Sorry, but we couldn't find that event

Were you looking for one of the following?

  • 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.


  • Stephen Brant Memorial Concert  

    Tue 22 May Symphony Hall

    The prestigious Robert William and Florence Amy Brant International Piano Competition is open to 25 young pianists aged between 20 and 28. The three winners from the 2005 competition Sasha Grynyuk, Soyeon Kim and Andrejs Osokins have been invited back to perform a varied programme of their own choice for the Stephen Brant Memorial Concert at Symphony Hall. Please join us for an exciting opportunity to hear the promising talent of the future. For further information please contact Victoria Green, Symphony Hall, Broad Street, Birmingham B1 2EA or send an email to pianocompetition@thsh.co.uk.


  • 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

  • Semi-Finals of the Robert William and Florence Amy Brant International Pianoforte Competition  

    Sun 21 Jun Town Hall

    An annual event, which is open to pianists of any nationality who are between 20 and 28 years old and resident in Great Britain. The Semi-Finals comprise up to eight competitors (selected at the CBSO Centre on Saturday 20 June) who will play a Beethoven Sonata and a work composed after 1960. See 27 June (page 17) for the Finals.


  • The Final of the Robert William & Florence Amy Brant International Pianoforte Competition 2008  

    Sat 12 Jul Town Hall

    With an illustrious list of former winners, including Mark Bebbington and Roger Owens, and a first prize of £3000, this prestigious international piano competition provides young pianists with the opportunity to further their careers and perform in world-class venues. In tonight’s concert three finalists, selected at the end of the semi-final stage, will each perform a varied programme of no more than 40 minutes’ duration consisting of their own choice of works by three different composers. £10, 60 plus/full-time students/under 16s/ unwaged £7.50 (unreserved seating) Entry details and more information can be found at www.thsh.co.uk/brantcompetition. The preliminary round and semi-final of the competition will take place at the CBSO Centre (Berkley Street, Birmingham, B1 2LF) on Saturday 5 & Sunday 6 July 2008. Please follow the link below for further details: "CBSO Website":http://cbso.co.uk


  • Global Battle of the Bands National Final  

    Sun 28 Oct Town Hall

    Some of the very best UK bands compete to win a place in the international finals. Will we see the next Beatles or ABBA?
    *Rick Wakeman*, *Jean Jacques Burnel* & *Louis Nicastro* Judges

  • The RAF in Concert  

    Wed 17 Oct Symphony Hall

    An enchanting evening of musical magic is guaranteed when the Bands of the Royal Air Force take to the stage as part of their prestigious annual tour. See some of the UK’s finest ensemble musicians - and soloists - perform a richly textured programme featuring stirring sounds from yesteryear, building up to a rousing Last Night of the Proms-style finale. TV soap star William Roache MBE, a former Captain in the Royal Welsh Fusiliers, will compere.
    *The Royal Air Force Bands and its Squadronnaires* *Wing Commander Stuart Stirling* Conductor *William Roache* (Coronation Street) Compere

  • Sakari Oramo violin and CBSO Players Lunchtime concerts at the CBSO Centre 

    Fri 14 Dec Book through our ticket office for CBSO Centre



    R. Strauss: Capriccio sextet Tchaikovsky: Souvenir de Florence

  • Lunchtime Concert  

    Thu 13 Mar Town Hall

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

  • Lunchtime Organ Concert - Thomas Trotter (3rd Nov)  

    Mon 3 Nov Symphony Hall

    The City Organist plays Tomkins’ Worster Brawls, Susato’s Saltarelle and more before concluding with Rossini’s stirring William Tell Overture. Admission from 12.30pm. Programme lasts approximately one hour. Thomas Trotter is a Town Hall Associate Artist.


  • Celebrating Sibelius:II  

    Sat 22 Sep Symphony Hall

    The second instalment in Sakari Oramo’s Sibelius cycle consists of the final three works which set the seal on the composer’s reputation as arguably the greatest symphonist of the 20th century. From the popular Fifth, with its exhilarating forward momentum and shattering final chords, via the cooler Sixth which the composer described as ‘pure spring water’, to the spacious trombone solos and concentrated beauties of the single-movement Seventh, these works chart a journey towards perfection that has been the envy of composers ever since. The concert begins with one of his best-loved works. “…[Symphony No. 6] sounds so natural and sensitive… this orchestra is also quick to catch the composer's innermost thoughts.” Finnish Music Quarterly 4/2003, on Oramo/CBSO/Sibelius Cycle, Erato label 5.45pm FREE Pre-concert talk
    *Sakari Oramo* conductor
    Sibelius: Karelia Suite Sibelius: Symphony No. 5 Sibelius: Symphony No. 6 Sibelius: Symphony No. 7

