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  • Lunchtime Organ Concert - Gough Duo  

    Mon 2 Feb Symphony Hall

    Includes music by Rheinberger, Massenet, Whitlock and Rachmaninov
    *Rachel Gough* vioin *Rupert Gough* organ
    *Rheinberger* Ouverture, Op 150, No 6 *J S Bach* Cantabile (from Sonata VI) *Rütti* Pavane *Massenet* Méditation (from _Thaïs_) *Whitlock* Divertimento (from Four Extemporizations) *Rachmaninov* Vocalise *Hakim* Capriccio

  • Centre Stage - The Leo Quartet The Leo Quartet 

    Fri 5 Mar 2010 Book through our ticket office for CBSO Centre

    *Rachmaninov* Two Movements for String Quartet *Beethoven* String Quartet in C, Op 59 No 3 (Razumovsky)
    *The Leo Quartet*
    *Rachmaninov* Two Movements for String Quartet *Beethoven* String Quartet in C, Op 59 No 3 (Razumovsky)

  • Dvorák’s New World  

    Sat 7 Feb Symphony Hall

    Was there ever a more evocative, nostalgic work than the New World Symphony? Right from the opening bars it is clear that the composer’s thoughts were more of his beloved Bohemia than of the exciting city of New York in which he found himself. Rachmaninov also had his moments of homesickness after he moved to the USA, but the bubbly brilliance of his ever-popular Paganini Rhapsody makes it one of his most extrovert works. Sometimes musicians simply choose to ignore their surroundings: Prokofiev’s equally brilliant first symphony was composed, amazingly, against the stormy background of the Russian Revolution!
    Michal Dworzynski - conductor Alexander Kobrin - piano City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra
    Prokofiev: Symphony No. 1 (Classical) 15’ Rachmaninov: Rhapsody on a theme of Paganini 25’ Dvorák: Symphony No. 9 (From the New World) 40’

  • Lunchtime Concert: Tatiana Dardykina Symphony Hall - Birmingham Conservatoire Competition Prize Winner's Recital 

    Wed 13 May Town Hall

    The winner of this year's Symphony Hall-Birmingham Conservatoire Competition takes the Town Hall stage to give her prize-winning recital (postponed from last November). This annual prize is open to advanced music students of the Conservatoire and invariably produces top-quality performers. Tatiana is certainly that, and her programme offers a feast of music for lovers of the piano.
    *Tatiana Dardykina* piano
    *Beethoven* Sonata No 32 in C minor, Op111 *Chopin* Scherzo in C sharp minor,Op 39 *Rachmaninov* Prelude No 6 in E flat, Op 23 *Rachmaninov* Etude-Tableau No 5, Op 39 *Rachmaninov* M oments Musicaux Nos 5 and 6, Op 16

  • Great Romantics  

    Sat 13 Dec Symphony Hall

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

  • Rachmaninov's Second Symphony  

    Programme Change

    Tue 2 Mar Symphony Hall

    One of Holland’s foremost orchestras, with their Principal Conductor Jaap van Zweden, brings a richly romantic programme to Symphony Hall. There’s the heartfelt lyricism and inexhaustible melody of Rachmaninov’s Second Symphony and Mussorgsky’s exquisite _Khovanshchina_ Prelude, evoking dawn over Moscow. And, expect sparks to fly in Prokofiev’s Third Piano Concerto in the hands of Simon Trpčeski - one of today’s hottest young pianists. *Due to the current economic climate we regret that the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, originally due to perform at this concert, has been forced to postpone its European tour. However, we are delighted to secure the outstanding Netherlands Radio Philharmonic Orchestra, with conductor Jaap van Zweden and pianist Simon Trpčeski as originally advertised, in a programme that is virtually unchanged.* _“Jaap van Zweden is the principal conductor of no less than four important orchestras around the world, but tonight he returns to his Dutch roots with the Netherlands Radio Philharmonic. At the core of this impressive programme is the young Macedonian sensation Simon Trpčeski who will tackle one of the trickiest piano concertos in the book, Prokofiev’s ferocious Third.”_ Oliver Condy, BBC Music Magazine
    *Netherlands Radio Philharmonic Orchestra* *Jaap van Zweden* _conductor_ *Simon Trpčeski* _piano_
    *Mussorgsky* Prelude to _Khovanshchina_ 6’ *Prokofiev* Piano Concerto No 3 27’ *Rachmaninov* Symphony No 2 60’

