Sorry, but we couldn't find that event

Were you looking for one of the following?

• Birmingham Bach Choir: Bach Mass in B Minor Brandenburg Baroque Soloists 

  Sat 29 Nov Town Hall

  Completed in the last year of his life, the Mass in B Minor is the consummate expression of Bach’s genius. With masterful interplay between chorus, orchestra, and soloists from the beseeching spirals of the opening Kyrie to the final climactic Dona nobis pacem this is choral music at its greatest.
  *Birmingham Bach Choir* *Brandenburg Baroque Soloists* *Paul Spicer* Conductor *Celeste Lazarenko* Soprano *Christopher Ainslie* Counter Tenor *Sean Clayton* Tenor *Vojteh Safarik* Bass
  
  

• Bach - A Beautiful Mind  

  Fri 29 May 2009 - Sun 31 May 2009 Symphony Hall

  Bach is the most universal of all composers. In its perfect balance of humanity, spirituality and god like-invention, his music speaks to all like no other. To many he is the greatest of all composers and his music has the ability to fit into the everyday rhythm of our lives but also to transcend it. To close the concert season, Town Hall and Symphony Hall will reverberate to a weekend of Bach masterpieces in performance, by some of today's leading performers.
  
  
  

• Natalie Clein & Alina Ibragimova play Solo Bach  

  Sun 31 May 2009 Town Hall

  Two of today’s most eagerly watched young soloists share a programme of Bach masterpieces for solo violin and cello. No young cellist has made more impact than Natalie Clein, and violinist Alina Ibragimova was described recently by The Times as “destined to be a force in the classical music firmament for decades to come.” Bach’s Second Solo Violin Partita includes the towering Chaconne in D minor-one of the ultimate peaks of the violin repertoire-whilst the Cello Suites glow with life-affirming joy and expressivity.
  *Natalie Clein* cello *Alina Ibragimova* violin
  *Bach* Cello Suite No 1 in G, BWV1007 17’ *Bach* Violin Partita No 2 in D minor, BWV1004 29’ *Bach* Violin Sonata No 1 in G minor, BWV1001 16’ *Bach* Cello Suite No 3 in C, BWV1009 20’
  

• Orchestra of the Swan: Bach's Brandenburg  

  Wed 18 Feb 2009 Town Hall

  *Handel* Concerto Grosso op6 no9 *JS Bach* Suite in b minor *JS Bach* Brandenburg concerto no4 *JS Bach* Brandenburg concerto no5 *Christine Whiffen* harpsichord *David Le Page* violin *Diane Clark* flute
  
  
  

• Inspired by Bach  

  Wed 22 Apr 2009 Symphony Hall

  More composers have been inspired by Bach than by any other composer. Tonight Andris Nelsons takes us to Brahms’ final symphony with its finale based on music from a Bach cantata by way of Berg’s highly expressive violin concerto which quotes a Bach chorale at its emotional climax and the tiny trumpet concerto in which Arvo Pärt incorporates the great man’s name. Elgar’s sumptuous arrangement of some genuine Bach sets the evening off in splendid style. 6.15pm- Pre Concert Talk- Inspired by Bach Stephen Johnson, presenter of BBC Radio 3’s Discovering Music, explores the hidden connections behind tonight’s programme.
  Andris Nelsons - conductor Isabelle van Keulen - violin Jonathan Holland - trumpet City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra
  Bach (orch. Elgar): Fantasia and Fugue in C minor 8’ Berg: Violin Concerto 25’ Pärt: Concerto Piccolo on B-A-C-H 8’ Brahms: Symphony No. 4 42’
  

• Celebrity Piano Recital: Peter Donohoe  

  Thu 5 Mar 2009 Town Hall

  Peter Donohoe’s performances are a dazzling fusion of passion, virtuosity and intellectual rigour. His recital ranges from the majesty of Bach to the superhuman demands of Liszt’s B minor Sonata. Before that come magical works by Brahms reflecting the mature wisdom of the composer’s old age and the untamed ardour of his youth. *BBC music magazine’s editor, Oliver Condy, explains why he has recommended tonight’s concert:* _"The indefatigable Peter Donohoe launches into a brave programme here - Busoni’s technically astounding transcription of one of Bach’s great organ works sits next to Liszt’s greatest piece for the piano - the colossal Sonata. And as Donohoe is one of the most skilled musicians in this repertoire, the evening’s music-making should be full of plenty of memorable pyrotechnics…” "BBC Music Magazine":http://www.bbcmusicmagazine.com *6.15pm pre-concert talk* Tickets £5-£20
  
  *Brahms* Six Pieces, Op 118 20’ *Brahms* Sonata No 3 in F minor, Op 5 28’ *Bach-Busoni* Toccata, Adagio and Fugue, BWV564 15’ *Liszt* Sonata in B minor 27’
  

• Lunchtime Concert: Sasha Grynyuk  

  Fri 18 Apr Town Hall

  Sasha Grynyuk is one of the most hotly-tipped young pianists of the moment, his superb virtuoso technique matched by passionate musicianship. £7.50 60plus/students/unwaged/under 16’s £5 Concert lasts no longer than an hour.
  *Sasha Grynyuk* Piano
  *Bach-Busoni* Chaconne in D minor *Mozart* Fantasia in D minor K397 *Chopin* 24 Preludes
  

• Celebrity Recital: Christian Tetzlaff & Lars Vogt  

  Fri 24 Apr 2009 Town Hall

  This partnership between two of today’s finest soloists is one of the great musical success stories of recent years. Each is a formidable artist in his own right, and as a duo they combine superb virtuosity and engaging musicianship. They are playing three of the most popular sonatas for violin and piano: a musical journey from the grave beauty of Bach’s F minor Sonata to the full-blooded romantic sweep of Cesar Franck, via the serenity of the much-loved a major Sonata by Brahms. Tickets £5-£20
  *Christian Tetzlaff* violin *Lars Vogt* piano
  *Bach* Sonata in F minor, BWV 1018 18’ *Brahms* Sonata in A major, Op 100 20’ *Franck* Sonata in A major 30’
  

• Faith in the City Expressions of belief 

  Sat 24 Jan 2009 Town Hall

  For around 750 years in Iberia, Catholics, Jews and Muslims enjoyed religious freedom, spoke each others’ languages and shared philosophies, science and cultures. It is a period known as _la convivencia_ - the co-existence. We begin to explore this concept with Bernstein’s overtly Jewish Chichester Psalms which are sung in Hebrew, the devout setting of the Mass by MacMillan and Islamic repertoire performed by Abdul Salam Kheir. _“All the lands, in their diversity, are one, and men are all neighbours and brothers”_ (Al-Zubaidi, tutor of the Andalusian Caliph, Al-Hakam II, 10th century) £30 (£27.50), £23.50 (£21), £15 (£13), £8.50 (£7) Visit Ex Cathedra's website by clicking "here":http://www.ex-cathedra.org/
  Ex Cathedra Choir *Conductor* Jeffrey Skidmore *Oud & Vocals* Abdul Salam Kheir *Chichester Psalms* Bernstein *Mass* MacMillan
  
  

• Stephen Cleobury Lunchtime Organ Concert 

  Mon 21 Jan 2008 Town Hall

  Stephen Cleobury is associated with two of Britain’s most famous choirs, being Director of Music at King’s College, Cambridge and Conductor Laureate of the BBC Singers.
  