  • Tchaikovsky's Sixth  

    Sat 10 Nov Symphony Hall

    Talented young French conductor Ludovic Morlot makes a quick return to the CBSO following his debut in May, for two performances of Tchaikovsky’s tumultuous final symphony. Never out of fashion since its premiere just a few days before the composer’s death, the Pathétique is one of music’s most personal utterances, a vivid portrayal of the composer’s state of mind that offers a rollercoaster emotional journey from elation to despair. Bartók’s music is altogether less unhinged, though his energetic Second Piano Concerto is an equally thrilling experience in concert. Dvorák’s tuneful overture begins the programme in exuberant style. There will be a Bequest Patrons' reception prior to the concert on 7 November.
    *Ludovic Morlot* Conductor *Steven Osborne* Piano
    *Dvorák*: Carnival Overture *Mozart Piano Concerto No. 27, K.595* *Tchaikovsky*: Symphony No. 6 (Pathétique)

  • Ryuichi Sakamoto: Plays the Piano  

    Sun 22 Nov Symphony Hall

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


  • IgorFest: Orpheus  

    Thu 30 Apr 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 *City of Birmingham Orchestra* *Ex Cathedra Choir*
    *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’

  • 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 - 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)

  • Boxing Day Classics  

    Fri 26 Dec Symphony Hall

    Two giant keyboard masterpieces in one superb programme of rousing classics. _A complimentary glass of champagne for everyone_
    Edward Warren _conductor_ Malcolm Hicks _organ_ Martin Cousin _piano_ London Concert Orchestra
    *Rossini* William Tell Overture *Mascagni* Intermezzo from Cavalleria Rusticana *Tchaikovsky* Piano Concerto No.1 *Wagner* Prelude Act III from Lohengrin *Strauss* Emperor Waltz *Saint-Saëns* Symphony No.3 ‘Organ Symphony’ Featuring the majestic *Symphony Hall Organ*

  • Lunchtime Organ Concert - Thomas Trotter  

    Mon 16 Feb Town Hall

    Featuring City Organist Thomas Trotter.

    *Hindesmith* Sonata No 2 *J S Bach* Pastorale *Rorem* Three Views from the Oldest House *Ketelbey* Bells across the Meadows *Widor* Adagio & Final (from Symphony No 8)

  • Rush Hour Blues INTERPLAY 

    Fri 25 Jul Symphony Hall

    Level 3 Bar. Admission FREE. Presented in association with "Birmingham Jazz":http://birminghamjazz.co.uk Join us for the final Rush Hour Blues of the season as Interplay perform a Summery mix of jazz, grooves and world music.


  • Ray Quinn  

    Wed 3 Oct Symphony Hall

    After winning the hearts of the British public on the TV phenomenon _The X Factor_, Ray Quinn is heading out on a UK tour. Ray captures the spirit and image of the classic Rat Pack era with his great voice, tailored suits and trademark quiff. After four million people voted for Ray in the highest rated final in _The X Factor’s_ history, he is keen to carry on with his amazing success and has already conquered the UK album chart.


  • Lunchtime Organ Concert - Thomas Trotter Summer Request Concert  

    Mon 8 Jun Town Hall

    The final concert of the season features your requests for favourite pieces that Thomas has played earlier this season.
    *Thomas Trotter* organ

  • 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)

  • CBSO Chopin 200 - Matinee  

    Thu 25 Feb 2010 Symphony Hall

    Next week the musical world celebrates the 200th birthday of its favourite composer of piano music, and the CBSO gets in early with performances of his dazzling and lyrical second concerto, played by a leading American pianist. This is gloriously romantic music, and Tchaikovsky’s famous Shakespearean overture is even more so. Regular guest conductor Andrew Litton is renowned for his commitment to English music, and here he conducts Vaughan Williams’ most dramatic symphony.
    *City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra* *Andrew Litton* _conductor_ *William Wolfram* _piano_
    *Tchaikovsky* _Romeo and Juliet_ 21’ *Chopin* Piano Concerto No 2 30’ *Vaughan Williams* Symphony No 4 34’

  • CBSO Chopin 200  

    Wed 24 Feb 2010 Symphony Hall

    Next week the musical world celebrates the 200th birthday of its favourite composer of piano music, and the CBSO gets in early with performances of his dazzling and lyrical second concerto, played by a leading American pianist. This is gloriously romantic music, and Tchaikovsky’s famous Shakespearean overture is even more so. Regular guest conductor Andrew Litton is renowned for his commitment to English music, and here he conducts Vaughan Williams’ most dramatic symphony.
    *City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra* *Andrew Litton* _conductor_ *William Wolfram* _piano_
    *Tchaikovsky* _Romeo and Juliet_ 21’ *Chopin* Piano Concerto No 2 30’ *Vaughan Williams* Symphony No 4 34’

  • Good Friday St Matthew Passion Sung in English 

    Fri 6 Apr Symphony Hall

    This annual performance of Bachs sublime St Matthew Passion is now a well-established Easter tradition in Birmingham. Once again Birminghams 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