  • CBSO Symphonic Dances: III  

    Wed 12 May 2010 Symphony Hall

    Andris Nelsons kicks up a real song and dance. In American exile, Rachmaninov summed up his life’s work in one extraordinary masterpiece. His _Symphonic Dances_ evoke a fantastic dream-world of half-remembered melodies, ghostly waltzes and driving jazz rhythms. But more to the point, they’re pure Rachmaninov - and that means high romance and glorious tunes. If you love his piano concertos, you’ll be spellbound. And if you love Beethoven’s piano concertos - well, you won’t need any persuasion to hear the most songful and poetic of the lot, played by the masterly Lars Vogt. Meanwhile, who’d have thought that the very first piece of music Nelsons brings us from his native Latvia would be the wonderfully evocative _Tango_, by his friend Arturs Maskats? Post-concert talk, c 9.15. Stay late for a post-conecrt conversation with Andris Nelsons and Stephen Maddock.
    *City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra* *Andris Nelsons* conductor *Lars Vogt* piano
    *Maskats* _Tango_ 12' *Beethoven* Piano Concerto No 4 34' *Rachmaninov* _Symphonic Dances_ 35'

  • Dvorák’s New World  

    Thu 5 Feb Symphony Hall

    *Please note today's matinee concert is going ahead.* Was there ever a more evocative, nostalgic work than the New World Symphony? Right from the opening bars it is clear that the composer’s thoughts were more of his beloved Bohemia than of the exciting city of New York in which he found himself. Rachmaninov also had his moments of homesickness after he moved to the USA, but the bubbly brilliance of his ever-popular Paganini Rhapsody makes it one of his most extrovert works. Sometimes musicians simply choose to ignore their surroundings: Prokofiev’s equally brilliant first symphony was composed, amazingly, against the stormy background of the Russian Revolution!
    Michal Dworzynski - conductor Alexander Kobrin - piano City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra Please note today's matinee concert is going ahead
    Prokofiev: Symphony No. 1 (Classical) 15’ Rachmaninov: Rhapsody on a theme of Paganini 25’ Dvorák: Symphony No. 9 (From the New World) 40’

  • 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'

  • Valentine's Day Love Classics  

    Sat 14 Feb Symphony Hall

    A superb concert of romantic classics for the day of classic romance, with a free Valentine's Rose for every couple in the audience.
    *London Concert Orchestra* *John Rigby* conductor *Nigel Hutchison* piano
    *Verdi* Prelude to Act 1 from _La Traviata_ *Tchaikovsky* Swan Lake Suite *Strauss* Roses from the South Waltz *Rachmaninov* Piano Concerto No 2 *Mendelssohn* Hebrides Overture *Delius* La Calinda *Offenbach* Overture from _Orpheus in the Underworld_ *Mahler* _Adagietto_ from Symphony 5

  • CBSO Symphonic Dances: I  

    Thu 24 Sep Symphony Hall

    It may be his last work, but Rachmaninov’s orchestral showpiece is bursting with energy and great melodies, a tribute to the glamour of Ormandy’s Philadelphia Orchestra. Ravel was also fascinated by recreating dance forms in his orchestral music, and his 1920 ballet La Valse is the most extreme example, the point at which the old Viennese waltz eats itself. Ravel’s love of orchestral colour owes a huge debt to Berlioz, whose beautiful song-cycle completes the programme. Sung in French, with English surtitles. "CBSO Website":http://www.cbso.co.uk
    *City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra* *Andris Nelsons* _conductor_ *Charlotte Hellekant* _mezzo soprano_
    *Ravel* _La Valse_ 13’ *Berlioz* _Les Nuits d’Été_ 32’ *Rachmaninov* _Symphonic Dances_ 36’

