Choir combines with the English Chamber Orchestra and distinguished soloists to re-tell the profoundly moving events of Holy Week. There will be an extended interval for tea and the performance will end at approximately 6pm.
  Birmingham Bach Choir English Chamber Orchestra Paul Spicer Conductor Christopher Gillett Evangelist Paul Whelan Christus Yvette Bonner Soprano William Towers Alto Ed Lyon Tenor Peter Savidge Bass
  Bach St Matthew Passion
  

• University of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra  

  Sun 2 Dec Symphony Hall

  
  
  *King Edward VI High School Junior Choir* *Mark Chaundy* Tenor *Colin Timms* Conductor *Wagner* Prelude, The Mastersingers *Beethoven* Symphony No. 7 *Berlioz* Te Deum
  

• Tchaikovsky From St Petersburg  

  Tue 14 Oct Symphony Hall

  The St Petersburg Philharmonic Orchestra is Russia’s oldest and most legendary orchestra, conducted by Tchaikovsky himself for the first performance of his tragic Pathétique Symphony. In tonight’s concert, this most emotional of all Russian works is heard next to the autumnal melancholy of Elgar’s cello concerto, in the hands of the wonderful Dutch cellist Quirine Viersen. *Classic FM's Anne-Marie Minhall says of tonight's recommended concert:* _I was lucky enough to see the St Petersburg Philharmonic and Yuri Temirkanov perform live in their home city a couple of years back. They’re an absolutely stunning orchestra to see (and hear) in action. Included in tonight’s programme is a short piece by the St Petersburg-born composer, Anatoli Liadov. Poor old Liadov was the composer who, unwittingly, changed the course of musical history by not writing something. It was he who was first approached by the maestro, Sergei Diaghilev, to write the score for a new ballet called The Firebird. Unfortunately for Liadov, he couldn’t get the score done in time and so the job went to one Igor Stravinsky instead._ "Classic FM":http://www.classicfm.co.uk 6.15pm pre-concert talk £5-£37.50 *We regret that due to illness Maestro Yuri Temerikanov has cancelled his engagements and is unable to appear with the St Petersburg Philharmonic Orchestra at SH on Tuesday 14 October. We are delighted that Yan Pascal Tortelier, Conductor Laureate of the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, has agreed to stand in at short notice. The orchestra, programme and soloist remain unchanged*
  *St Petersburg Philharmonic Orchestra* *Yan Pascal Tortelier* conductor *Quirine Viersen* cello
  *Liadov* Kikimora 6’ *Elgar* Cello Concerto 28’ *Tchaikovsky* Symphony no 6, Pathetique 46’ *Please note that the NIA car park will be particularly busy tonight as Oasis are playing there, so please allow extra time if travelling by car.*
  

• Proms Night Spectacular! British Police Symphony Orchestra 

  Sat 6 Dec Symphony Hall

  The British Police Symphony Orchestra return once more for their annual Last Night celebration. This year's programme includes Bernstein's Candide Overture and a selection from West Side Story, before launching into their traditional Last Night Spectacular complete with fireworks! Singing voices compulsory at one of Birmingham's best-loved concerts.
  
  
  

• Saregama & the CBSO present Rafi Resurrected with Sonu Niigaam  

  Tue 15 Jul Symphony Hall

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

• Rodgers & Hammerstein Gala  

  Sun 24 Jun Symphony Hall

  A fantastic evening of classic showstoppers and hits from the world's favourite musicals including _South Pacific_, _The Sound of Music_, _State Fair_, _The King I_, _Carousel_, and _Oklahoma_. Featuring West End star soloists Claire Moore and Graham Bickley.
  Richard Balcombe Conductor Capital Voices London Concert Orchestra
  
  

• Mahler’s Resurrection  

  Sun 31 May 2009 Symphony Hall

  Andris Nelsons is the latest CBSO music director to bring us his interpretation of Mahler’s huge, all-embracing Resurrection symphony, long a CBSO speciality. Featuring a gigantic orchestra - on and offstage - as well as vocalists and chorus, this is one of the biggest statements in late-romantic art. Mahler’s emotional intensity, his echoing trumpet calls and his way of dividing the orchestra into different groups all find a contemporary echo in a recent work by leading German composer Jörg Widmann.
  Andris Nelsons - conductor Sarah Fox - soprano Mihoko Fujimura - mezzo-soprano City of Birmingham Symphony Chorus City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra
  Mahler: Symphony No. 2 (Resurrection) 77’
  

• The British Police Symphony Orchestra - Last Night of the Proms Spectacular  

  Sat 8 Dec Symphony Hall

  The British Police Symphony Orchestra return for their annual Last Night Of The Proms Spectacular! This year's concert will feature the magnificent Tchaikovsky's Symphony No.4 which will be followed in the second half by hits from Broadway and the movies plus our traditional Last Night celebration complete with firework display!
  
  
  

• CBSO Youth Orchestra  

  Sun 22 Feb 2009 Symphony Hall

  Andris Nelsons demonstrates his commitment to Birmingham’s young musicians in this, his debut appearance with the CBSO’s acclaimed Youth Orchestra. And it’s all about colour. Whether in the gorgeous oriental fantasies of Ravel’s impressionist song-cycle Shéhérazade, the brilliant sunrise that opens his Daphnis and Chloé suite or the glittering Russian jewel-box of Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition, this is a programme to dazzle the ears. Expect our superb young players to give it their all, as Andris Nelsons celebrates the start of what we hope will be a very special relationship.
  Andris Nelsons - conductor Christine Rice - mezzo-soprano
  Ravel: Daphnis et Chloé - Suite No. 2 16’ Ravel: Shéhérazade 19’ Mussorgsky (orch. Ravel): Pictures at an Exhibition 30’
  

• The National Children's Orchestra 30th Anniversary Concert  

  Sun 31 Aug Symphony Hall

  
  
  2008 is NCO's 30th anniversary year and this is being celebrated with this spectacular concert with all five of NCO's orchestra's performing. NCO's members are provided with high class musical tuition on residential courses. This concert is the perfect opportunity for you to see the UK's most talented under 14 year olds performing.
  