  *Stephen Cleobury* Organ *Guilmant* Grand Choeur en ré majeur Op.18, Alla Handel 7’ *Bach* Partite diverse sopra il Corale, Sei gegrüsset, Jesu gütig BWV 768 21’ *Mendelssohn* Sonata in D minor Op. 65 No. 6 18’ *Messiaen* Dieu parmi nous (La Nativité) 9’
  

• Lunchtime Organ Concert - Monday 12 January 2009  

  Mon 12 Jan 2009 Symphony Hall

  
  *Thomas Trotter* organ
  *Boëllmann* Suite Gothique *C.P.E.Bach* Sonata in G minor *Franck* Prélude, Fugue et Variation *Wammes* Miroir *Thomas* Overture to Mignon (arr. Evans)
  

• Bach... by Arrangement Classical Encounters with Orchestra of the Swan 

  Tue 29 Apr 2008 Town Hall

  Bach has been an inspiration for 250 years, influencing composers from Mozart to Martland, and this concert opens with a remarkable arrangement of one of Bach’s most well known works, his Toccata and Fugue in d minor for organ. Alexander Goehr is one of the UK’s most distinguished composers and this evening’s world premiere, commissioned by OOTS is inspired by music from China and Bach. The relentless energy of Bach’s Brandenburg concerto no3 was a clear inspiration to Stravinsky and the concert concludes with Dumbarton Oaks, his engaging and witty tribute to the Baroque master 'Curtis directed with style and understanding, dreaming up a fascinating menu of offerings, chatting to the audience as if among friends, drawing colourfully communicative readings' Birmingham Post Supported by KPMG and Arts Council England "www.orchestraoftheswan.org":http://www.orchestraoftheswan.org
  Conductor - David Curtis
  Bach arr.Steve Martland - Toccata and Fugue in d min Copland - Nonet Alexander Goehr - New work** Bach - Brandenburg concerto no3 Stravinsky - Dumbarton Oaks ** 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
  

• German Genius  

  Wed 30 Apr 2008 Symphony Hall

  Ludger Lohmann, organist at St Eberhard Catholic Cathedral, Stuttgart, gives an overview of German organ music, from early Baroque to the 20th century. His concert ranges from the towering Baroque mastery of Bach's Fantasia and Fugue, via the extravagant high romanticism of Reubke's Sonata on the 94th Psalm, through to the cool neo-classical restraint of Hindemith. *6.15pm Pre-concert talk: Graeme Kay introduces tonight's programme*
  *Ludger Lohmann* Organ
  *Bach* Fantasia and Fugue in G minor *Froberger* Fantasia I on 'Ut Re Mi Fa Sol La' *Buxtehude* Chorale Fantasia, Nun freut euch, lieben Christen g'mein *Reger* Fantasy and Fugue on the name BACH *Hindemith* Sonata No 2 *Reubke* Sonata on the 94th Psalm
  

• Lunchtime Organ Concert Andreas Liebig  

  Mon 7 Apr Town Hall

  
  
  *Liszt* Prelude and Fugue on B-A-C-H *J.S.Bach* Passacaglia in C minor *Kee* Bios *Distler* Spielstück 8, Op 18 No. 1 *Duruflé* Toccata (from Suite, Op 5)
  

• 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’
  

• Sinfonia of Birmingham  

  Sun 2 Mar Book through our ticket office for CBSO Centre

  
  
  Beethoven Coriolan Overture Hummel Trmpet concert in E flat major Shostakovich Chamber Symphony in C minor Mendelssohn Symphony No 1 in C minor
  

• Rutter Conducts Rutter English Chamber Orchestra 

  Sat 7 Jun 2008 Symphony Hall

  John Rutter's Requiem has established itself as a classic. Its melodies and atmosphere speak directly and naturally to both audiences and singers alike. Hear it tonight conducted by the composer himself, with his own Cambridge Singers, alongside his recent Mass of the Children, the New York premiere of which made him the toast of Manhattan. Classic FM's Anne-Marie Minhall says of tonight's recommended concert: _"John Rutter doesn't seem to stop for a moment. When he's not performing, composing or recording he's committed to grassroots music-making. This leading composer and conductor is a national treasure."_
  *John Rutter* Conductor *Cambridge Singers* *City of Birmingham Symphony Youth Choruses* *Joanne Lunn* Soprano *Jeremy Huw Williams* Baritone
  *Ravel* Pavane 5' *Rutter* Requiem 40' *Rutter* Mass of the Children 37'
  

• 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’
  

• Bach and Handel Academy of Ancient Music 

  Sun 3 Feb 2008 Town Hall

  The Academy of Ancient Music's mission is to recreate the music as Bach or Handel might have heard it. The Times recently described their playing as having "passion, excitement, and joy" charged with "verve and precision". The first of their two concerts at Town Hall (see 15 April) features the irresistible energy of two of Bach's best-loved works. Classic FM's Anne-Marie Minhall says of tonight's recommended concert: _"A Baroque-lover's heaven is probably the best way to describe tonight's concert! Handel and Bach are the kings of Baroque and it's a shame the pair never met, though, apparently Johann Sebastian tried on three occasions to see George Frideric but the journeys came to nothing."_
  *Richard Egarr* Director & Harpsichord *Rachel Brown* Flute *Pavlo Beznosiuk*, * Rodolfo Richter* Violins
  *Telemann* Concerto in D major for flute 14' *Handel* Concerto Grosso, Op 6 No 4 12' *JS Bach* Concerto for two violins 15' *Handel* Concerto Grosso, Op 6 No 3 13' *JS Bach* Brandenburg Concerto No 5 19'
  

• Bach Discovery Day  

  Sat 30 May 2009 Symphony Hall

  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. £15 60plus & students £10
  
  
  

• Bach to Beethoven  

  Tue 27 Nov Symphony Hall

  British violinist-turned-conductor Andrew Manze is one of the stars of the period-instrument movement, acclaimed internationally for his original and dynamic interpretations of a wide range of music. For his CBSO debut he has chosen to perform, and to introduce from the stage, Beethoven’s delightfully witty Eighth, one of the few later works in which the composer seems entirely untroubled by his difficult life. Another leading British artist, Michael Chance, joins the Orchestra for one of Bach’s greatest solo cantatas, while the concert opens in extrovert style with Bach’s joyous Suite - the original home of the Air on a G String.
  *Andrew Manze* Conductor *Michael Chance* Counter-Tenor
  *Bach*: Orchestral Suite No. 3 *Bach*: Cantata No. 170 - Vergnügte Ruh’, beliebte Seelenlust *J C Bach*: Ach, Dass Ich Wassers gnug hätte *Beethoven*: Symphony No. 8
  

• Lunchtime Organ Concert - Thomas Trotter  

  Mon 22 Oct Town Hall

  Don’t miss the very first of a new era of Town Hall lunchtime concerts on the historic but newly restored 1834 William Hill instrument.
  *Thomas Trotter* Organ
  *J.S.Bach* Fantasia & Fugue in G Minor (BWV 542) *Wesley* Holsworthy Church Bells *Best* Concert fantasia on a Welsh March *Bridge* Allegretto Grazioso • Andante con moto *Wagner* Overture: Rienzi (arr. lemare)
  

• 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
  

• 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’
  

• Brahm's Requiem  

  Thu 20 Mar Symphony Hall

  In a typically stimulating pairing, Sakari Oramo prepares us for Brahms’s greatest choral work with one of the finest sacred cantatas by the composer who was Brahms’s chief inspiration. Brahms was at pains to stress that his was a German (rather than Latin) Requiem, and like Bach, he took his inspiration from the Lutheran Bible to produce music that sings of human compassion as much as of a love and fear of God. 6.15pm pre-concert talk
  Sakari Oramo conductor Anu Komsi soprano James Rutherford baritone City of Birmingham Symphony Chorus
  Bach: Cantata No. 21 • Ich hatte viel Bekümmernis 40' Brahms: A German Requiem 68'
  

• Organ Concert - David Sanger  

  Wed 21 Jan 2009 Town Hall

  David Sanger is one of the world’s most accomplished and well-respected organists, renowned for the sheer musicality of his playing. His programme features great works by composers who were themselves masters of the instrument • not least Mendelssohn’s Andante in D, aptly chosen to coincide with 2009’s bicentenary celebrations. Also included are Schumann’s delightful Four Sketches, originally written for pedal-piano. *6.15pm Pre-concert talk with Graeme Kay*
  *David Sanger* organ
  *J.S. Bach* Toccata, Adagio & Fugue *Mendelssohn* Andante in D, with Variations *Franck* Grande Pièce Symphonique *Bingham* Roulade *Schumann* Four Sketches for Pedal-Piano *Vierne* Tempo di Scherzo, Larghetto & Final (from Symphony No 5 in A minor)
  