  • Tasmin Little Plays Mendelssohn  

    Thu 13 Mar 2008 Symphony Hall

    Making a welcome return to the CBSO, Tadaaki Otaka follows his gripping performance of Rachmaninov’s Second Symphony three years ago with the same composer’s final symphony, an equally luscious masterpiece written during his time in America. Rachmaninov’s sophisticated writing for the velvety strings of the Philadelphia Orchestra finds an English counterpart in Vaughan Williams’s timeless meditation on Tallis’s hymn tune. Following this, one of today’s best-loved string players gives us her account of Mendelssohn’s spirited concerto.
    Tadaaki Otaka conductor Tasmin Little violin
    Vaughan Williams: Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis 15' Mendelssohn: Violin Concerto 27' Rachmaninov: Symphony No. 3 38'

  • Russian Pictures: University of Warwick Symphony Orchestra and Chorus  

    Fri 6 Mar Town Hall

    The University of Warwick Symphony Orchestra join forces with the University Chorus for this glorious concert of Russian music. The Symphony Orchestra welcomes spectacular pianist Warren Mailley-Smith to join them for the performance of Rachmaninov's Piano Concerto No 2.
    *Lucy Griffiths and Paul McGrath* Conductors *Warren Mailley-Smith* piano
    *Mussorgsky* Pictures at an Exhibition *Stravinsky* Symphony of Psalms *Rachmaninov* Piano Concerto No. 2

  • 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’

  • 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'

  • Russian Masters  

    Tue 29 Jan Symphony Hall

    Great tunes, grand passions, an epic scale • Rachmaninov’s Third Piano Concerto has quite rightly become one of the best-loved pieces in the classical repertoire. Tonight it is played for us by an outstanding young Russian-Israeli pianist, making his CBSO debut. CBSO Assistant Conductor Michael Seal frames the concerto with two other Russian works that have stood the test of time. Shchedrin’s Naughty Limericks is a subversive, riotously entertaining work that shocked the Soviet authorities at its premiere in 1963, while Shostakovich’s exuberant First Symphony, composed when he was still in his teens, has a darker, sardonic humour that is entirely typical of this composer. 6.15pm pre-concert talk
    Michael Seal conductor Boris Giltburg piano
    Shchedrin: Concerto for Orchestra No. 1 (Naughty Limericks) Rachmaninov: Piano Concerto No. 3 Shostakovich: Symphony No. 1

  • Symphonic Dances  

    Wed 14 May 2008 Symphony Hall

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

  • CBSO Youth Orchestra  

    Sun 28 Oct Symphony Hall

    Tonight Michael Seal unleashes the orchestra's youthful energy on Carl Nielsen’s explosive Fourth Symphony. A torrential celebration of the unstoppable power of the life-force, it’s no wonder it’s dubbed _The Inextinguishable_! It should be a thrilling work-out for our superb young players. Seal also steers them through two more 20th-century showpieces - Rachmaninov’s much-loved Rhapsody, and the all-American high-jinks of Leonard Bernstein’s uproarious Divertimento. “A feisty performance from these excellent young players.” The Sunday Times, October 2006 *Please note Sakari Oramo has unfortunately had to withdraw from the concert due to illness. Michael Seal has kindly agreed to step in at short notice and will conduct the whole concert.*
    *Michael Seal* Conductor *Alexander Melnikov* Piano
    *Bernstein*: Divertimento *Rachmaninov*: Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini *Nielsen*: Symphony No. 4 ( _The Inextinguishable_ )