• The Scottish Fiddle Orchestra  

  Sat 27 Dec Town Hall

  The Scottish Fiddle Orchestra returns to Town Hall, following last year’s sold-out concert, with a lively concert for the festive season. The unique arrangements of traditional items, mixed with John Mmason’s original compositions, are performed by an orchestra of fiddles, flutes, cellos, basses, accordions, piano and pipes, and augmented by the incomparable organ of Town Hall. Jigs, reels, marches, songs and other dance music will keep your feet tapping and have you joining in with the performers. Programme will also feature some poignant slow airs and the orchestra’s unique and stirring rendition of Highland Cathedral. This will be a night to remember for all the family, and especially for anyone with Scots connections. £10, £14, £18, £22.50, Choir benches £7.5
  *John Mason MBE* conductor/musical director *Colette Ruddy* soprano *Dennis Haggerty* tenor *Jim McColl* compere
  
  

• Fireworks for Two Freiburg Baroque & OAE 

  Sun 29 Apr Symphony Hall

  Oliver Condy, Editor of BBC Music Magazine, explains why he has recommended tonight's concert "Britain�s greatest period orchestra gets together with one of Germany�s most exciting baroque bands for a concert of famous and less well-known baroque masterpieces. If you don�t know the work of Zelenka, you�ll leave this concert wondering why. Is he as good as Bach? That�s for you to decide!" _International Concert Season discounts available for 60plus, disabled patrons, Birmingham Passport to Leisure, students and young people and groups. Plus our 'Kids go free' scheme. Please contact the box office for more details._
  Freiburg Baroque Orchestra Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment Gottfried Von Der Goltz and Rachel Podger Directors
  Corelli Concerto Grosso Op 6 No 1 in D Zelenka Overture � 7 concertante in F Purcell Suite from Abdelazerand The Gordian Knot Untied (arr. Catherine Mackintosh) Handel Music for the Royal Fireworks
  

• Here Come the Classics Royal Philharmonic Orchestra 

  Sun 6 May Symphony Hall

  Join the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra for a spectacular evening of classical favourites - the best of the best! Programme to include classic gems from the most popular orchestral and opera works ever written.
  Conductor - Nick Davies Piano - Lucy Parham Tenor - Wynne Evans
  MUSSORGSKY - Night on the Bare Mountain COATES - Knightsbridge March BARBER - Adagio for Strings GRIEG - In the Hall of the Mountain King (from Peer Gynt) DI CAPUA - O Sole Mio RACHMANINOV - Adagio (from Piano Concerto No.2) ELGAR - Pomp and Circumstances March No.1 SUPPÉ - Light Cavalry Overture TCHAIKOVSKY - Allegro (from Piano Concerto No.1) KHACHATURIAN - Sabre Dance ELGAR - Nimrod (from Enigma Variations) MASCAGNI - Intermezzo (from Cavalleria Rusticana) PUCCINI - Nessun Dorma (from Turandot) RAVEL - Boléro
  

• Birmingham Festival Choral Society ELIJAH 

  Sun 13 Apr 2008 Town Hall

  BFCS presents Elijah with the English Haydn Orchestra on period instruments, capturing a time when the newly formed BFCS participated in Elijah's premiere - here in Town Hall in 1846 - and performed it again in 1847 with Mendelssohn himself conducting. As Birmingham’s longest established chorus, this will be our 392nd performance in Town Hall, but the first since its refurbishment. BFCS continues to make history and this is one such occasion not to be missed. "BFCS Website":http://bfcs.org.uk
  
  Birmingham Festival Choral Society *Patrick Larley* conductor / MD for BFCS *English Haydn Orchestra* leader John Reid *Elizabeth Cragg* soprano *Harriet Goodwin* mezzo-soprano *Jon English* tenor *Mark Rowlinson* baritone *Kevin Gill* organist
  

• Mozart from Salzburg Salzburg Mozarteum Orchestra 

  Thu 1 May 2008 Town Hall

  Few orchestras can claim such close links to Mozart as the Salzburg Mozarteum Orchestra. Mozart's widow, Constanza, formed the orchestra in 1841 to mark the 50th anniversary of Mozart's death and since then it has celebrated his genius. Their programme includes two concertos in one concert, as well as two great symphonies, the youthful, high-spirited No 34 and the tragic No 40. Classic FM's Anne-Marie Minhall says of tonight's recommended concert: _"Symphony No 34 was written by Mozart during a difficult period in his life. His mother had died, he'd been spurned by the woman he loved and he was working in Salzburg for an Archbishop who didn't really appreciate the genius he had under his roof."_
  *Ivor Bolton* Conductor *Johannes Hinterholzer* Horn *Bernhard Krabatsch* Flute
  *Mozart* Symphony No 34 24' *Mozart* Flute Concerto No 1 26' *Mozart* Horn Concerto No 4 15' *Mozart* Symphony No 40 30'
  

• King Edward VI Camp Hill Schools' Christmas Concert  

  Mon 8 Dec Town Hall

  Featuring the schools' main music ensembles, including the Concert Orchestra, Concert Band, Intermediate Orchestra, Intermediate Wind Band, Training Strings and Training Wind Band, in a seasonal feast of music.
  
  
  

• Vengerov plays Mozart UBS Verbier Festival Orchestra 

  Wed 9 May Symphony Hall

  Mozart Violin Concerto No 4 in D K218 Mozart Sinfonia Concertante in E flat K364 Mozart Violin Concerto No 5 in A K219, Turkish Shostakovich Chamber Symphony for Strings Op 110a Annie-Marie Minhall, news reader and presenter of Classic FM's Newsnight, says of tonight's Classic FM recommended concert "Don't miss one of the world's leading violinists live in action. Maxim Vengerov will not only be playing, but also directing both nights. The UBS Verbier Festival Orchestra is made up of around one hundred youngsters from 37 different countries. The orchestra performs each year at the prestigious Verbier Festival in Switzerland. There they get the chance to not only work with leading musicians like Vengerov, but also get to take part in masterclasses and workshops with them too.
  Maxim Vengerov, Violin/Director
  Violin Concerto No 2 in D K211 Violin Concerto No 4 in D K218
  