• Brahm's Requiem  

  Wed 19 Mar Symphony Hall

  In a typically stimulating pairing, Sakari Oramo prepares us for Brahms’s greatest choral work with one of the finest sacred cantatas by the composer who was Brahms’s chief inspiration. Brahms was at pains to stress that his was a German (rather than Latin) Requiem, and like Bach, he took his inspiration from the Lutheran Bible to produce music that sings of human compassion as much as of a love and fear of God.
  Sakari Oramo conductor Anu Komsi soprano Harriet Williams mezzo soprano William Ferguson tenor James Rutherford baritone City of Birmingham Symphony Chorus
  Bach: Cantata No. 21 Ich hatte viel Bekümmernis 40' Brahms: A German Requiem 68'
  

• Good Friday St Matthew Passion Birmingham Bach Choir  

  Fri 21 Mar 2008 Symphony Hall

  Utterly timeless in its emotional appeal, there are few who are not moved by the glorious music of Bach's St Matthew Passion, particularly in its majestic opening and closing choruses. Our Good Friday performances of this intense yet dignified telling of the events surrounding Easter are a well-established tradition in Birmingham. BBC Music magazine's Editor, Oliver Condy, explains why he has recommended today's concert: " If I were to name my one Desert Island Disc, it would be Bach's St Matthew Passion. A gigantic work of orchestral and choral perfection, it contains everything, from expressions of unbridled joy to movements that somehow describe devastating grief. Bach's abilities defy explanation."
  *English Chamber Orchestra* *Paul Spicer* Conductor
  *JS Bach* St Matthew Passion 180'
  

• 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
  

• Lunchtime Organ Concert - Marcus Huxley  

  Mon 12 Nov Town Hall

  
  
  *Widor* Marche Pontificale (from Symphonie no. 1) *Correa de Arauxo* Tiento de Medio Registro de dos Tiples de Segundo Tono *J.S.Bach* Partita: O gott du frommer gott *Alain* Deuxième Fantaisie *daquin* Noël Suisse *Howells* Psalm Prelude (set 1 no. 1) *Bache* Introduction & Allegro
  

• Celebrity Piano Recital Alfred Brendel 

  Tue 5 Jun Symphony Hall

  Annie-Marie Minhall, news reader and presenter of Classic FM's Newsnight, says of tonight's Classic FM recommended concert _"World-renowned pianist Alfred Brendel, who celebrated his 75th birthday in January this year, has spent nearly sixty years on the concert platform. Self-taught, he's a master in the playing of works by Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert and Haydn. Not to be missed."_ *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.*
  
  *Haydn* Piano Sonata in C minor Hob XVI:20 *Beethoven* Piano Sonata No 31 in A flat Op 110 *Schubert* Impromptus D935, No 1 in F minor & No 3 in B flat *Mozart* Piano Sonata in C minor K457
  

• UK Sweet Adelines Barbershop Singing Championship: Chorus Championship  

  Sat 10 May Symphony Hall

  More than 1200 women from all over the country will be competing in two categories quartet and chorus competitions. The chorus competition results are followed by a mass sing where all the 1200 competitors sing together outside the arena. £10, Under 16’s £8 Not suitable for under 8's See the winners perform in the Show of Champions. For more details "click here":http://www.thsh.co.uk/view/sweet-adelines-barbershop-singing-championship--sh
  
  
  

• Celebrity Piano Recital Richard Goode 

  Programme Change

  Thu 17 May Symphony Hall

  _Please note that this programme has changed from that originally advertised._ Richard Goode has been hailed for music-making of tremendous emotional power, depth and expressiveness, and has been acknowledged worldwide as one of today's leading interpreters of the music of Beethoven. *International Concert Season discounts available for 60plus, disabled patrons, Birmingham Passport to Leisure, students and young people.* In regular performances with major orchestras, recitals in the world's music capitals, and acclaimed recordings, he has won a large and devoted following. His performances of Bach, Mozart, Brahms, Schubert, Schumann, Chopin, Debussy, Janacek, and others have received equal accolades. *6.15pm Free Pre-Concert Talk Graeme Kay of BBC Radio 3*
  Richard Goode
  Haydn Sonata in D major (Hob XVI:24) Faur� Nocturne No 6 in D flat Schumann Sonata in G minor Op 22 Debussy Preludes, Book No 2
  

• Nash Ensemble  

  Tue 10 Feb 2009 Town Hall

  Rarely has a composer produced a work of such effortless genius as the sixteen-year-old Mendelssohn’s _Octet_ - a miraculous stream of wonderful melody. The Nash Ensemble marks the 200th anniversary of Mendelssohn’s birth (February 1809) with a performance of this masterpiece in the hall in which the composer once played and conducted. It is heard next to the delicious Sextet from Strauss’s _Capriccio_ and the dark tragedy of Mozart’s great G minor String Quintet. 6.15pm pre-concert talk Tickets £5-£20
  
  *Strauss* Sextet (_Capriccio_) 6’ *Mozart* Quintet in G Minor, K516 33’ *Mendelssohn* Octet 38’
  

• Ex Cathedra - Bach St John Passion  

  Sat 1 Mar 2008 Town Hall

  The Town Hall once again resonates to the sound of Bach’s dramatic setting of the Passion story. Ex Cathedra’s highly acclaimed team of young soloists join the country’s leading period instrumentalists to create Ex Cathedra’s distinctive approach to one of the great pieces in the choral repertoire.
  Ex Cathedra Soloists, Choir & Baroque Orchestra Conductor Jeffrey Skidmore Evangelist Nicholas Mulroy Christus James Birchall Pilate Greg Skidmore Natalie Clifton-Griffi th Julia Doyle, Matthew Venner Chris Watson Leader Nicolette Moonen
  
  

• Tokyo Quartet with cellist David Watkin  

  Sun 29 Mar 2009 Town Hall

  Schubert’s String Quintet is one of the jewels in the crown of the chamber music repertoire. Its warm-hearted melodies and the rare beauty of its slow movement have made it one of the most popular Desert Island Discs for countless music-lovers. The incomparable Tokyo Quartet is celebrated for its ravishing refinement of tone and ensemble. They perform Schubert’s masterpiece alongside Haydn’s much-loved Emperor Quartet and the fresh innocence of Mendelssohn’s early Quartet in A minor. Tickets £5-£20
  
  *Haydn* String Quartet in C, Op 76, No 3, Emperor 25’ *Mendelssohn* String Quartet in A minor, Op 13 30’ *Schubert* String Quintet in C, D956 55’
  

• 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’
  

• Celebrity Piano Recital: Paul Lewis  

  Thu 30 Oct Town Hall

  Few other pianists have identified themselves so closely with the great Viennese classics as Paul Lewis. A protégé of the legendary Alfred Brendel, his award-winning recordings of the Schubert Sonatas have been highly acclaimed. Tonight he combines Schubert’s majestic G major Sonata with two of Mozart’s most profound piano works and Ligeti’s scintillating _Musica ricercata_, parts of which were used in Stanley Kubrick’s film _Eyes Wide Shut_. This is a chance to hear at first hand one of today’s most celebrated young pianists. 6.15 Pre-concert talk: Paul Lewis in conversation Tickets £5-£20
  
  *Mozart* Fantasia in C minor, K475 12’ *Ligeti* Musica ricercata-11 Pieces for Piano 27’ *Mozart* Rondo in A minor, K511 9’ *Schubert* Sonata in G major, D894 30’
  

• Thomas Trotter plays Bach’s Trio Sonatas  

  Fri 29 May 2009 Symphony Hall

  It is said that Bach wrote these six miniature masterpieces as training studies for his son Wilhelm Friedmann. Written in three parts (one for each hand and one for the feet!), they are still amongst the most taxing pieces in all organ music, requiring physical dexterity and superb artistry to realise their vitality and charm. *BBC Music magazine’s Editor, Oliver Condy, explains why he has recommended tonight’s concert:* _The master of organ performance tackles Bach’s fiendish, extraordinary Trio Sonatas. Few organists would dare play all six in performance, but then Trotter has a reputation for being pretty fearless at the keyboard. If you want to be astounded by technique and musical beauty, this is the concert for you. The Symphony Hall Klais organ is perfect for this repertoire too._ "BBC Music Magazine":http://www.bbcmusicmagazine.com *6.15pm Pre-concert talk* £5-£20 The concert will finish at approx. 9.30pm.
  