  • 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'

  • Only Men Aloud! plus special guests  

    Mon 4 May Symphony Hall

    In 2008 Only Men Aloud! entered what was to be the UK's biggest choir competition to date, with UK choirs battling to become voted the best choir in the UK on BBC 1 hit Saturday night show _Last Choir Standing_. After battling through the rounds, OMA! gave some incredible performances and after an all Welsh Final, were crowned the winners and the nation’s favourite choir. After selling out 2 shows at the Wales Millennium Centre in December, Only Men Aloud! are embarking on a 12 date spring 2009 UK tour. Please note this performance is currently sold out. Clicking on the below link will take you to the booking page if retuns are available. Alternatively you can call the Box Office on 0121 780 3333 to enquire.


  • New Year's Eve Concert  

    Wed 31 Dec Town Hall

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

  • New Year's Eve Matinee Gala  

    Mon 31 Dec Town Hall

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

  • England's Finest  

    Thu 31 Jan 2008 Town Hall

    Part of the renovation of Birmingham's Town Hall has been the restoration of its splendid 1834 organ by William Hill, widely regarded as one of the finest of English instruments. Thomas Trotter's recital is a tour of the delights of English organ music, including early Renaissance music, the magnificently romantic Organ Sonata by Elgar and works from the present day. *6.15pm Pre-concert talk: Graeme Kay in conversation with Thomas Trotter*
    *Thomas Trotter* Organ
    *Stanford* Fantasia & Toccata *Byrd* Fantasia in C *Anon* Upon 'La .Mi. Re.' *Aston* A hornepype *Stanley* Voluntary, Op 5 No 5 *Lemare* Rondo Capriccio *Lemare* Concertstück *Gowers* Toccata *Weir* Ettrick Banks *Elgar* Sonata in G major

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

    Sun 8 Mar 2009 Town Hall

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

  • CBSO Youth Orchestra  

    Sun 21 Feb 2010 Symphony Hall

    Conductor Michael Seal has built a special relationship with the CBSO Youth Orchestra - and tonight he takes them on the ride of their lives. John Foulds’ rapturous English tone-poem was forgotten for decades before the CBSO relaunched it in 2006; tonight, it’s the perfect upbeat to Elgar’s haunting, hugely popular Cello Concerto, performed by a stunning young Scandanvian cellist. And then William Walton unleashes hell, with his stupendous First Symphony. Blazing with passion and driven by an almost volcanic energy, nothing in British music is remotely like it. If you heard the CBSO Youth Orchestra playing Mahler last season, you’ll know to expect a performance that’ll take your breath away.
    *CBSO Youth Orchestra* *Michael Seal* _conductor_ *Andreas Brantelid* _cello_
    *Foulds* _April - England_ 8’ *Elgar* Cello Concerto 26’ *Walton* Symphony No 1 43’

  • 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

  • Nana Mouskouri The Farewell Tour 

    Sat 3 Nov Symphony Hall

    Nana Mouskouri is the most successful female singer in history. Possessing a breathtaking voice that has captured fans in every corner of the globe, Ms. Mouskouri reigns as an unassuming superstar. And now she is in the final stages of a worldwide farewell tour that will take her to five continents. Nana Mouskouri also travels the world as a UNICEF ambassador, where she has made personal donations to help the lives of children in almost every country she has visited. This uniquely gifted lady also served her native country, Greece, as one of its members to the European Parliament where she championed the rights of women and children. For those lucky enough to get a ticket, concert represents an opportunity of one last song from Nana with love.


  • Opera Gala Night  

    Sun 30 Dec Symphony Hall

    Three distinguished soloists perform great arias from the world’s best loved operas.
    *Andrew Greenwood* Conductor *Linda Richardson* Soprano *Mark Stone* Baritone *John Hudson* Tenor *Birmingham Choral Union* *Fanfare Trumpeters of the Band of the Welsh Guards* *London Concert Orchestra*
    *Rossini* William Tell; _Overture_ *Gounod* Faust; _Jewel Song, Soldiers Chorus_ *Bizet* The Pearlfishers; _Duet_ & Carmen; _Toreador Song_ *Verdi* Il Trovatore; _Miserere_ Rigoletto; _La donna è mobile_ La Forza del Destino; _Pace, pace_ Don Carlos; _Friendship Duet_ Aida; _Grand March_ La Traviata; _Brindisi_ *Wagner* The Mastersingers; _Overture_ Tannhauser; _O Star of Eve_ *Dvorak* Rusalka; _Song to the Moon_ *Puccini* Madam Butterfly; _Humming Chorus_ La Boheme; _Ah Mimi_ Gianni Schicchi; _O mio babbino caro_ Turandot; _Nessun dorma_ Tosca; _Vissi d’arte, E lucevan le stelle_