• Fabulous Fables  

  Fri 1 Feb Town Hall

  South Birmingham Sinfonia is a Bournville based amateur orchestra. Founded 30 years ago, the orchestra has recently grown and developed a high standard of performance under its inspired conductor, Lee Differ. Playing regularly to packed houses, the orchestra makes its first appearance at Town Hall. The premiere in this evening's performance _The Magic Jigsaw_ was written by Lindsay Lucas (and arranged for SBS by Lee Differ). It is based upon a poem by Edward Dent, a 7 year old Birmingham boy who died of cancer in 1989. It was in his memory that the Edwards Trust was founded. All seats £8.50 In aid of the Edwards Trust and St Mary’s Hospice.
  *South Birmingham Sinfonia* *Blue Coat School Choir* *Lee Differ* Conductor
  *Mendelssohn* Overture, the Hebrides *Vaughan Williams* English Folk Songs Suite *L. Lucas* The Magic Jigsaw *Dvorák* Symphony No. 7
  

• Blockbusters! Music from the Movies 

  Mon 29 Dec Symphony Hall

  _Music From The Movies_ *ROBERT POWELL* introduces an evening of unforgettable musical themes from award-winning films including
  Paul Bateman _conductor_ London Concert Orchestra
  BATMAN *BEN-HUR* *PLATOON* *GLADIATOR* *JAMES BOND* *JURASSIC PARK* *INDIANA JONES* *HARRY POTTER* *DOCTOR ZHIVAGO* *THE DAM BUSTERS* *CHARIOTS OF FIRE* *THE DEER HUNTER* *LORD OF THE RINGS* *MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE* *DANCES WITH WOLVES* *THOSE MAGNIFICENT MEN IN THEIR FLYING MACHINES*
  

• CBSO Friday Night Classics Film and TV Classics 

  Fri 8 Jun Symphony Hall

  Sit back and enjoy music from _Philadelphia_, _A Room with a View_ and _Fantasia_, along with much-loved tunes from musicals _Porgy and Bess_, _West Side Story_ and _My Fair Lady_. You'll recognise ads including Hamlet Cigars and TV themes from the Ashes ( _Jerusalem_ ), the Grand National and Torvill and Dean's signature skating tune, _Bolero_. Sposored by IMI.
  *City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra* *Carl Davis* Conductor *Claire Rutter* Soprano
  
  

• Dvorák’s New World Symphony  

  Fri 8 May 2009 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 Tickets £5-£37.50
  *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’
  

• Sing the Ultimate Movies with Sing Live Central 

  Sun 20 Jan 2008 Symphony Hall

  Sing Live Central are back with an unforgettable vocal extravaganza. Over 250 local singers hit the Symphony Hall Stage performing songs from _Fame_, _Dirty Dancing_, _Star Wars_, and _The Lion King_ to name just a few. Kevin Miles ‘the voice of Disney’ guides the audience through an evening celebrating some of the biggest and latest hits from the movies.
  
  *Barry Todd* Musical Director *National Festival Orchestra*
  

• Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra 

  Sat 1 Dec Symphony Hall

  With its velvet strings, golden brass and exceptional woodwind, the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra of Amsterdam has been a byword for the highest quality for well over a hundred years. They return to Birmingham with the fiery passion of Tchaikovsky's Fifth Symphony and with violinist Vadim Repin in Mendelssohn's Violin Concerto. A concert to cherish. Classic FM's Anne-Marie Minhall says of tonight's recommended concert: _" This is an early Christmas stocking of a concert to start the month, what a great musical line-up from start to finish. Vadim Repin playing the Mendelssohn Violin Concerto promises to be sensational, this is the musician described by Yehudi Menuhin as 'simply the best, the most perfect violinist I have ever heard'."_
  *Daniele Gatti* Conductor *Vadim Repin* Violin
  *Schumann* Manfred Overture 12' *Mendelssohn* Violin Concerto 30' *Tchaikovsky* Symphony No 5 45'
  

• resonance presents The Heritage Orchestra  

  Fri 3 Oct Town Hall

  The May launch of resonance events was a fresh and funky affair, as London beat maniacs The Herbaliser kicked off a regular night of groundbreaking hip hop, jazz, broken beat and leftfield electronica at Town Hall Birmingham. This time around, expect the spectacular with a packed programme featuring jaw dropping 45 piece ensemble The Heritage Orchestra playing the music of Amon Tobin, album launch for the very brilliant singer and musician Lizzy Parks, giveaways plus a whole host of Birmingham based DJ and MC talent, presented by DJ Cro. Special guests to be announced very soon! Standing £15 "www.myspace.com/resonanceevents":http://www.myspace.com/resonanceevents Presented in association with "Birmingham Jazz":http://www.birminghamjazz.co.uk/
  
  The Heritage Orchestra play the music of Amon Tobin Lizzy Parks album launch DJ Cro and special guest DJs and MCs
  

• 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’
  

• National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain  

  Tue 6 Jan 2009 Symphony Hall

  There is nothing quite like the excitement of an orchestra of young musicians - many of these talented young performers are having their first encounters with great orchestral music, experiencing it onstage at Symphony Hall with a freshness and passion never to be recaptured. They start 2009 with an epic journey across Alpine landscapes with wonderful European conductor Semyon Bychkov, renowned for subtle and revelatory performances of Strauss. Discover Berio’s glorious vocal and orchestral collage, which pays tribute to many composers from Mahler to Bach and exuberantly captures the spirit of the 1960s when it was composed. Tickets £5-£37.50 *SPECIAL OFFER: YOUNG PEOPLE SEE THE NYO FOR A FIVER* £5 tickets available for under 25s. Proof of ID be will required on the night.Call THSH Box Office on 0121 780 333 and quote 'NYO for a fiver'. Offer subject to availability. Limit of 4 tickets per booker.
  *Semyon Bychkov* conductor *London Voices*
  *Berio* Sinfonia 27' *Strauss* An Alpine Symphony 47'
  

• Mahler’s Resurrection  

  Wed 27 May 2009 Symphony Hall

  Andris Nelsons is the latest CBSO music director to bring us his interpretation of Mahler’s huge, all-embracing Resurrection symphony, long a CBSO speciality. Featuring a gigantic orchestra - on and offstage - as well as vocalists and chorus, this is one of the biggest statements in late-romantic art. Mahler’s emotional intensity, his echoing trumpet calls and his way of dividing the orchestra into different groups all find a contemporary echo in a recent work by leading German composer Jörg Widmann. 6.15pm Pre-concert talk - Premiere! - Jorg Widmann Eminent German composer Jörg Widmann talks to Stephen Maddock about his Antiphon - which receives its UK premiere tonight.
  Andris Nelsons - conductor Sarah Fox - soprano Mihoko Fujimura - mezzo-soprano City of Birmingham Symphony Chorus City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra
  Widmann: Antiphon (UK premiere) 15’ Mahler: Symphony No. 2 (Resurrection) 77’
  