  
  

• Nigel Kennedy Quintet- A Very Nice Tour  

  Sun 21 Sep Symphony Hall

  For over 25 years, Nigel Kennedy has been acknowledged as one of the world's leading violin virtuosos and is, without doubt, one of the most important violinists Britain has produced. His virtuostic technique, unique talent and mass appeal have brought fresh perspectives to the classical, contemporary and jazz repertoire. On the _Very Nice Tour_, Kennedy performs with his jazz group, the Nigel Kennedy Quintet. The band met in Nigel's adopted city of Krakow in Poland and is made up of some of Europe's finest exponents of jazz, from the ever-inventive rhythm section of drummer *Pawel Dobrowolski* and bassist *Adam Kowaleski* to the fluent soloing of pianist *Poitr Wylezol* and the muscular tenor sax of *Tomasz Grzegorski*. £24.50, £28
  
  
  

• 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
  

• The Glory of Christmas  

  Sun 23 Dec Symphony Hall

  This concert of glorious seasonal and traditional music for all the family perfectly captures the true spirit of Christmas.
  Daniel Norman tenor *John Pryce-Jones* Conductor *Angela Whelan* Trumpet *Birmingham Choral Union* *Staffordshire Children’s Choir* *London Concert Orchestra*
  *Bach* Opening Chorus from Christmas Oratorio *Bach* Jesu Joy of Man's Desiring *Handel* Ombra mai fù from Xerxes *Handel* Worthy is the Lamb from Messiah *Handel*Zadok the Priest *Haydn* Trumpet Concerto (Last Mvt) *Darke* In the Bleak Midwinter *Berloiz* The Shepherd's Farewell *Leopold Mozart* Sleigh Ride *Stanley* Trumpet Voluntary *Franck* Panis Angelicus *Adam* O Holy Night *Plus Carols for all;* Good King Wenceslas Once in Royal David's City God rest you merry, gentlemen While shepherd's Watched Hark! the Herald Angels Sing
  

• Carols By Candlelight  

  Mon 24 Dec Symphony Hall

  Reflecting the grace and charm of the 18th century, this exquisite concert of carols and enchanting festive music presented in an evocative candle-lit style setting is the most elegant way to usher in Christmas. Featuring Bach’s Air on the G String, Pachelbel’s Canon and carols for all including O Come, All ye Faithful, Good King Wenceslas, The First Nowell, Unto Us is Born and Once in Royal David’s City.
  *Robert Howarth* Conductor *Nicola Stonehouse* Soprano *Canzonetta Choir* *Mozart Festival Orchestra* in full period costume
  *Vivaldi* Gloria (Opening Chorus) *Bach* Air on the G String *Bach* Sleepers Wake *Arr. Cullen* Joy to the World *Arr. Cullen* Of the Father’s heart begotten *Handel* Christmas Sequence from _Messiah_ *Handel*Let the Bright Seraphim *Pachebel* Canon *Arr. Pearsall* In dulci jubilo *Mozart* Allelujah from _Exsultate Jubilate_ *Corelli* Allegro and Pastorale from _Christmas Concerto_
  

• Christmas Gala  

  Fri 14 Dec Symphony Hall

  Angela Rippon introduces a delightful assortment of festive music and merriment for this special time of year.
  *Angela Rippon* Presenter *Fraser Goulding* Conductor *Stephanie Corley* Soprano *Luke Bowen* Treble *Paul O’Neill* Tenor *London Concert Orchestra*
  *RIMSKY-KORSAKOV* Christmas Eve Polonaise *HUMPERDINCK* Evening Prayer Hansel and Gretel *PUCCINI* Christmas Love Duet La bohème *STRAUSS* Die Fledermaus Overture *TCHAIKOVSKY* The Nutcracker Suite *BACH* Ave Maria *FRANCK* Panis Angelicus *ANDERSON* A Christmas Festival, Sleigh Ride, The Typewriter, Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer, Jingle Bells, White Christmas, *CAROLS FOR ALL* including Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, God Rest You Merry Gentlemen, The First Nowell, Away In A manger
  

• Christmas Festival at THSH  

  Thu 18 Dec Symphony Hall

  
  A fantastic selection of fesitve events to get you in the Christmas spirit and bring in the New Year.
  
  

• Centre Stage Haydn 200 

  Thu 28 May 2009 Book through our ticket office for CBSO Centre

  Haydn 200 CBSO Players Haydn: String Quartet in D, Op. 20 No. 4 Haydn: String Quartet in B minor, Op. 33 No. 1
  
  
  

• CBSO Players Lunchtime concerts at the CBSO Centre 

  Wed 26 Sep Book through our ticket office for CBSO Centre

  
  
  Dag Wirén: String Quartet No. 4 Sibelius: String Quartet in D minor (Voces Intimae)
  

• Lunchtime Organ Concert - Thomas Trotter (24th Nov 2008)  

  Mon 24 Nov Town Hall

  Thomas Trotter plays Ives’ Variations on America, C.P.E. Bach’s Sonata in A minor, Pierne’s March of the Tin Soldiers, and more. Admission from 12.30pm.Programme lasts approximately one hour. Thomas Trotter is a Town Hall Associate Artist.
  
  
  

• Lunchtime Organ Concert Thomas Trotter 

  Mon 28 Jan Town Hall

  *Mendelssohn* Overture, Fingal's Cave 11' *Bach* Piece d'Orgue 9' *Franck* Pastorale 11' *Holloway* Scherzo 4' *Boellmann* Suite Gothique 12'
  
  
  

• The Spirit Of The Triennial Festival Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment 

  Thu 1 Nov Town Hall

  In celebration of the re-opening of Town Hall, we recreate, with period instruments, a concert that might have been heard in the heyday of Birmingham's great Triennial Festival. Between 1834 and 1912 many leading composers came to conduct their own works, ranging from Mendelssohn, Grieg and Dvorak through to Elgar. This unique event reflects the grandeur of the original concerts (note the starting time!) and includes works by Mendelssohn, Sullivan and Grieg, many originally commissioned for Birmingham and first heard in Town Hall. Please note: This concert has two intervals.
  *Richard Hickox* Conductor *Joan Rodgers* Soprano *James Gilchrist* Tenor *Melvyn Tan* Piano *Thomas Trotter* Organ Introduced by *Lyndon Jenkins*
  *Cherubini* Overture, _Anacreon_ *Mozart* Mitradi ( _Don Giovanni_ ) *Haydn* In native worth (The Creation) *Bach* Prelude and Fugue in E flat, St Anne *Mendelssohn* Excerpts from Elijah *Mendelssohn* Piano Concerto No 2 *Elgar* Contrasts (Three Characteristic Pieces) *Gounod* Judex (Mors et Vita) *Grieg* Songs with Orchestra *Sullivan* Overture di Ballo
  

• Lunchtime Organ Concert Thomas Trotter  

  Mon 12 May Town Hall

  
  
  *J.S.Bach* Prelude & Fugue in G (BWV 541) *Haydn* Five Clock Pieces *Hakim* Four Caprices for Pedals *Delius* On Hearing the First Cuckoo in Spring *Jongen* Sonata Eroica
  

• 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’
  

• 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_
  

• Lunchtime Organ Concert Thomas Trotter  

  Mon 19 May Town Hall

  
  
  *Parry* Toccata & Fugue, _The Wanderer_ *J.S.Bach* Trio Sonata No. 1 *Saint-Saëns* Fantasie in D flat Danse Macabre *Litaize* Prélude et Danse Fuguée
  

• Lunchtime Organ Concert - Thomas Trotter  

  Mon 5 Nov Symphony Hall

  
  *Thomas Trotter* Organ
  *Cocker* Tuba Tune *Barber* Variations on Wondrous Love *J.S.Bach* Toccata, Adagio & Fugue *Wammes* Miroir *Duruflé* Prelude & Fugue on Alain *Benedict* Marche des Templiers (arr. Best)
  

• 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
  

• CBSO Players Lunchtime concerts at the CBSO Centre 

  Tue 1 Apr 2008 Book through our ticket office for CBSO Centre

  
  
  Walton: String Quartet Beethoven: String Quartet in C minor, Op. 18, No. 4
  

• CBSO Players Lunchtime concerts at the CBSO Centre 

  Thu 8 May 2008 Book through our ticket office for CBSO Centre

  
  
  Haydn: String Quartet in D minor, Op. 42 Brahms: String Quartet No. 1
  

• 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
  

• BBC Radio 3 Lunchtime Concert  

  Change of Date

  Tue 13 Jan 2009 Town Hall

  Two of the finest of Radio 3's recent crop of new Generation Artists perform delightful works by Beethoven.
  