  • Russian Classics CBSO Benevolent Fund Concert 

    Fri 14 Sep Symphony Hall

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

  • Russian Romantics  

    Wed 7 Oct Symphony Hall

    Three sumptuous Russian works performed by an orchestra which has this music firmly implanted in its DNA. Tchaikovsky’s unforgettable ballet music complements his First Piano Concerto, which opens with one of the world’s best-known melodies, whilst Rachmaninov’s Third Symphony is suffused with glowing autumnal colours and nostalgic passion. Classic FM’s Anne-Marie Minhall, says of tonight’s recommended concert: _“Two giants of Russian Romanticism dominate proceedings tonight, neither afraid to wear their hearts on their sleeves. Tchaikovsky’s First Piano Concerto still packs out concert halls around the world.”_ *IMPORTANT INFORMATION:* *A traffic management system will be in place at the lower end of Broad Street (towards the city centre, outside the House of Sport) from 6.30pm until approximately 8.30pm to allow for filming of the BBC's _Hustle_. Although full access to the street will be available please allow for possible delays.*
    *St Petersburg Symphony Orchestra* *Alexander Dmitriev* _conductor_ *Barry Douglas* _piano_
    *Tchaikovsky* Excerpts from _Sleeping Beauty_ *Tchaikovsky* Piano Concerto No 1 *Rachmaninov* Symphony No 3

  • Celebrating Nielsen: The Inextinguishable  

    Wed 7 Jan 2009 Symphony Hall

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

  • CBSO Cellos Lunchtime concerts at the CBSO Centre 

    Thu 10 Apr 2008 Book through our ticket office for CBSO Centre



    Lollipops for Cello Quartet including Pachelbel’s Canon, Albinoni’s Adagio, and Rachmaninov’s Vocalise.

  • Rachmaninov’s Second  

    Wed 24 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. The concert on 24 September is followed by a Members’ Afternoon Tea with Andris Nelsons as guest speaker, in conversation with Christopher Morley of The Birmingham Post. Find out how you can support the CBSO through membership by contacting Gill Powell on 0121 616 6514, or email gpowell@cbso.co.uk Pre concert talk 1.15pm - The Players’ Perspective - Rachmaninov’s Second Violinist David Gregory and fellow CBSO musicians present an insider’s angle on Rachmaninov’s best-loved symphony. bq.'PASSION from Birmingham’ is the motto for the CBSO’s current season. And Andris Nelsons, here making his first official appearance before becoming music director in the autumn, is the living incarnation of these words.bq. David Fanning, Daily Telegraph 7 March 2008
    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’

  • Lunchtime Organ Concert Paul Carr 

    Mon 22 Feb 2010 Town Hall


    *Paul Carr* _organ_
    *Berlioz* Rákóczi March from La Damnation de Faust (arr. Best) *Bach* Sinfonia to Cantata BWV 29 *Guilmant* Fantasie on two English Melodies *Litaize* Scherzo *Lefébure-Wély* Boléro de Concert *Rachmaninov* Vocalise *Spicer* Kiwi Fireworks: Five variations on ‘God Defend New Zealand’

  • Free Piano Recital  

    Cancelled

    Fri 14 Nov Symphony Hall

    Ahead of this evening’s concert at 7.30pm the successful finalist in this year’s Symphony Hall-Birmingham Conservatoire Competition takes the stage to give her prize-winning recital. This annual prize is open to advanced music students of the Conservatoire and invariably produces top-quality performers. Tatiana’s programme will include music by Rachmaninov, Chopin and Brahms. Admission FREE


  • Lunchtime Organ Concert Ulrich Walther 

    Mon 16 Nov Town Hall


    *Ulrich Walther* _organ_
    *Bach* Kyrie, Gott heilger Geist à 5, BWV 671 Toccata in D minor BWV 912 (arr. Reger) Prelude and Fugue in C sharp minor BWV 849 (arr. Reger) *Mendelssohn* Prelude and fugue in B minor Op 35 No 4 *Whitlock* Scherzetto *Dupré* Prelude et fugue in B minor Op 7 No 1 *Ligeti* Etude No 2, Coulée *Rachmaninov* Prelude in C sharp minor (arr. Vierne)