• CBSO - Viennese Masterpieces  

  Thu 24 May Symphony Hall

  The CBSO are delighted to welcome back one of the world's greatest violinists for a programme of Viennese classics. Beethoven's Fourth is one of his wittiest creations and there is also plenty of humour in this Haydn symphony, one of a set of six composed to please the elegant tastes of Parisian audiences. The last of Mozart's five Violin Concertos is full of dazzling display for the soloist, not least in the ever-surprising finale with its 'Turkish' episodes. Today's programme offers music of elegance, charm and sophistication in abundance! Please Note this concert is being performed on Wednesday 23 May, 2.15pm and Thursday 24 May, 7.30pm *Pre-Concert Talk* Wednesday 23 May, 1.15pm & Thursday 24 May, 6.15pm Beethoven's brightest symphony - as seen from inside the orchestra by violinist David Gregory.
  *City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra* *Leonidas Kavakos* Conductor/Violin
  *Haydn* Symphony No 82, The Bear 26' *Mozart* Violin Concerto No 5 31' *Beethoven* Symphony No 4 34'
  

• Nelson Riddle Orchestra Direct from the USA! 

  Tue 25 Nov Symphony Hall

  The music of Nelson Riddle is legendary. His music set the mood for a generation and helped to make the careers of artists like Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole and Ella Fitzgerald ‘cool’. He also arranged the soundtracks of many Hollywood movies and was nominated for seven Academy Awards, winning twice. His son Christopher Riddle now conducts and leads the orchestra in the same tradition and style set by his father, using all the original charts and arrangements to give you the most wonderful evening of music. Also featured in the show are the vocal talents of Bryan Anthony, who like Francis Albert, hails from New Jersey and on his first visit to the UK is going to thrill the audiences just like he’s done stateside.
  
  
  

• CBSO - Viennese Masterpieces (matinee)  

  Wed 23 May Symphony Hall

  The CBSO are delighted to welcome back one of the world's greatest violinists for a programme of Viennese classics. Beethoven's Fourth is one of his wittiest creations and there is also plenty of humour in this Haydn symphony, one of a set of six composed to please the elegant tastes of Parisian audiences. The last of Mozart's five Violin Concertos is full of dazzling display for the soloist, not least in the ever-surprising finale with its 'Turkish' episodes. Today's programme offers music of elegance, charm and sophistication in abundance! Please Note this concert is being performed on Wednesday 23 May, 2.15pm and Thursday 24 May, 7.30pm Pre-Concert Talk Wednesday 23 May, 1.15pm & Thursday 24 May, 6.15pm Beethoven's brightest symphony - as seen from inside the orchestra by violinist David Gregory.
  *City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra* *Leonidas Kavakos* Conductor/Violin
  *Haydn* Symphony No 82, The Bear 26' *Mozart* Violin Concerto No 5 31' *Beethoven* Symphony No 4 34'
  

• Glenn Miller Orchestra In the New Year Mood 

  Sat 5 Jan 2008 Symphony Hall

  The legendary Glenn Miller sounds and style return to Symphony Hall as Ray McVay directs nostalgic forties hits and wartime chart toppers that will have you dancing in the aisles. The orchestra will perform the second half of the concert in the World War II uniforms of the US Army Air Force.
  *Jan Messeder, Colin Anthony,The Uptown Hall Gang & The Moonlight Serenaders* Plus Special Guests *The Jiving Lindy Hoppers*
  *Moonlight Serenade Pennsylvania 65000 String Of Pearls American Patrol Tuxedo Junction In The Mood* As well as: *Joy to the World Let it Snow Winter Wonderland*
  

• National Youth Wind Orchestra  

  Sat 5 Apr 2008 Book through our ticket office for CBSO Centre

  
  
  
  

• Birmingham Schools' Symphony Orchestra  

  Sun 11 May Town Hall

  
  
  
  

• Resurrection Symphony Birmingham Philharmonic Orchestra and City of Birmingham Choir 

  Sun 20 Apr Town Hall

  A single work forms this programme, Mahler’s Second Symphony, with its journey from the graveside in the opening movement to the resurrection to eternal life of the close, a truly life-affirming experience. £6.50, £10, £15, £20
  *Birmingham Philharmonic Orchestra* *Michael Lloyd* Conductor *Amanda Winfield* Soprano *Anne Marie Gibbons* Mezzo-soprano *City of Birmingham Choir*
  *Mahler* Symphony No. 2 in C Minor, _Resurrection_
  

• Tampere Philharmonic Orchestra  

  Sat 8 Dec Town Hall

  
  
  
  

• Birmingham Conservatoire Symphony Orchestra: Messiaen  

  Fri 20 Jun Town Hall

  
  
  
  

• English Landscapes Classical Encounters with Orchestra of the Swan 

  Tue 18 Mar 2008 Town Hall

  In the 19th century Britain was known as a ‘land without music’ but the last century, led by Edward Elgar, saw an astonishing renaissance in the musical life of the country, conducting many times in Town Hall Birmingham, so it is fitting to programme his great masterpiece for strings, the Introduction & Allegro. Birmingham composer John Joubert’s 80th birthday is celebrated with a performance of oboe concerto, an OOTS commission and the concert concludes with Britten’s virtuoso showpiece, the Variations on a theme of Frank Bridge '...Orchestra of the Swan really showed its mettle in Britten’s Frank Bridge Variations...all the work’s parodying humour surfaced with a genuine exuberance...' Musical Opinion Supported by KPMG and Arts Council England "www.orchestraoftheswan.org":http://www.orchestraoftheswan.org
  Conductor - David Curtis
  Holst - St Paul's Suite John Joubert - Oboe concerto* Elgar - Introduction & Allegro David Matthews - Adagio for string orchestra Britten - Frank Bridge variations * Orchestra of the Swan commission 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
  