  *Alina Ibragimova* Violin *Cedric Tiberghien* Piano *Beethoven* Rondo for Violin & Piano in G major, WoO.41 *Beethoven* Sonata No.4 for Violin & Piano in A minor, Op.23
  

• Lunchtime Organ Concert Catherine Ennis  

  Mon 21 Apr Town Hall

  
  
  *Handel* Hallelujah chorus from _Messiah_ (arr. Smart) *J.S.Bach* Ricercare a 6 (from _The Musical Offering_) *Yamanouchi* L’Art du shoshi *Vierne* Intermezzo, Adagio and Final (from Symphony No. 3) *Ravel* Suite from Ma mere l’oye (arr. Ennis) *Irish traditional* Easter Snow (arr. Ennis)
  

• Lunchtime Organ Concert Thomas Trotter  

  Mon 25 Feb Town Hall

  *Fricker* Overture in C minor *Harris Four* Short Pieces *Vaughan Williams* Three Welsh Preludes *Thalben-Ball* Elegy *Best* Concert Fantasia: Men of Harlech £5 (unreserved seating) 60 plus/full-time students/under 16’s/unwaged £4 Admission from 12.30pm. Programme lasts approximately 1 hour. Thomas Trotter is a Town Hall Associate Artist.
  
  
  

• Lunchtime Organ Concert Ian Farrington  

  Mon 3 Mar Town Hall

  £5 (unreserved seating) 60 plus/full-time students/under 16’s/unwaged £4 Admission from 12.30pm. Programme lasts approximately 1 hour.
  
  *Elgar* Pomp and Circumstance March No. 3 in C minor (arr. Farrington) *Whitlock* Three Short Pieces *Buck* Concert Variations on The Star-Spangled Banner *Ives* Variations on America *Farrington* Fiesta! Suite for Organ *Gershwin* Three songs
  

• 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
  

• Lunchtime Organ Concert - Simon Lindley  

  Mon 26 Nov Town Hall

  
  *Simon Lindley* Leeds Parish Church and Leeds Town Hall Organist
  *Jackson* The Archbishop’s Fanfare *Elgar* Imperial March, Chanson de Matin *Reger* Introduction & Passacaglia in D minor *Nevin* Will o’ the wisp (Scherzo-Toccatina) *Karg-Elert* Symphonic Chorale Op 87 no. 1: Ach, bleib mit deiner Gnade *Ketelbey* Sanctuary of the Heart *Mayerl* Marigold *Lefébure-Wely* Song of the Nuns March in C
  

• Lunchtime Organ Concert with Thomas Trotter  

  Mon 11 Feb Town Hall

  £5 (unreserved seating) 60 plus/full-time students/under 16’s/unwaged £4 Admission from 12.30pm. Programme lasts approximately 1 hour. Thomas Trotter is a Town Hall Associate Artist.
  
  *JS Bach* Prelude & Fugue in E flat *Vierne* Clair de Lune, Carillon de Westminister *Reger* Benedictus *Rossini* Overture: William Tell
  

• Lunchtime Organ Concert - John Kitchen  

  Mon 19 Nov Town Hall

  
  *John Kitchen* Edinburgh City Organist
  *Krebs* Raeludium et Fuga in C *J.S.Bach* Pastorella in F (BWV 590) *Maccunn* Concert Overture - The Land of the Mountain and the Flood (trans. Jeremy Cull) *Hollins* Evening Rest *Asma* Fantasie over de Avondzang ‘k wil u o god mijn dank betalen *Finzi* Forlana and Carol (trans. Robert Gower) *Hovland* Toccata nu la oss takke gud
  

• Britten's War Requiem  

  Sat 21 Mar 2009 Symphony Hall

  The War requiem is one of Britten’s most powerful works, born out of his fiercely held pacifism. Composed at the height of the Cold War, it spoke directly to a nation living under the threat of nuclear war. The work mixes powerful settings of the poems of Wilfred Owen, describing the horrors of war, with the words of the Requiem mass, and ultimately offers the hope of reconciliation. No tenor is more associated with Britten’s music at the moment than Ian Bostridge, heard here alongside the warm baritone of Simon Keenlyside and leading young soprano Emma Bell. *BBC music magazine’s editor, Oliver Condy, explains why he has recommended tonight’s concert:* _"This unsettling work is a powerful anti-war oratorio, written for the re-consecration of nearby Coventry Cathedral in 1962. Bringing this searing piece to life are three of the most gifted British singers alive today accompanied by Covent Garden’s orchestra - an ensemble currently at the height of its powers. This will be a highly emotional, haunting concert - full of drama and pathos.”_ "BBC Music Magazine":http://www.bbcmusicmagazine.com *5.45pm pre-concert talk* Tickets £5-£50
  *The Royal Opera Chorus* *The Orchestra of the Royal Opera House* *Antonio Pappano* conductor *Emma Bell* soprano *Ian Bostridge* tenor *Simon Keenlyside* baritone *Tiffin Boys’ Choir*
  *Britten* War Requiem 90’
  

• Centre Stage Rainer Gibbons (oboe) and the Montpellier String Trio 

  Fri 1 May 2009 Book through our ticket office for CBSO Centre

  Rainer Gibbons (oboe) and the Montpellier String Trio Mozart: Oboe Quartet J. C. Bach: Oboe Quartet Beethoven: Serenade in D, Op. 8
  
  
  

• Lunchtime Organ Concert Thomas Trotter  

  Mon 10 Mar Symphony Hall

  *Thomas Trotter* *Walton* Crown Imperial *Frescobaldi* Aria detto Balletto *J.S. Bach* O Lamm Gottes (BWV 656) *Dupré* Crucifixion & Resurrection (Symphonie Passion) *Locklair* Rubrics £5 (unreserved seating), 60 plus/full-time students/under 16’s/unwaged £4 Admission from 12.30pm. Programme lasts approximately 1 hour. Thomas Trotter is a Town Hall Associate Artist.
  
  
  

• Ex Cathedra Sing Noël! A Baroque Christmas 

  Sun 9 Dec Town Hall

  Charpentier’s exquisite _Messe de minuit_, complemented by the French carol tunes on which it is based, forms the centrepiece of a concert which will take you on a Grand Tour of the great European centres of Baroque music. This glorious programme of Baroque Christmas music also features works by Bach, Bouzignac, Buxtehude, Gibbons, Monteverdi and Schütz. This concert is sponsored by edeus mortgage creators limited.
  Ex Cathedra Choir & Baroque Ensemble Conductor Jeffrey Skidmore
  
  

• BBC Radio 3 Lunchtime Concert: Chloe Hanslip  

  Wed 11 Jun Town Hall

  Chloe Hanslip, winner of the Young Classical Performer award at the 2003 Classical Brits, is already one of the finest players of her generation. In the second of this season's BBC Radio 3 lunchtime concerts she plays two of the most wonderful works in the violinist's repertoire, contrasting sunny Beethoven with stormy Brahms.
  *Chloe Hanslip* Violin *Ashley Wass* Piano
  *Beethoven* Sonata for violin & piano in A major Op.47 ‘Kreutzer’ *Brahms* Sonata for violin & piano No.3 in D minor Op.108
  

• Lunchtime Organ Concert Thomas Trotter  

  Cancelled

  Mon 31 Mar Town Hall

  This concert has been cancelled due to a fault with the organ. Apologies for any inconvenience caused. *Thomas Trotter* *C.P.E Bach* Sonata in D *Messiaen* Apparition de l’eglise E ternelle *Elgar* Vesper Voluntaries *Gounod* Funeral March of a Marionette *Mulet* Carillon-Sortie £5 (unreserved seating) 60 plus/full-time students/under 16’s/ unwaged £4 Admission from 12.30pm. Programme lasts approximately 1 hour. Thomas Trotter is a Town Hall Associate Artist.
  