  • Evening Organ Concert - David Sanger  

    Wed 21 Jan 2009 Town Hall

    David Sanger is one of the world's most accomplished and well-respected organists, renowed 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 clebrations. Also included are Schumann's delightful Four Sketches (0p 58), originally written for pedal-piano. *6.15pm Pre-concert talk with Greame Kay*

    *J.S. Bach* Toccata, Adagio & Fugue *Mendelssohn* Andante in D, with Variations *Franck* Grande Pièce Symphonique *Bingham* Roulade *Schumann* Four Stetches for Pedal-Piano *Vierne* Tempo di Scherzo, Largetto & Final (From Symphony No 5 in A minor)

  • The Damnation of Faust  

    Thu 12 Mar 2009 Symphony Hall

    A pact with the devil, a chorus of drunken students, unfulfilled love and a final, terrifying ride to the abyss - Berlioz’s most successful dramatic work has it all! Long famous for its Hungarian March and Dance of the Sylphs, tonight’s performance with the full CBSO forces led by an outstanding French conductor provides a welcome opportunity for Birmingham audiences to hear the whole work, and revel in Berlioz’s outlandish imagination.
    *City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra* *Jean-Pierre Furlan* Faust *Ruxandra Dunose* Marguerite *Nicholas Cavallier* Mephistopheles *Jonathan Lemalu* Brander *Ludovic Morlot* conductor
    *Berlioz* The Damnation of Faust 125’

  • 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)

  • 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

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

    Sun 21 Oct Town Hall

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

  • 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'

  • Bruckner's Ninth  

    Thu 17 Jan 2008 Symphony Hall

    Canadian conductor Yannick Nézet-Séguin made a thrilling CBSO debut in 2006 with an all-French programme. For his return visit to the CBSO he turns to the last of Bruckner’s symphonies, a mighty torso which, like Mozart’s Requiem or Schubert’s Eighth Symphony, remained unfinished yet is complete in itself. The final slow movement, like that of Mahler’s Ninth, seems to be an extended farewell to life, in music of glowing sincerity. Beethoven’s Third Piano Concerto is also concerned with profound thoughts at times, though it also offers many opportunities for virtuosic display, and today we are joined by one of the most brilliant of the new generation of pianists, making his CBSO debut.
    Yannick Nézet-Séguin conductor Jonathan Biss piano
    Beethoven: Piano Concerto No. 3 Bruckner: Symphony No. 9

  • Bruckner's Ninth  

    Sat 19 Jan 2008 Symphony Hall

    Canadian conductor Yannick Nézet-Séguin made a thrilling CBSO debut in 2006 with an all-French programme. For his return visit to the CBSO he turns to the last of Bruckner’s symphonies, a mighty torso which, like Mozart’s Requiem or Schubert’s Eighth Symphony, remained unfinished yet is complete in itself. The final slow movement, like that of Mahler’s Ninth, seems to be an extended farewell to life, in music of glowing sincerity. Beethoven’s Third Piano Concerto is also concerned with profound thoughts at times, though it also offers many opportunities for virtuosic display, and today we are joined by one of the most brilliant of the new generation of pianists, making his CBSO debut.
    Yannick Nézet-Séguin conductor Jonathan Biss piano
    Beethoven: Piano Concerto No. 3 Bruckner: Symphony No. 9

  • 175TH Birthday Organ Concert  

    Mon 5 Oct Town Hall

    Town Hall’s splendid 1834 organ, by William Hill, is one of the finest of English instruments, sounding as fresh as the day it was first played. Those who performed on it include Mendelssohn and, of course, George Thalben-Ball. Thomas Trotter gives a special anniversary recital with a range of colourful music from its heyday. BBC Music magazine’s Editor Oliver Condy explains why he has recommended tonight’s concert: _“Since 1834, only seven men have held the prestigious Birmingham City Organist post, including today’s incumbent, the hugely entertaining and brilliant Thomas Trotter. The Hall’s grand old four-manual Hill organ is sure to get a thorough birthday work-out!”_
    *Thomas Trotter* _organ_
    *Mendelssohn* Overture, _A Midsummer Night’s Dream_ (arr. Warren) 12’ *Lemmens* Grand Fantasia, _The Storm_ 11' *S S Wesley* Air on _Holsworthy Church Bells_ 5’ *J S Bach* Passacaglia in C minor 13’ *Festing* Largo, Allegro, Aria and Variations (arr. Thalben-Ball) 6’ *Thalben-Ball* Variations on a theme of Paganini for Pedals 7’ *Elgar* Sonata No 2 14’ *Weber* Overture, _Jubel_ (arr. Best) 8’