  • Birmingham International Concert Season 2009/10  

    Wed 7 Oct to Sat 12 Jun 2010 Town Hall & Symphony Hall

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


  • 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

  • True Romantics  

    Thu 14 Feb 2008 Symphony Hall

    It's Valentine’s Day, so it has to be Romeo and Juliet! Tchaikovsky’s stirring Overture is the perfect introduction to a programme full of romantic ardour. Rachmaninov’s Concerto, familiar to millions through its use in Brief Encounter, has equally soaring melodies and is played for us by a talented pianist who won the prestigious Van Cliburn competition in 2005. The love-life of Johannes Brahms is rather less apparent in his music, but his Third Symphony does contain music of great warmth and romantic yearning, inspired in part by his unfulfilled longing for Clara Schumann.
    Vassily Sinaisky conductor Alexander Kobrin piano
    Tchaikovsky: Romeo and Juliet 21' Rachmaninov: Piano Concerto No. 2 35' Brahms: Symphony No. 3 33'

  • Schools Concert: The Planets  

    Fri 1 Feb 2008 Symphony Hall

    Head for the stars in this concert with some of the best moments from Holst’s The Planets Suite, including Mars: The Bringer of War, Jupiter: The Bringer of Jollity and Mercury: The Winged Messenger. Today’s performances are devised especially to introduce Key Stage 2 students (years 5 and 6) to the spectacular sights and sounds of a symphony orchestra. For information on pre-concert support packages for schools, please contact the CBSO’s Education Department by email (education@cbso.co.uk) or telephone (0121 616 6500). Teachers are also invited to contact the CBSO for details of other opportunities for schools available under our Education and Community programme.
    Michael Seal conductor Tommy Pearson presenter

  • Schools Concert: The Planets  

    Fri 1 Feb 2008 Symphony Hall

    Head for the stars in this concert with some of the best moments from Holst’s The Planets Suite, including Mars: The Bringer of War, Jupiter: The Bringer of Jollity and Mercury: The Winged Messenger. Today’s performances are devised especially to introduce Key Stage 2 students (years 5 and 6) to the spectacular sights and sounds of a symphony orchestra. For information on pre-concert support packages for schools, please contact the CBSO’s Education Department by email (education@cbso.co.uk) or telephone (0121 616 6500). Teachers are also invited to contact the CBSO for details of other opportunities for schools available under our Education and Community programme.
    Michael Seal conductor Tommy Pearson presenter

  • CBSO Great Romantics  

    Sat 28 Nov Symphony Hall

    Dvorák always insisted that he liked nothing more than listening to a Czech village band. And no wonder, if they sounded anything like the slow movement of his glorious Eighth Symphony. Forget the New World, this is Dvorák celebrating the old world with lilting tunes and utterly irresistible charm. Andris Nelsons sets the mood with another Slavic fairytale; Liadov’s ravishing _Enchanted Lake_, before joining pianist Nikolai Lugansky to scale the Everest of romantic piano concertos - Rachmaninov’s epic Third Concerto, premiered 100 years ago and still as thrilling as ever. "www.cbso.co.uk":http://cbso.co.uk
    *City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra* *Andris Nelsons* _conductor_ *Nikolai Lugansky* _piano_
    *Liadov* _The Enchanted Lake_ 7’ *Rachmaninov* Piano Concerto No. 3 44’ *Dvorák* Symphony No. 8 36’