  
  

• 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_
  

• Brodsky Quartet  

  Sun 16 Nov Town Hall

  Without a doubt, the Brodsky is Britain’s best-known string quartet. With a repertoire stretching from the classics to collaborations with pop artists, this remarkable ensemble is at the very top of its game. The players visit the intimate space of Town Hall with four outright classics of the string quartet repertoire - a masterpiece from Beethoven’s fiery youth, Shostakovich’s most intense and best-known Quartet, Stravinsky’s three ground-breaking miniatures, and the quiet melancholy of Tchaikovsky’s Third and last Quartet. Tickets £5-£20
  
  *Beethoven* Quartet in D Major, op 18, no 3 25’ *Shostakovich* Quartet No 8 in C Minor, op 110 20’ *Stravinsky* Three Pieces for String Quartet 8’ *Tchaikovsky* Quartet No 1 in D Major, op 11
  

• 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
  

• New English Orchestra and Singers Introduce RECREATIO!  

  Sat 17 Jan 2009 Town Hall

  A kaleidoscope of music to refresh and inspire from an ensemble which specializes in spiritual music This multi-faceted presentation includes music and dance from Africa, Latin America, Israel and Russia plus Scottish Fiddle Music, whilst also featuring the following classics: Monteverdi ‘Laetatus Sum’ Vivaldi Concerto for Two Trumpets Bach Wachet Auf African: spiritual music from Uganda including In Tongues of Living Flame and Alleluia! Jesus is alive today! Cuban: Boliviana by Chucho Valdes Israeli: Great and Wonderful by Stuart Dauerman Russian: O Praise the name of the Lord from Vespers by Rachmaninoff Ticket prices: £10, £15, £20 and £25
  
  
  

• Itzhak Perlman  

  Sun 11 Nov Symphony Hall

  Renowned as one of the world's leading violinists, Itzhak Perlman's playing communicates an irrepressible sense of joyous music making. Well-known for the wide range of his interests, one of his proudest achievements was his collaboration with composer John Williams in Steven Spielberg's film _Schindler's List_ in which he performed the haunting violin solos. Tonight's concert includes Strauss's Sonata in E flat and Beethoven's _Spring_ Sonata.
  *Itzhak Perlman* Violin *Bruno Canino* Piano
  *Richard Strauss* Sonata in E flat *Schubert* Rondo Brillant in B minor D895 *Beethoven* Spring Sonata in F major Op24
  

• Celebrity Piano Recital: Murray Perahia  

  Sat 31 Jan 2009 Symphony Hall

  Murray Perahia is simply one of the greatest living pianists. “The soul of a poet, the mind of a thinker, the hands of a virtuoso; no wonder the audiences love this guy,” wrote one critic recently. As a young man Perahia played chamber music with Rudolf Serkin and Pablo Casals, was befriended by the legendary Vladimir Horowitz, and was Peter Pears’ accompanist. His music-making is marked not only by its depth and maturity but also by its sheer _joie de vivre_ - don’t miss this recital. Tickets £5-£30
  
  *Bach* Partita No 1 in B flat *Beethoven* _Appassionata_ Sonata *Brahms* Variations on a Theme of Handel
  

• 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
  

• 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
  
  

• Viennese Masters  

  Wed 26 Mar 2008 Symphony Hall

  For his second CBSO programme this season, Yannick Nézet-Séguin is joined by the great Russian pianist whose performances of Tchaikovsky’s Second Concerto created such an impression last season. Brahms’s great D minor Concerto is a work on a similarly epic scale, and is famous for its powerful exchanges between orchestra and soloist. In a similarly dramatic first half, Mozart’s best-known symphony is preceded by the Overture Beethoven wrote for Goethe’s play Egmont.
  Yannick Nézet-Séguin conductor Elisabeth Leonskaja piano
  Beethoven: Egmont • Overture 8' Mozart: Symphony No. 40 30' Brahms: Piano Concerto No. 1 42'
  

• Viennese Masters  

  Sat 29 Mar 2008 Symphony Hall

  For his second CBSO programme this season, Yannick Nézet-Séguin is joined by the great Russian pianist whose performances of Tchaikovsky’s Second Concerto created such an impression last season. Brahms’s great D minor Concerto is a work on a similarly epic scale, and is famous for its powerful exchanges between orchestra and soloist. In a similarly dramatic first half, Mozart’s best-known symphony is preceded by the Overture Beethoven wrote for Goethe’s play Egmont.
  Yannick Nézet-Séguin conductor Elisabeth Leonskaja piano
  Beethoven: Egmont Overture 8' Mozart: Symphony No. 40 30' Brahms: Piano Concerto No. 1 42'
  

• 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’
  

• Romantic Dreamers  

  Tue 30 Oct Symphony Hall

  Fresh from his triumphant account of Bruckner’s Fourth Symphony as a last-minute stand-in earlier this year, Radoslaw Szulc conducts a popular programme of Romantic music. Mendelssohn’s atmospheric overture is an evocative musical souvenir from his trip to Scotland, while Tchaikovsky’s First Symphony offers melodies as stirring as anything in his later music. Chopin’s F minor Concerto is played by a former winner of the Leeds Piano Competition who has dazzled audiences with his Chopin performances. 30 Oct, 6.15pm pre-concert talk 31 Oct, 1.15pm pre-concert talk
  *Radoslaw Szulc* Conductor *Artur Pizarro* Piano
  *Mendelssohn*: Overture, The Hebrides *Chopin*: Piano Concerto No. 2 *Tchaikovsky*: Symphony No. 1 (Winter Dreams)
  

• Romantic Dreamers  

  Wed 31 Oct Symphony Hall

  Fresh from his triumphant account of Bruckner’s Fourth Symphony as a last-minute stand-in earlier this year, Radoslaw Szulc conducts a popular programme of Romantic music. Mendelssohn’s atmospheric overture is an evocative musical souvenir from his trip to Scotland, while Tchaikovsky’s First Symphony offers melodies as stirring as anything in his later music. Chopin’s F minor Concerto is played by a former winner of the Leeds Piano Competition who has dazzled audiences with his Chopin performances. 30 Oct, 6.15pm pre-concert talk 31 Oct, 1.15pm pre-concert talk
  *Radoslaw Szulc* Conductor *Artur Pizarro* Piano
  *Mendelssohn*: Overture, The Hebrides *Chopin*: Piano Concerto No. 2 *Tchaikovsky*: Symphony No. 1 (Winter Dreams)
  

• Friday Night Classics: Best of Bond  

  Fri 21 Nov Symphony Hall

  Never mind if you didn’t get invited to the red-carpet premiere of Quantum of Solace - because the CBSO is always licensed to thrill. Whether your favourite Bond is Craig or Connery, Brosnan or Moore, this will be an allaction celebration with the best of 40 years of Bond themes. Featuring such all-time greats as From Russia With Love, Goldfinger, Diamonds Are Forever, Live And Let Die, The Spy Who Loved Me, For Your Eyes Only, Licensed to Kill and Dr No, as well as modern Bond classics including GoldenEye and Casino Royale, this is music guaranteed to leave you both shaken - and stirred. *We are sorry to announce that Carl Davis has reluctantly withdrawn from this concert due to a scheduled minor operation but Carl looks forward to performing with the CBSO on 6 February 2009. We are very grateful to Gareth Hudson who will replace him.*
  Gareth Hudson - conductor Mary Carewe - vocalist City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra
  