• Uchida Plays Mozart  

  Sun 23 Nov Symphony Hall

  Few pianists today command the respect and awe accorded to Mitsuko Uchida. “One of today’s great pianists,” wrote The Times, while The Independent summed her up as simply “sublime”. In this concert she directs two of Mozart’s greatest concertos from the keyboard-the serenity and poise of the A major Concerto contrasting with the tragedy of the C minor. Uchida’s lucid Mozart playing is ideally suited to the perfect acoustic of Symphony Hall, uniting performer and audience in an experience of crystal-clear intensity. *Classic FM’s Anne-Marie Minhall says of tonight’s recommended concert:* _Tonight the pianist Mitsuko Uchida joins forces with the orchestra formed in in 1981 and made up of fifty players from fifteen countries-The Chamber Orchestra of Europe. A chance for you to enjoy two of Mozart’s Piano Concertos written at the same time, but in very distinct moods. Mitsuko Uchida gained her international reputation by playing and recording the music of Mozart-there’s nothing she doesn’t know about the composer’s best-loved works for keyboard._ "Classic FM":http://www.classicfm.co.uk Tickets £5-£37.50
  *Chamber Orchestra of Europe* *Mitsuko Uchida* piano/director *Alexander Janiczek* director
  *Stravinsky* Apollon Musagète 30’ *Mozart* Piano Concerto No 23 in A Major, K488 24’ *Mozart* Piano Concerto No 24 in C minor, K491 30’
  

• Grand Organ Gala London Concert Orchestra 

  Sat 28 Jun Symphony Hall

  A magnificent evening of favourite orchestral classics celebrating the power and splendour of the King of Instruments presented by Phillp Scriven. *Philip Scriven* Organ/Presenter *Adrian Partington* Conductor *Fanfare Trumpeters of the Band of the Welsh Guards* *London Concert Orchestra*
  *STRAUSS* Sunrise from Also Sprach Zarathustra *BACH* Toccata and Fugue *SAINT-SAENS* Organ Symphony *WALTON* Crown Imperial *CLARKE* Trumper Voluntary *MASCAGNI* Intermezzo from Cavalleria Rusticana *ALBINONI* Adagio *WIDOR* Toccata *ELGAR* Cockaigne Overture Pomp and Circumstance March No.1
  
  

• Barbie (TM) at the Symphony Matinee Concert 

  Sat 5 Jan 2008 Symphony Hall

  Learn about classical music with Barbie™ ! Featuring the Barbie™ Princess movies on screen with the world’s best-loved classical music including selections from Barbie™ in The Nutcracker, Barbie™ of Swan Lake, Barbie™ as The Princess and the Pauper, Barbie™ in the 12 Dancing Princesses and the All-New Barbie™ as The Island Princess And many more. . . Performed by a live orchestra LONDON CONCERT ORCHESTRA This concert lasts 90 minutes including interval www.barbie.com/arts
  
  
  

• Mahler's First  

  Tue 20 Nov Symphony Hall

  Mahler may have gone on to write nine more symphonies, but it’s all there in his First: a complete musical world that veers from triumph to tragedy and back again, expressed through the supercharged sounds of a gigantic orchestra at full tilt. The Orchestra is directed by an outstanding British conductor in this titan of a symphony, and for Tchaikovsky’s equally emotional concerto he’s joined by a superb violinist making a welcome return to Birmingham. Beethoven’s fiery overture completes a dramatic programme. Free Pre-Concert Talk 6.15pm
  *Edward Gardner* Conductor *Christian Tetzlaff* Violin
  *Beethoven*: Overture, Coriolan *Tchaikovsky*: Violin Concerto *Mahler*: Symphony No. 1
  

• Johann Strauss Gala Afternoon Concert 

  Tue 1 Jan 2008 Symphony Hall

  All the romance and excitement of the ballrooms of 19th century Vienna is brought to life in this magical show filled with glorious music, dance and song from the Strauss family. With complimentary interval drink.
  *Daniel Rowland* Directer/Violin *Martene Grimson* Soprano *Johann Strauss Orchestra* *Christopher Hampson* Choreography
  *Programme to include* Blue Danube Waltz Radetzky March Pizzicato Polka Perpetuum Mobile Tritsch Tratsch Polka Tales from the Vienna Woods Music of the Spheres Thunder & Lightning Polka and many more.
  

• Summer Serenade with the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra 

  Wed 15 Aug Symphony Hall

  This concert brings an opportunity to hear Grieg's evergreen Piano Concerto, played by the distinguished pianist Boris Berezovsky with the orchestra from Edvard Grieg's native city of which he was once conductor, the famous Bergen Philharmonic. Tickets are at the very special price of £10 so early booking is advisable.
  *Andrew Litton* Conductor *Boris Berezovsky* Piano
  *Grieg* First Suite from Peer Gynt Op 46 15' *Grieg* Piano Concerto 30' *Walton* Symphony No 1 43'
  

• Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra  

  Mon 17 Mar Town Hall

  Comprised of traditional Chinese string, wind and percussion instruments, this 85-strong ensemble has gained an outstanding international reputation for its powerful and evocative performances of music both ancient and modern. The Orchestra's visit forms part of CHINA NOW, a nationwide showcase of the very best of modern China. The orchestra have chosen a programme to display the national spirit of China with different ethnic flavours from different areas of the country. They will play pieces of music inspired by aspects of Chinese culture, including traditional feast days and Chinese calligraphy. Two types of Chinese lutes will have solos during the concert, and musicians and world music fans will be intrigued to see these fantastical looking instruments in action. Having been established over thirty years ago, the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra is one of the foremost exponents of traditional Chinese music. _“The subtle beginning bordered on impressionism and, bolstered by Yan Huichang’s mellifluous and coherent direction of the 88-member group, the music was cinematic.”_ Washington Post _“Musical precision and charm just defined the conductor of the orchestra, Yan Huichang”_ Vancouver Sun _“Yan Huichang, the artistic director and principal conductor, uses a baton. His technique is Western and strong,[…] and a group of players stood in aisles of the auditorium, involving us in their individuality.”_ Los Angeles Times £10, £15, £20, £25
  *Yan Huichang* Conductor *Wong Chi-ching* Pipa *Feng Shaoxian* Sanxian and vocals
  *Wang Ning* Festivities *Zhao Jiping* Tracing our roots with the Old Pagoda Tree *Sui Lijun* Song of the Black Earth *Law Wing-fai* A Thousand Brushstrokes *Peng Xiuwen* Terracotta Warriors Fantasia
  