  • CBSO Great Romantics - Matinee  

    Wed 2 Dec Symphony Hall

    Dvorák always insisted that he liked nothing more than listening to a Czech village band. And no wonder, if they sounded anything like the slow movement of his glorious Eighth Symphony. Forget the New World, this is Dvorák celebrating the old world with lilting tunes and utterly irresistible charm. Andris Nelsons sets the mood with another Slavic fairytale; Liadov’s ravishing _Enchanted Lake_, before joining pianist Nikolai Lugansky to scale the Everest of romantic piano concertos - Rachmaninov’s epic Third Concerto, premiered 100 years ago and still as thrilling as ever. "www.cbso.co.uk":http://cbso.co.uk
    *City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra* *Andris Nelsons* _conductor_ *Nikolai Lugansky* _piano_
    *Liadov* _The Enchanted Lake_ 7’ *Rachmaninov* Piano Concerto No 3 44’ *Dvorák* Symphony No 8 36’

  • Final of The Robert William and Florence Amy Brant International Pianoforte Competition 2009  

    Sat 27 Jun Town Hall

    With an illustrious list of former winners and a first prize of £3,000, this prestigious competition provides young pianists with the chance to further their careers and perform in world-class venues. Tonight's Final sees the three finalists - Tatiana Dardykina, Alexander Karpeyev and Alexei Petrov - and perform a varied programme of no more than 40 minutes, consisting of their own choice of works.

    *Tatiana Dardykina* *Beethoven* Sonata in E flat, Op 27 No 1 *Chopin* Scherzo in C sharp minor, Op 39 *Rachmaninov* Musical Moments, Op 16 No 5 and No 6 *Alexander Karpeyev* *Schubert* Wanderer-Fantasy in C, Op 15 *Britten* Night-Piece (Notturno) *Stravinsky* Three movements from Petrushka: Russian Dance, At Petrushka's, The Shrovetide Fair *Alexei Petrov* *Scriabin* Sonata Op 70 No 10 *Brahms* Intermezzo *Prokofiev* Sonata No 7 Op 83

  • 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

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

    Symphony Hall

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


  • 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

  • An Evening of Music & Dance with the Royal Ballet Sinfonia and Birmingham Royal Ballet  

    Fri 18 Apr Symphony Hall

    *The Royal Ballet Sinfonia (The Orchestra of Birmingham Royal Ballet) with Principals from Birmingham Royal Ballet* The Royal Ballet Sinfonia take centre stage for this concert, presenting a one-night-only evening of ballet music. Guests from Birmingham Royal Ballet join the musicians onstage to perform selected previews of the forthcoming summer and autumn seasons, as well as pieces being presented exclusively for this event. Danced extracts include movements from Giselle (Adolphe Adam and Marius Petipa), Card Game (Igor Stravinsky and John Cranko) and Concerto (Dmitri Shostakovich and Kenneth Macmillan). Other music being performed includes Pavane pour une enfant défunte (Maurice Ravel) and Candide: Overture (Leonard Bernstein). With presenter Brian Kay. Adults £9, £13.50, £17.50, £21.50, £25, 28.50 60 plus/students £9, £12.50, £16, £20, £22.50, £26

    Candide: Overture Music: Leonard Bernstein Card Game: Third Deal Music: Igor Stravinsky Choreography: John Cranko Concerto: Pas de deux Music: Dmitri Shostakovich Choreography: Kenneth MacMillan Elgen a Maygar! polka Music: Johann Strauss II English Folksong Suite: March Music: Ralph Vaughan-Williams Giselle: Act II pas de deux Music: Adolphe Adam Choreography: Marius Petipa London Suite: Knightsbridge March Music: Eric Coates Pavane pour une enfant défunte Music: Maurice Ravel Raymonda Act III pas de trois and solos Music: Alexander Glazunov Choregraphy: Rudolf Nureyev Spring Waters pas de deux Music: Sergey Rachmaninov Choreography: Asaf Messerer Tchaikovsky pas de deux Music: Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky Choreography: George Balanchine Valse de concert Music: Alexander Glazunov Voices of Spring Music: Johann Strauss II Choreography: Frederick Ashton Lighting: Mark Jonathan Wasps Overture Music: Ralph Vaughan-Williams

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