  

• Mahler's Fifth Symphony  

  Thu 1 May 2008 Symphony Hall

  Portraying an epic journey from the darkness of its opening trumpet fanfares to its jubilant, Bach-inspired finale, by way of the tender Adagietto written as a love-letter to his wife Alma, Mahler’s Fifth has it all a whole world in one symphony. It has become a CBSO party-piece in recent years, and Sakari Oramo offers Birmingham audiences a last chance to hear his acclaimed interpretation as the Orchestra embarks on a major European tour that will embrace performances in Germany, Holland, Switzerland and Italy. Haydn’s cheerful concerto, played by a British cellist with a global reputation, offers a perfect upbeat. 1.15pm pre-concert talk
  *Sakari Oramo* Conductor *Steven Isserlis* Cello
  *Elgar* Cello Concerto *Mahler* Symphony No. 5 72'
  

• Celebrity Piano Recital: Alfred Brendel Alfred Brendel 

  Tue 24 Jun 2008 Symphony Hall

  "Keeper of the flame" is how The Guardian recently described Alfred Brendel. At seventy-six he is unchallenged as the greatest living exponent of the classical keyboard tradition of Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven and Schubert, bringing not only extraordinary depth and humanity but also quirky humour to the music. His recital includes Beethoven's startlingly original E flat Sonata and the powerful serenity of Schubert's great B flat Sonata. It's difficult to think of a more satisfying concert to close this season.
  Alfred Brendel
  *Haydn* Variations in F minor 8' *Mozart* Piano Sonata in F major K533/494 16' *Beethoven* Piano Sonata in E flat major, Op 27 No 1 15' *Schubert* Piano Sonata in B flat major, D960 45'
  

• Mahler's Fifth Symphony  

  Tue 22 Apr 2008 Symphony Hall

  Portraying an epic journey from the darkness of its opening trumpet fanfares to its jubilant, Bach-inspired finale, by way of the tender Adagietto written as a love-letter to his wife Alma, Mahler’s Fifth has it all a whole world in one symphony. It has become a CBSO party-piece in recent years, and Sakari Oramo offers Birmingham audiences a last chance to hear his acclaimed interpretation as the Orchestra embarks on a major European tour that will embrace performances in Germany, Holland, Switzerland and Italy. Haydn’s cheerful concerto, played by a British cellist with a global reputation, offers a perfect upbeat. 6.15pm pre-concert talk
  Sakari Oramo conductor Steven Isserlis cello
  Haydn: Cello Concerto in C major 25' Mahler: Symphony No. 5 72'
  

• Christmas Gala  

  Tue 23 Dec Symphony Hall

  Introduced by star of breakfast *GMTV*'s *PENNY SMITH* Merry festive favourites and classic carols to spread Christmas cheer.
  with exquisite soloists and the angelic voice of a boy soprano Lee Bisset _soprano_ James Edwards _tenor_ Robin Marshall _treble_ Fraser Goulding _conductor_ London Concert _Orchestra_
  *Humperdinck* Hansel and Gretel Overture *Tchaikovsky* The Nutcracker Suite *Rimsky-Korsakov* Christmas Eve Polonaise *Puccini * Christmas Love Duet from La Boheme *Head* The Little Road to Bethlehem *Schubert* Ave Maria *Anderson* Sleigh Ride *Bach* Jesu, joy of Man’s Desiring *Lloyd Webber* Pie Jesu from Requiem *Arr. Bateman* Winter Wonderland _and_ *CAROLS FOR ALL* _including_ Once in Royal David’s City O come, all ye faithful Hark! the herald angels sing
  

• 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
  

• Britten Sinfonia at Lunch - March 2009  

  Thu 12 Mar 2009 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 new work from one of Poland’s hottest young composers Pawel Mykietyn. 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.
  *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 *Paweł Mykietyn* New Work (world première tour) *John Woolrich* Quiddities *Schoenberg* Verklärte Nacht
  

• Christmas Eve Classics  

  Wed 24 Dec Symphony Hall

  _A magical matinee to start your Christmas Eve celebrations._ This concert of glorious seasonal and traditional music captures perfectly the true spirit of Christmas.
  John Graham-Hall _tenor_ Paul Beniston _trumpet_ Birmingham Choral Union Staffordshire Childrens Choir Robin Stapleton _conductor_ London Concert Orchestra
  *Bach* Sheep may safely graze *Head* The Little Road to Bethlehem *Handel* Hallelujah Chorus from Messiah *Rutter* Shepherd’s Pipe Carol *Franck* Panis Angelicus *Adam* O Holy Night *Clarke* Trumpet Suite *Keonig* Post Horn Galop *Darke* In the bleak midwinter *Pachelbel* Canon *Bizet* Agnus Dei *Adams* The Holy City _plus_ *CAROLS FOR ALL* O come, all ye faithful God rest you merry, gentlemen Good King Wenceslas O little town of Bethlehem Hark! the herald angels sing
  

• Celebrity Recital: John Williams  

  Thu 6 Nov Symphony Hall

  One of today’s greatest guitarists, John Williams’s restless questing spirit has led him to work in virtually every genre, from classical to cross-over, jazz to rock, Bach to Beatles. A legend in his own lifetime, he has attracted admiration and controversy but never indifference. His recital at Symphony Hall is keenly anticipated - book now. Tickets £5-£20
  
  PROGRAMME: ANTONIO VIVALDI Concerto Op.3, No.9 DOMENICO SCARLATTI Two Sonatas ENRIQUE GRANADOS Valses Poeticos ISAAC ALBENIZ Torre Bermeja JOHN WILLIAMS Notes in the Margin INTERVAL AGUSTIN BARRIOS MANGORE La Catedral JOHN WILLIAMS Prelude to a Song/ Open End/ Song without Words/ Hello Francis ENNIO MORRICONE Cinema Paradiso (theme) STANLEY MYERS The Deer Hunter (Cavatina) JOHN T. WILLIAMS Schindler's List (theme) PETER SCULTHORPE Djilile TURLOUGH O'CAROLAN Carolan's Concerto and traditional Irish tunes
  

• IgorFest: Orpheus  

  Thu 30 Apr 2009 Symphony Hall

  We enter the final leg of our ground-breaking four-year Stravinsky cycle with a programme featuring two largescale orchestral works: the 1947 ballet Orpheus and the energetic, neo-classical Symphony in C. These frame a pair of religious works: what he called his ‘pocket requiem’, Requiem Canticles, and his exuberant arrangement of the music of J. S. Bach in Vom Himmel Hoch. Two of his many tributes to great contemporaries - in this case the writers T. S. Eliot and Aldous Huxley complete the programme. 6.15pm- Pre Concert Talk- The three final instalments of the CBSO’s epic journey through the complete works of Stravinsky - introduced by BBC Radio 3’s Anthony Burton
  Jac van Steen - conductor CBSO Ex Cathedra
  Stravinsky: Orpheus 31’ Stravinsky: Introitus - T. S. Eliot in memoriam 4’ Stravinsky: Requiem Canticles 15’ Stravinsky: Chorale Variations on ‘Vom Himmel Hoch’ 11’ Stravinsky: Variations: Aldous Huxley in memoriam 5’ Stravinsky: Symphony in C 28’
  

• 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'
  