  • IDRS 2009 Organ & Oboe Lunchtime Recital International Double Reed Society 

    Sat 25 Jul Town Hall

    A fantastic chance to hear City Organist Thomas Trotter and oboist Celia Craig performing a programme of work written for this unique instrumental combination on the final day of the International Double Reed Society’s Annual Conference. "IDRS2009":http://www.idrs2009.org
    *Celia Craig* oboe *Thomas Trotter* organ
    *Albinoni* Concerto in D minor arr. Giazotto *Rheinberger* Rhapsodie (from organ sonata op 127) arr. Busch *Flagler* Variations on a American Air *Britten* Metamorphoses for solo oboe (Pan, Phaeton, Niobe, Bacchus, Narcissus, Arethusa) *Noyon* Concertino Pastorale ("Dit du Cou Cou") for oboe and organ

  • Jansen Plays Beethoven  

    Thu 15 Nov Symphony Hall

    The young British conductor Robin Ticciati has already achieved an international reputation in his early twenties, and tonight makes his CBSO debut alongside one of the world's great violinists, herself now a regular visitor to Birmingham. Dvorák composed his flowing, tuneful Third Symphony in 1873 when he was still under the spell of Wagner, so what better work with which to open the evening than the visionary prelude to that composer’s final opera? Free pre-concert talk 6.15pm 6.15pm pre-concert talk
    *Robin Ticciati* Conductor *Janine Jansen* Violin *City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra*
    *Wagner*: Parsifal Prelude *Dvorák*: Symphony No. 3 *Beethoven*: Violin Concerto

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

    Fri 2 Nov Symphony Hall

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


  • New Year's Eve Gala  

    Mon 31 Dec Symphony Hall

    See in the hour of midnight at Symphony Hall’s sensational annual celebration with an explosive indoor firework finale.With a wealth of popular classics, complimentary interval refreshments and Britain’s answer to Victor Borge, Rainer Hersch. Enjoy complimentary interval refreshments *Please note this concert is now sold out but we have an earlier performance at Town Hall so you don't have to miss out!* "Matinee performance at Town Hall":http://www.thsh.co.uk/new-years-eve-matinee-gala
    *Paul O’Neill* Tenor *Grant Doyle* Baritone *Anthony Inglis* Conductor *London Concert Orchestra* Lots of fun and laughter from Britain’s answer to Victor Borge RAINER HERSCH
    VERDI The Force of Destiny Overture MASCAGNIi Intermezzo from Cavalleria Rusticana SIBELIUS Finlandia TCHAIKOVSKY Swan Lake Finale BIZET The Pearl Fishers Duet CHABRIER España ROSSINI William Tell Overture All your proms favourites NIMROD JERUSALEM NESSUN DORMA RULE, BRITANNIA LAND OF HOPE AND GLORY

  • Sci-Fi Symphony II CBSO Summer Concert 

    Tue 11 Sep Symphony Hall

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

  • Sci-Fi Symphony II CBSO Summer Concert 

    Fri 31 Aug Symphony Hall

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

  • CBSO The Pathétique  

    Wed 2 Jun 2010 Symphony Hall

    There’s really nothing in all music quite like Tchaikovsky’s _Pathétique_ Symphony. Tchaikovsky threw his all into this no-holds-barred musical autobiography; the result is a symphony that blends raw emotion and glorious melody to devastating effect. It’s gripping stuff - Andris Nelsons has it in his blood. And if you saw him conducting Tchaikovsky last season, you won’t need any further recommendation. Meanwhile, the CBSO’s wonderful section leader oboe offers a moment of tranquillity with Strauss’s gentle concerto. Visit the "CBSO website":http://www.cbso.co.uk Pre-concert talk 6.15pm: *The Players' Perspective - The Pathétique* Violinist David Gregory, and CBSO colleagues, explore Tchaikovsky's final symphony.
    *City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra* *Andris Nelsons* _conductor_ *Rainer Gibbons* _oboe_
    *Tchaikovsky* The Voyevoda 14' *Strauss* Oboe Concerto 26' *Tchaikovsky* Symphony No 6 (_Pathétique_) 45'

  • Inspired by Bach  

    Wed 22 Apr 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’

  • CBSO The Pathétique - Matinee  

    Thu 3 Jun 2010 Symphony Hall

    There’s really nothing in all music quite like Tchaikovsky’s _Pathétique_ Symphony. Tchaikovsky threw his all into this no-holds-barred musical autobiography; the result is a symphony that blends raw emotion and glorious melody to devastating effect. It’s gripping stuff - Andris Nelsons has it in his blood. And if you saw him conducting Tchaikovsky last season, you won’t need any further recommendation. Meanwhile, the CBSO’s wonderful section leader oboe offers a moment of tranquillity with Strauss’s gentle concerto. Visit the "CBSO website":http://www.cbso.co.uk Pre-concert talk 1.15pm: *The Players' Perspective - The Pathétique* Violinist David Gregory, and CBSO colleagues, explore Tchaikovsky's final symphony.
    *City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra* *Andris Nelsons* conductor *Rainer Gibbons* oboe
    *Tchaikovsky* The Voyevoda 14' *Strauss* Oboe Concerto 26' *Tchaikovsky* Symphony No 6 (_Pathétique_) 45'