• A Boy Was Born Britten at Christmas 

  Sun 7 Dec Town Hall

  Britten is widely regarded as the leading British composer of the 20th century. Ex Cathedra begins its festive celebrations with a performance of his best-loved Christmas repertoire - A Boy Was Born, St Nicolas and A Ceremony of Carols - in collaboration with Ex Cathedra's fellow Town Hall Associate Artist, the Orchestra of the Swan. The concert also features Ex Cathedra's Academy of Vocal Music. £30, £23.50, £15, £8.50 60plus, unwaged, groups of 11 or more, £27.50, £21, £13, £7 _“Textures glittered throughout”_ *The Birmingham Post* Visit Ex Cathedra's website by clicking "here":http://www.ex-cathedra.org/
  *Ex Cathedra Choir* *Orchestra of the Swan* *Jeffrey Skidmore* conductor * Benjamin Hulett* tenor
  
  

• CBSO - Elgar's 150th The Dream of Gerontius 

  Fri 1 Jun Symphony Hall

  A worldwide reputation, made in Birmingham, Edward Elgar was a Midlander through and through. Over the weekend of Elgar's 150th birthday, Sakari Oramo conducts three great choruses, ten world-class soloists and the Orchestra Elgar helped found, in the great choral triptych that Elgar wrote for Birmingham. This remarkable anniversary weekend begins with the work that many consider to be Elgar's masterpiece, The Dream of Gerontius. One critic described Oramo's 2000 Centenary performance of Gerontius as one of the most moving experiences in his career. Be sure to book early this time. *Pre-Concert Talk @ 6.15pm* CBSC tenor Michael Foster, author of _Plotting Gigantic Worx - The Story of Elgar's Apostles Trilogy explores the genesis of Elgar's Dream of Gerontius._
  *City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra* *Sakari Oramo* Conductor *Jane Irwin* Mezzo soprano *Anthony Dean Griffey* Tenor *Clive Bayley* Bass *City of Birmingham Symphony Chorus* *BBC National Chorus of Wales*
  *Elgar* The Dream of Gerontius 95'
  

• Good Friday St Matthew Passion  

  Fri 10 Apr 2009 Symphony Hall

  Ex Cathedra’s trailblazing performances and critically acclaimed recordings have put them at the forefront of the international early music movement. So we can expect them to bring searching new insights to this season’s traditional Good Friday performance of Bach’s St Matthew Passion. It is the largest, most elaborate and most affecting of all Bach’s works, telling the story of the last days of Christ in music of great dignity and emotional intensity. Tickets £5-£37.50
  *Ex Cathedra Soloists, Choir & Baroque Orchestra* *Jeffrey Skidmore* conductor *Nicholas Mulroy* _Evangelist_ *Eamonn Dougan* _Christus_
  *J S Bach* St matthew Passion 180’
  

• Birmingham Jazz Season - Stan Sulzmann's 60th Birthday Celebration with The Heritage Orchestra 

  Sat 29 Nov Book through our ticket office for CBSO Centre

  
  
  
  

• White Christmas  

  Wed 19 Dec Symphony Hall

  From Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire …to Silent Night… Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas JUST LIKE THE ONES WE USED TO KNOW! The perfect way to swing into Christmas with unforgettable seasonal songs.
  *John Rigby* Conductor *Jacinta Whyte* Vocal *Gary Williams* Vocal *Capital Voices* *London Concert Orchestra*
  *Programme to include;* Santa Claus is Coming to Town Winter Wonderland Let it snow We need a little Christmas Jingle Bell Rock I saw Mommy kissing Santa Claus Baby it's cold outside Mistletoe and Wine The twelve days of Christmas Santa Baby Mistletoe and Holly Carol of the Bells We Three Kings Silent Night
  

• 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
  

• Verdi's Requiem  

  Fri 20 Mar 2009 Symphony Hall

  The Chorus and Orchestra of the Royal Opera House take up residence at Symphony Hall for two nights, with a glittering line-up of soloists and their Music Director, Antonio Pappano. _“ Everything Pappano conducts has highoctane energy, and that quality radiates off the podium as strongly as it does on it”_ *Daily Telegraph* Verdi’s Requiem is one of the greatest choral masterpieces of all time, and often described as an opera in all but name. Charged with passion, terrifying force, tenderness and consolation, this music comes straight from the composer’s heart. His sumptuous and dramatic choral writing gives us the chance to hear one of the world’s great opera choruses in full voice, in what promises to be a searing performance of this great score. *Classic FM’s Anne-Marie Minhall says of tonight’s recommended concert:* _The first of two performances in Symphony Hall for the Chorus and Orchestra of the Royal Opera House under Antonio Pappano. It’s seven years since the London-born Italian-American conductor became the music director at Covent Garden. Then 42, he was also the youngest to hold the post and since taking over the musical reins, he’s been acclaimed both by the public and critics alike. Pappano even had a premonition he’d be in the top job at Covent Garden as he read the former music director Sir Georg Solti’s autobiography._ *6.15pm pre-concert talk* Tickets £5-£50 _please note there is no interval_
  *The Royal Opera Chorus* *The Orchestra of the Royal Opera House* *Antonio Pappano* conductor *Barbara Frittoli* soprano *Olga Borodina* mezzo-soprano *Piotr Beczala* tenor *Ildar Abdrazakov* bass
  *Verdi* Requiem 90’
  

• The Salsa Ball in association with SalsaFever.com 

  Sat 8 Nov Town Hall

  Go Latin in Birmingham at one of the finest music halls in the country. An evening of salsa grooves from the UK’s hottest salsa band. Award-winning Alex Wilson is at the helm of his renowned 12-piece Salsa Orchestra, a scintillating line-up of the best contemporary salsa rhythm, brass and vocal musicians, for the Midlands launch of his new album. Before the full salsa showdown, loosen up those Latino limbs in the hands of our host Rohan Brown and expert instructors from Salsafever.com, with free classes and salsa DJs from 8pm onwards. _‘Alex Wilson has been slaying ‘em with his authentic, exciting Afro-Cuban’_ *Mojo* _‘It’s tempting to wear a hat to his gigs just to be able to throw it up in the air!’_ *Guardian* £18.50 Dress to impress - black tie preferred but not essential. *Tickets also available from www.salsafever.com*
  Alex Wilson Salsa Orchestra
  
  