• Quartet for the End of Time  

  Tue 9 Dec Town Hall

  Four world-class soloists come together to mark the 100th anniversary of the birth of one of France’s greatest composers - Olivier Messiaen. His visionary _Quartet for the End of Time_ is an uplifting and spiritual work, and will be accompanied by specially commissioned visuals from artist Kathy Hinde. It is preceded by Ravel’s Piano Trio - tinged with serene disquiet and written as the world descended into the carnage of the First World War. *BBC music magazine’s editor, Oliver Condy, explains why he has recommended tonight’s concert:* _"Messiaen premiered his Book of Revelation-inspired Quartet at a Polish prisoner of war camp in 1941 in front of 5,000 fellow prisoners. Widely seen as his finest work, it’s the perfect introduction to a composer who brought French music kicking and screaming into the 20th Century.”_ "BBC Music Magazine":http://www.bbcmusicmagazine.com 6.15pm pre-concert talk Tickets £5-£20
  *Steven Osborne* piano *Alban Gerhardt* cello *Viviane Hagner* violin *Kari Kriikku* clarinet *Kathy Hinde Messiaen* visuals
  *Ravel* Piano Trio in A Minor 20’ *Messiaen* Quartet for the End of Time 50’
  

• Andsnes Plays Mozart and Beethoven  

  Sun 17 May 2009 Town Hall

  The outstanding pianist Leif Ove Andsnes plays and directs a pair of contrasting classical concertos with his native Norwegian musicians: sparkling, sunny Mozart and turbulent Beethoven. Two much-loved works from a later era continue the classical and Norwegian themes - Prokofiev’s dashing Classical Symphony and Grieg’s Holberg Suite. *Classic FM’s Anne-Marie Minhall says of tonight’s recommended concert:* _ Leif Ove Andsnes is one of my favourite musicians. Not only is he one of the best pianists on the planet, he’s also deeply passionate about every project he undertakes from playing Grieg on top of a Norwegian mountain to running his own annual summer music festival in Risor, three hours from Oslo. Andsnes is also a devoted chamber musician and regularly works with the Norwegian Chamber Orchestra as their first guest leader._ "Classic FM":http://www.classicfm.co.uk Tickets £5-£30
  *Norwegian Chamber Orchestra* *Leif Ove Andsnes* _piano/director_ *Terje Tønnesen* _director_
  *Mozart* Piano Concerto No 14 in E flat, K449 22’ *Prokofiev* Classical Symphony 14’ *Grieg* Holberg Suite 21’ *Beethoven* Piano Concerto No 3 in C minor, Op 37 34’
  

• Celebrity Piano Recital: Stephen Hough  

  Wed 16 Jan 2008 Town Hall

  Well-known for his utterly original and revelatory performances, Stephen Hough's recital ranges from Weber's famous _Invitation to the Dance_ and the devilish virtuosity of Liszt's _Mephisto Waltz_ through to refined dance-inspired pieces by Chopin, Chabrier, Debussy and Saint-Saens. And, if that all sounds just a touch frivolous, the first half of his recital is themed around variations and includes Beethoven's visionary final Piano Sonata and the fragmentary lyricism of Webern. BBC Music magazine's Editor, Oliver Condy, explains why he has recommended tonight's concert: _" Stephen Hough is quite simply an overwhelmingly brilliant pianist in whatever he does. He's a showman without the showiness, a musical poet without the pretension, he's the perfect musician."_
  
  *Mendelssohn* Variations Serieuses *Webern* Variations, Op 27 *Beethoven* Sonata in C minor, Op 111 *Weber* Invitation to the Dance *Chopin* Waltz, Op 64 No 2; Valse Brilliante, Op 34 No 1 *Saint-Saens* Valse Nonchalante *Chabrier* Feuille d'Album (Valse) *Debussy* La plus que Lente (Valse) *Liszt* Valse Oubliee No 1; Mephisto Waltz No 1
  

• Britten Sinfonia at Lunch  

  Fri 18 Jan 2008 Town Hall

  This concert showcases the cream of Britten Sinfonia’s superb string section and gives us the chance to revel in the rich texture of the string sextet, with paired violas and cellos deepening the sonority. Bach’s astounding Ricercare is the composer’s masterful response to the challenge set by King Frederick II of Prussia to write a six-part fugue out of a long and complex musical figure written by the king himself. Brahms’ first sextet shows the composer’s mastery of the form, with writing that is at times dense and lush, at other times taut and biting. Completing the programme is a new work by Helen Grime for the same forces, providing a contemporary take on a classic chamber line-up. "Britten Sinfonia":http://www.brittensinfonia.co.uk
  Jacqueline Shave violin Miranda Dale violin Clare Finnimore viola Martin Outram viola Caroline Dearnley cello Benjamin Chappell cello
  JS Bach: Ricercare from A Musical Offering for String Sextet Helen Grime: New Work (world première tour) Brahms: Sextet No.1
  

• Angela Hewitt plays Bach’s Goldberg Variations  

  Sat 30 May 2009 Town Hall

  Bach’s Goldberg Variations is regarded as one of classical music’s most iconic works: a universal masterpiece that somehow reconciles simplicity and complexity, pleasure and profundity, music and mathematics. Canadian pianist Angela Hewitt is one of the work’s greatest living interpreters, playing it here in the intimate surroundings of Town Hall. *Classic FM’s Anne-Marie Minhall says of tonight’s recommended concert:* _After Leif Ove Andsnes appearing in the Town Hall earlier in May, what a treat to welcome another phenomenal pianist, Angela Hewitt before the month is out. Angela Hewitt is also one of many musicians who keeps fans up-to-date with an online blog on her official website•angelahewitt.com You can keep track of her relentless performance schedule (one day Rome, the next London before moving onto Ottawa ..) as well as read the latest reviews of her concerts. Tonight an opportunity to hear the work of genius that is Bach’s Goldberg Variations. Astonishing to think that Johann Sebastian was commissioned to compose the piece by a nobleman desperate for a good night’s sleep. Poor old Count Kayserling, who was a great supporter of Bach’s, suffered with insomnia. One of his musical employees, Johann Goldberg, was tasked with playing the Variations in an attempt to lull his Master to sleep._ "Classic FM":http://www.classicfm.co.uk *6.15pm Pre-concert talk* £5-£30 The concert will finish at approx. 9pm. Please note there is no interval.
  
  
  

• King's College Choir at Christmas  

  Sat 20 Dec Town Hall

  What could be more evocative of Christmas than the magical sound of the Choir of King’s College, Cambridge? This world-famous choir visits Town Hall with a concert of Christmas music ranging from majestic baroque masterworks by Praetorius and Schütz through to quintessential favourites from the Nine Lessons and Carols, including Darke’s _In the Bleak Midwinter_ and Joubert’s _There is no Rose_. *Classic FM’s Anne-Marie Minhall says of tonight’s recommended concert:* _It’s thanks to Henry VI that the Choir of King’s College Cambridge exist. The last king of the Lancastrian dynasty envisaged daily singing in his splendid chapel and to this day that remains the main purpose of the Choir. Tonight a musical festive fayre is promised including Vaughan Williams’ Fantasia on Christmas Carols, a work based on traditional carols. Other seasonal favourites on the menu include Harold Darke’s beautiful In The Bleak Midwinter and John Joubert’s There Is No Rose._ "Classic FM":http://www.classicfm.co.uk Tickets £5-30
  *Choir of King’s College Cambridge* *Stephen Cleobury* director
  *Scheidt* Puer natus in Bethlehem *Praetorius* Magnificat quinti toni - with interpolated Carols - _Joseph, lieber Joseph, mein_ and _In dulci Jubilo_ *Schutz* Hodie Christus Natus est *Bach* In dulci jubilo BWV729 (organ solo) *Poulenc* Four Christmas Motets INTERVAL *Rachmanonov* Magnificat (All-Night Vigil) *Howells* A Spotless Rose *Darke* In the bleak midwinter *Weir* Illuminare, Jerusalem *Joubert* There is no rose *Messiaen* Dieu Parmi Nous (from La Nativité du Seigneur)(organ solo) *Vaughn Williams* Fantasia on Christmas Carols
  

• Brass Gala Concert 2008  

  Sun 14 Sep Symphony Hall

  The present British Open Champion Band, The English and National Champion Band and the European Champion Band come together on one spectacular bill leading to a glorious climax featuring the Cory and Black Dyke Band performing together! The three bands will play music widely ranging from _Mozart's_ Magic Flute Overture to _Harry James'_ Trumpet Blues and Canta