  • CBSO Pictures at an Exhibition  

    Wed 14 Apr 2010 Symphony Hall

    When Maurice Ravel arranged Mussorgsky’s _Pictures at an Exhibition_ for orchestra, he created one of the few adaptations that’s better than the original! From its famous opening _Promenade_ to the roof-raising final _Great Gate of Kiev_, it’s one of the all-time great orchestral showpieces, a glittering Russian jewel-box full of spicy tunes and unforgettable images. It’s a real CBSO favourite - and Dvorák's riotous _Carnival Overture_ is every bit as colourful. The great open spaces of Beethoven’s noble violin concerto will be like an oasis of calm - especially in the masterly hands of the young German virtuoso Isabelle Faust.
    *City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra* *Andrew Grams* _conductor_ *Isabelle Faust* _violin_
    *Dvořák* _Carnival_ Overture 8’ *Beethoven* Violin Concerto 42’ *Mussorgsky (orch. Ravel)* _Pictures at an Exhibition_ 32’

  • CBSO Pictures at an Exhibition  

    Sat 17 Apr 2010 Symphony Hall

    When Maurice Ravel arranged Mussorgsky’s _Pictures at an Exhibition_ for orchestra, he created one of the few adaptations that’s better than the original! From its famous opening _Promenade_ to the roof-raising final _Great Gate of Kiev_, it’s one of the all-time great orchestral showpieces, a glittering Russian jewel-box full of spicy tunes and unforgettable images. It’s a real CBSO favourite - and Dvorák’s riotous _Carnival Overture_ is every bit as colourful. The great open spaces of Beethoven’s noble violin concerto will be like an oasis of calm - especially in the masterly hands of the young German virtuoso Isabelle Faust.
    *City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra* *Andrew Grams* _conductor_ *Isabelle Faust* _violin_
    *Dvořák* _Carnival_ Overture 8’ *Beethoven* Violin Concerto 42’ *Mussorgsky (orch. Ravel)* _Pictures at an Exhibition_ 32’

  • American Enterprise  

    Wed 28 May Town Hall

    Maverick and enthusiast, Carlo Curley has brought the organ out of the church loft and imbued his recitals with crusading zeal for the instrument's colour and vitality. His recital, the final one this season, explores the huge, and sometimes outrageous, range of American organ music. Prepare to hear Town Hall's organ as it has never been heard before! *6.15pm Pre-concert talk: Graeme Kay in conversation with Carlo Curley*
    *Carlo Curley* Organ
    *Programme includes:* *Hugh McAmis* Dreams *Seth Bingham* Roulade *Charles Ives* Variations on America *Samuel Barber (arr Strickland)* Adagio for Strings *Dudley Buck* Concert Variations on The Star-Spangled Banner *Edward MacDowell (arr Curley)* To a Wild Rose, from Woodland Sketches *Stefan Lindblad* Toccata on an American Theme, in homage to Leonard Bernstein

  • Evening Organ Concert - Thierry Escaich  

    Tue 7 Apr Symphony Hall

    One of the most outstanding organists of his generation, Thierry Escaich presents a programme that pits some of the greatest composers of German Romantic music against those of the French school, including Brahms, Mendelssohn, Dupré and Franck. As organist of St Étienne-du-Mont, where one of his predecessors was the great Maurice Duruflé, Escaich’s playing is steeped in the French organ tradition, central to which is the art of improvisation; bring your own themes along to experience the excitement of a live re-working of selected material.

    *Dupre* Le Monde dans l'attente du Sauveur *Brahms* Herzlich tut mir erfreuen *Brahms* Herzliebster Jesu *Brahms* Prélude et fugue en sol mineur *Mendelssohn* Récitatif et final de la Sonate n°1 en fa mineur *Mendelssohn* Prélude et fugue improvisé en style romantique sur un thème donné *Franck* Pièce héroïque *Escaich* III Poèmes pour orgue 1) Eaux natales 2) le Masque 3) vers l'espérance *Alain* Litanies *Alain* Improvisation libre sur un thème donné

  • Tchaikovsky's Sixth  

    Wed 7 Nov Symphony Hall

    Talented young French conductor Ludovic Morlot makes a quick return to the CBSO following his debut in May, for two performances of Tchaikovsky’s tumultuous final symphony. Never out of fashion since its premiere just a few days before the composer’s death, the Pathétique is one of music’s most personal utterances, a vivid portrayal of the composer’s state of mind that offers a rollercoaster emotional journey from elation to despair. Bartók’s music is altogether less unhinged, though his energetic Second Piano Concerto is an equally thrilling experience in concert. Dvorák’s tuneful overture begins the programme in exuberant style. There will be a Bequest Patrons' reception prior to the concert on 7 November.
    *Ludovic Morlot* Conductor *Steven Osborne* Piano *City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra*
    *Dvorák*: Carnival Overture *Mozart Piano Concerto No. 27, K.595* *Tchaikovsky*: Symphony No. 6 (Pathétique)