• Baroque Fireworks City of Birmingham Choir 

  Sat 17 Nov Town Hall

  The City of Birmingham Choir has had a long and distinguished relationship with the Town Hall. It is celebrating its return to this historic musical venue with a programme of sparkling baroque classics, including two of Handel’s ever popular Coronation Anthems. We welcome the outstanding Orchestra of the Swan to join us for what is sure to be a dazzling display of choral and orchestral fireworks. The concert will end at approximately 9.30pm
  *David Newsholme* Organ *Adrian Lucas* Conductor *James Bowman* Counter-tenor *City of Birmingham Choir* *Orchestra of the Swan*
  *Charpentier* Te Deum in D *Handel* Music for the Royal Fireworks *Handel* The King Shall Rejoice *Purcell* Come ye Sons of Art, Away *Purcell* O Sing Unto the Lord *Handel* Zadok the Priest
  

• Benedetti Plays Sibelius Vienna Tonkunstler Orchestra 

  Fri 15 Feb 2008 Symphony Hall

  Not yet twenty, Nicola Benedetti's reputation has risen meteorically since she won the BBC Young Musician of the Year Award in 2004. Her performance of the Sibelius Violin Concerto with the dynamic young firebrand Kristjan Jarvi, Principal Conductor of the Vienna Tonkustler Orchestra, is sure to create an irresistible frisson. Alongside the Concerto's slow-burning, brooding intensity we have the vivacious hi-tech energy of John Adams's music and the most famous of all symphonies, Beethoven's Fifth, with its intense heroic struggle, culminating in a blaze of joy.
  *Kristjan Jarvi* Conductor *Nicola Benedetti* Violin
  *Adams* Slonimsky's Earbox 13' *Sibelius* Violin Concerto 33' *Beethoven* Symphony No 5 35'
  

• Beethoven's Missa Solemnis  

  Sat 15 Nov Symphony Hall

  There is no genuine choral possibility undeveloped in the Mass. Beethoven imagines everything humanly possible - and then adds more! Join us as we scale the majestic heights of Beethoven’s late, great dramatic Mass in a glorious musical tour de force bursting with exuberance and exhilaration. “Adrian Lucas draws fine responses from the Choir with impressive dynamic contrasts, refined inner tuning and impeccable blending of parts resulting in a greatly satisfying performance”. £10, £12.50, £16, £21.50, £26.50, £31.50, £35.50. Discounts available.
  *City of Birmingham Choir* *Bristol Choral Society* *City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra* *Adrian Lucas* Conductor *Lee Bissett* Soprano *Hannah Pedley* Mezzo soprano *Ben Segal* Tenor *David Soar* Bass
  
  

• A Hero’s Life  

  Wed 24 Jun 2009 Symphony Hall

  To close his first season, Andris Nelsons returns to his love of Richard Strauss, with the epic, semi-autobiographical tone poem in which the composer charts his marriage, his battles with his critics and his own earlier artistic creations. Haydn’s most famous mass - named for a great hero - also incorporates the sounds of war, and like Strauss, the composer pleads for a peace - Dona Nobis Pacem - that eventually arrives.
  Andris Nelsons - conductor Claire Booth - soprano Hilary Summers - mezzo-soprano Andrew Kennedy - tenor Graeme Broadbent - bass City of Birmingham Symphony Chorus City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra
  Haydn: Nelson Mass 43’ Strauss: Ein Heldenleben 46’
  

• The Verdi Requiem with Making Music West Midlands  

  Sun 8 Jun Symphony Hall

  The thrilling trumpet call to judgement accompanies the spectacular choir of massed voices from across the Midlands region, in this gala performance of Verdi's intensely operatic Requiem. Making Music's trienniel event is conducted by Michael Lloyd with a cracking line-up of soloists supported by the remarkable Chandos Symphony Orchestra. _'A chorus singing out of its socks'_ Christopher Morley, The Birmingham Post
  *Michael Lloyd* Conductor *Kathyrn Rutland* Leader *Julie Unwin* Soprano *Anne Marie Owens* Mezzo-soprano *Rhys Meirion* Tenor *Andrew Greenan* Bass *Chandos Symphony Orchestra* *Massed Choirs of Making Music West Midlands*
  *Verdi* Requiem 80'
  

• Festival of Young Musicians with Aled Jones  

  Sat 22 Nov Symphony Hall

  Marking 120 years of Child Protection, the NSPCC Birmingham Branch proudly presents a festival of young musicians. Broadcaster and singer Aled Jones will be presenting an exciting and varied programme of some of the city’s most gifted and talented young musicians • including The Birmingham Schools Symphony Orchestra, Jazz Ensemble, the highly acclaimed Azaad Dhol Group, Training Wind Orchestra, Steel Band and Gospel Choir. Plus solo performance by Aled Jones. Produced and directed by Jeremy Blunt of Birmingham Schools Service. Organised by the NSPCC’s Birmingham Branch of Volunteers all the profits raised from this event will support the NSPCC’s vital work with local children • the goal is to raise £25,000. £15, Discounts available
  
  
  

• Rachmaninov’s Second  

  Tue 23 Sep Symphony Hall

  For his second programme as music director, Andris Nelsons has chosen another grand romantic symphony - Rachmaninov’s sweeping, passionate second, which the composer premiered exactly a century ago in 1908. In the first half, the brilliant young Macedonian pianist Simon Trpceski will join the Orchestra for Saint-Saëns’ most popular concerto, and the concert begins with another French favourite, Debussy’s sensuous miniature ballet. Pre concert talk 6.15pm - The Players’ Perspective - Rachmaninov’s Second Violinist David Gregory and fellow CBSO musicians present an insider’s angle on Rachmaninov’s best-loved symphony.
  Andris Nelsons - conductor Simon Trpceski - piano City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra
  Debussy: Prélude à l’après-midi d’un faune 10’ Saint-Saëns: Piano Concerto No. 2 23’ Rachmaninov: Symphony No. 2 55’
  

• CBSO Youth Orchestra  

  Fri 31 Oct Symphony Hall

  Even by Mahler’s own standards, his Seventh Symphony is extraordinary. He called it a “song of the night”, though it ends in roof-raising jubilation. But first comes a fantastic journey through a world of dreams, nightmares, moonlit lovesongs and romance. It’s a whole new musical world - so who better to play it than our renowned Youth Orchestra, under the brilliant Dutch maestro Jac van Steen? If you heard the CBSO Youth Orchestra’s stunning performances of Nielsen and Bartók last season, you’ll know to expect an unforgettable evening as our superb young players tackle their most challenging programme yet. bq.These committed and gifted youngsters produced performances which would put many professional bodies to shame, with crisp articulation, impressively accurate intonation, but, above all, a depth of tone and confidence of phrasing which really denotes an ensemble of the highest class.bq. Musical Opinion
  Jac van Steen - conductor
  Mahler: Symphony No. 7 80’
  