  • Celebrating Nielsen: Sinfonia Espansiva  

    Tue 3 Feb 2009 Symphony Hall

    Nielsen’s music is so fresh and clear that it’s not hard to hear it as musical landscape painting - inspired by the countryside and folklore of his native Denmark. He dubbed his Third Symphony “Expansive”, and it’s easy to hear why; this is simply some of the most radiant music of modern times with an ecstatic slow movement featuring wordless parts for singers. In this final instalment of the CBSO and the Hallé’s joint Nielsen Symphony Cycle, conductor Mark Elder and the Hallé return to pair the Symphony with two more great Scandinavian landscapes - the fire and ice of Sibelius’ Violin Concerto and Grieg’s much loved Peer Gynt suite; just four of the most irresistible tunes ever written!
    Sir Mark Elder - conductor Nadine Livingston - soprano Matthew Brook - baritone Alina Pogostkina - violin
    Grieg: Peer Gynt - Suite No. 1 13’ Sibelius: Violin Concerto 31’ Nielsen: Symphony No. 3 (Espansiva) 38’

  • Celebrating Sibelius: I  

    Thu 20 Sep Symphony Hall

    The seven symphonies of Sibelius have been absolutely central to Sakari Oramo's ten seasons in Birmingham. His performances with the CBSO have been acclaimed around the world in concert and on CD, but it is more than seven years since Birmingham audiences have had a chance to hear a complete cycle. So, to open his final season as Music Director, and to mark the 50th anniversary of the composer’s death (which falls today), here is another opportunity to hear these magnificent works, alongside some of Sibelius's lesser-known music. We begin with a symphony that has a significant Birmingham history - the Fourth, which received its UK premiere at the last-ever Birmingham Triennial Festival in 1912. We also welcome a Finnish cellist to play the music that was the closest Sibelius came to writing a concerto for that instrument. 6.15pm FREE Pre-concert talk
    *Sakari Oramo* conductor *Martti Rousi* cello
    Sibelius: _The Swan of Tuonela_ Sibelius: Symphony No. 4 Sibelius: Three Symphonic Pieces for Cello and Orchestra (UK Premiere) Sibelius: Symphony No. 1

  • CBSO - Elgar's 150th The Kingdom (matinee) 

    Sun 3 Jun Symphony Hall

    Over the last decade, Sakari Oramo has conducted the Centenary performances of all three of Elgar's choral masterpieces for the Birmingham Triennial Festival - Gerontius, The Apostles and, just last year, The Kingdom. Now Sakari reaches journey's end and concludes this Elgar Anniversary weekend with a second performance of Elgar's final oratorio. Elgar never finished his New Testament Trilogy but this second instalment finds his inspiration in full flight. Opening with a majestic orchestral prelude and painted in glowing orchestral colours, this stirring choral setting of the Acts of Jesus' disciples is the closest he ever got to writing an opera. *Pre-Concert Talk @ 2pm* Elgar's The Kingdom by Michael Foster.
    *City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra* *Sakari Oramo* Conductor *Amanda Roocroft* Soprano *Jane Irwin* Mezzo-soprano *Anthony Dean Griffey* Tenor *James Rutherford* Baritone *City of Birmingham Symphony Chorus* City of Birmingham Choir
    *Elgar* The Kingdom 96'

  • Britten Sinfonia at Lunch - March 2009  

    Thu 12 Mar Town Hall

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

  • Farewell, But Not Goodbye  

    Thu 12 Jun Symphony Hall

    The end of a ten-year tenure: Sakari Oramo bows out as Music Director in truly spectacular style, with a thrilling pair of life-affirming masterpieces. This is the last chance to see Sakari conduct the CBSO in Symphony Hall, until he returns in a new guise as Principal Guest Conductor for the 2008/09 season. Janácˇek’s Sinfonietta is one of the greatest of all 20th-century scores, its brassy fanfares (featuring an extra nine trumpets in addition to a large orchestra) surrounding a work of astonishing originality and power. Beethoven’s final Symphony is also a summation of a life’s work, and its culminating vocal setting of Schiller’s ‘Ode to Joy’ has become an anthem for all humanity. A great team of soloists and our own magnificent Chorus join the Orchestra for what is certain to be the hottest ticket of the season • be sure to book early! 6.15pm pre-concert talk
    *Sakari Oramo* conductor *Lisa Milne* Soprano *Jane Irwin* Mezzo-soprano *Gordon Gietz* Tenor *Matthew Rose* Bass *City of Birmingham Symphony Chorus*
    *Janácek* Sinfonietta 25' *Beethoven* Symphony No. 9 (Choral) 67'