• Tavener's The Beautiful Names  

  Sat 15 Mar 2008 Town Hall

  The direct melodic simplicity and rapt beauty of Sir John Tavener's music has spoken to an extraordinary cross-section of the public, from aficionados through to the many who were moved by his Song of Athene at the funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales. His music shares the soulful spirituality of Rachmaninov's Vespers and the slow-burning intensity of Barber's Agnus Dei (an arrangement of his Adagio for strings). In his latest work, which takes its name from the ninety-nine names of Allah according to Islamic tradition, he reaches out to a new universalism, embracing the many religions of the world.
  *David Hill* Conductor *Andrew Kennedy* Tenor *BBC Symphony Orchestra* *BBC Symphony Chorus*
  *Rachmaninov* Excerpts from Vespers 15' *Tavener* Song of Athene 4' *Barber* Agnus Dei 7' *Tavener* The Beautiful Names of Allah: A Vision 75'
  

• The Great American Songbook  

  Sun 14 Jun 2009 Book through our ticket office for CBSO Centre

  The Berkley Street Dance Orchestra plays vintage dance band favourites from the 30s and 40s.
  
  
  

• A Hero’s Life  

  Sat 27 Jun 2009 Symphony Hall

  To close his first season, Andris Nelsons returns to his love of Richard Strauss, with the epic, semi-autobiographical tone poem in which the composer charts his marriage, his battles with his critics and his own earlier artistic creations. Haydn’s most famous mass - named for a great hero - also incorporates the sounds of war, and like Strauss, the composer pleads for a peace - Dona Nobis Pacem - that eventually arrives. c.9.15pm Post-concert conversation With Andris Nelsons and Stephen Maddock.
  Andris Nelsons - conductor Claire Booth - soprano Hilary Summers - mezzo-soprano Andrew Kennedy - tenor Graeme Broadbent - bass City of Birmingham Symphony Chorus City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra
  Haydn: Nelson Mass 43’ Strauss: Ein Heldenleben 46’
  

• The Four Seasons By Candlelight  

  Sun 30 Dec Symphony Hall

  Vivaldi’s masterpiece is a fitting finale to this superb concert of beautiful 18th Century classics performed in full period costume in an evocative candle-lit style setting.
  *Steven Devine* Director/Harpsichord *Nicola Stonehouse* Soprano *David Juritz* Violin *Crispian Steele-Perkins* Trumpet *Tom Rainer* Trumpet *Mozart Festival Orchestra* In full period costume
  *Handel* I know that my redeemer liveth, Let the bright Seraphim *Purcell* Trumpet Suite *Bach* Air on the G String *Vivaldi* Concerto for Two Trumpets *Albinoni* Adagio *Pachelbel* Canon *Vivaldi* The Four Seasons
  

• Rachmaninov's Second Symphony Russian State Symphony Orchestra 

  Thu 15 May Symphony Hall

  In its heart-felt lyricism and inexhaustible stream of melody, the Second Symphony is one of the most emotionally charged of all Rachmaninov's works. It is heard next to the youthful fire of his First Piano Concerto and Prokofiev's dazzling suite from the opera The Love for Three Oranges. The Russian State Symphony Orchestra have this music in their blood and bring a truly authentic passion to their performances. Classic FM's Anne-Marie Minhall says of tonight's recommended concert: _" Expect some musical fireworks as Dmitri Alexeev takes on Rachmaninov's earliest work. The composer produced his First Piano Concerto when he was still a teenager training at the Conservatoire in Moscow, but he altered it radically nearly thirty years later and this is the version we hear today."_
  *Mark Gorenstein* Conductor *Dmitri Alexeev* Piano
  *Tchaikovsky* The Snow Maiden (excerpts) *Rachmaninov* Piano Concerto No 1 27' *Rachmaninov* Symphony No 2 60'
  

• New Year's Eve Concert  

  Wed 31 Dec Town Hall

  A musical feast in the heart of Birmingham. Start your New Year’s celebrations early with this rousing concert of Proms favourites in the distinctive setting of Birmingham’s Town Hall. *CELEBRATE THE NEW YEAR!*
  _And all your Proms favourites_ *Fantasia on Greensleeves* *Rule, Britannia!* *Nessun dorma* *Land of Hope and Glory* John Hudson _tenor_ Richard Morrison _baritone_ Anthony Inglis _conductor_ London Concert Orchestra
  *Rossini* Galop from William Tell *Sousa* Liberty Bell March *Mussorgsky* Great Gate of Kiev *Waldteufel* The Skaters’ Waltz *Mendelssohn* The Hebrides Overture *Bizet* The Pearl Fishers Duet *Walton* Crown Imperial *Di Capua* O sole Mio *Suppé* Light Cavalry Overture *Rossini* Largo al factotum *Strauss* Radetzky March
  

• University of Birmingham Choir and Philharmonic Orchestra  

  Sun 16 Mar Town Hall

  
  
  *Paul Rodmell* Conductor *Beethoven* Meerestille undglückliche Fahrt Op 112 *Schumann* Symphony No. 3 in E flat, Rhenish *Puccini* Messa di Gloria
  

• New Year's Eve Matinee Gala  

  Mon 31 Dec Town Hall

  Avoid the crowds of the city centre on New Year's Eve evening and celebrate earlier in the glorious surroundings of Town Hall. The London Concert Orchestra will mark the New Year with a feast of popular classics. Please note that this performance does not include complimentary interval refreshments.
  *Anthony Inglis* Conductor *Paul O'Neill* Tenor *Grant Doyle* Baritone *London Concert Orchestra*
  *Strauss* Die Fledermaus Overture *Sousa* Stars and Stripes Forever *Elgar* Nimrod *Tchaikovsky* Swan Lake Finale *Bizet* The Pearl Fishers Duet *Porter* Brush up your Shakespeare *Ponchielli* Dance of the Hours *Rossini* William Tell Overture *Mascagni* Intermezzo from Cavalleria Rusticana *Sibelius* Finlandia *Mozart* Champagne Aria *Denza* Funiculi, funicula *Arne* Rule Britannia *Parry* Jerusalem *Puccini* Nessun dorma *Elgar* Pomp & Circumstance March No 1
  

• Celebrating Sibelius:II