  • A Night at The Opera  

    Tue 18 Nov Symphony Hall

    *A Spectacular Celebration of the Worlds favourite Opera Classics* At last, an event to celebrate the universal love for some of the most enduring music ever created! A Night at the Opera starring Jonathan Ansell, special guests and the Night at the Opera Orchestra is a glorious celebration of the most famous and best loved arias from the world’s favourite operas Jonathan Ansell, the charismatic young singer with the sensational tenor voice who shot to fame three years ago with pop opera group G4 on the X Factor, has now established himself as a bona fide solo star. Jonathan achieved amazing success with the classically-trained group G4, whose final performance as a group was a sensational sold out show at the Royal Albert Hall. But surpassing this, he has now achieved a debut solo album that topped the classical charts and also hit the top ten of the pop charts. Including Aida, The Barber of Seville, La Boheme, Carmen, Cosi Fan Tutte, Don Giovanni, The Marriage of Figaro, Madame Butterfly, The Magic Flute, Rigoletto Tosca, La Traviata and many more.


  • Farewell, But Not Goodbye  

    Wed 11 Jun Symphony Hall

    The end of a ten-year tenure: Sakari Oramo bows out as Music Director in truly spectacular style, with a thrilling pair of life-affirming masterpieces. This is the last chance to see Sakari conduct the CBSO in Symphony Hall, until he returns in a new guise as Principal Guest Conductor for the 2008/09 season. Janácˇek’s Sinfonietta is one of the greatest of all 20th-century scores, its brassy fanfares (featuring an extra nine trumpets in addition to a large orchestra) surrounding a work of astonishing originality and power. Beethoven’s final Symphony is also a summation of a life’s work, and its culminating vocal setting of Schiller’s ‘Ode to Joy’ has become an anthem for all humanity. A great team of soloists and our own magnificent Chorus join the Orchestra for what is certain to be the hottest ticket of the season • be sure to book early! 6.15pm pre-concert talk _Please note there is also a repeat performance on Thursday 12 June_
    *Sakari Oramo* conductor *Lisa Milne* Soprano *Jane Irwin* Mezzo-soprano *Gordon Gietz* Tenor *Matthew Rose* Bass *City of Birmingham Symphony Chorus*
    *Janácek* Sinfonietta 25' *Beethoven* Symphony No. 9 (Choral) 67'

  • 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

  • Mozart... Plus Classical Encounters with Orchestra of the Swan 

    Tue 5 Feb 2008 Town Hall

    Mozart has inspired audiences, performers and composers for 200 years and Prokofiev’s ‘Classical’ symphony is a touching tribute to the classical style from the perspective of the 20th century. This alternative view combined with Orchestra of the Swan’s energy will give added freshness to two of Mozart’s greatest works that complete this programme, his sublime clarinet concerto and his triumphant final symphony, the aptly titled ‘Jupiter’. Since winning the woodwind section prize of the BBC Young Musician competition Sarah Williamson is greatly in demand as a soloists performing in the USA, Ireland, France, Germany, United Arab Emirates Austria, Belgium, Spain, Portugal and Switzerland 'a radiant lyrical splendour' The Independent Supported by Arts Council England "www.orchestraoftheswan.org":http://www.orchestraoftheswan.org
    Conductor - David Curtis Clarinet - Sarah Williamson
    Prokofiev Classical symphony Mozart Clarinet concerto Mozart Symphony no41 Jupiter Pre-concert talk taking place in the auditorium at 1.30pm Post-concert Conversation Club taking place in the Circle Bar 15 minutes after the end of the performance. Entrance free to concert ticket holders

  • A London Symphony  

    Wed 17 Dec Symphony Hall

    For our final tribute to Vaughan Williams in this 50th anniversary year of his death, we are joined by one of his leading interpreters for a rare hearing of the original 1913 version of his ‘London’ Symphony. This extraordinary work was subsequently dedicated to his friend George Butterworth, who unlike Vaughan Wiliams never returned from the trenches of World War I - as a result we only have a few pieces, of which tonight’s is the best known, to remember him by. The dazzling 1920s concerto by Vaughan Williams’ teacher Ravel completes the programme. 6.15pm Pre-concert talk - “A Symphony by a Londoner” English music specialist Michael Foster explores the genesis of Vaughan Williams’ colourful symphony. *Following the very sad news of Richard Hickox’s recent death, we are pleased to announce that Michael Seal will conduct the concert on 17 December 2008. We are very grateful to Michael for replacing Richard at short notice.The concert will be dedicated to his memory*
    Michael Seal - conductor Kirill Gerstein - piano City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra
    Butterworth: Banks of Green Willow 6’ Ravel: Piano Concerto in G major 21’ Vaughan Williams: A London Symphony (original version) 61’

  • Britten Sinfonia at Lunch  

    Tue 18 Mar 2008 Town Hall

    Our final lunchtime concert features Britten Sinfonia’s brilliant brass section in a programme spanning 400 years, from the courtly dance music of late-16th-century English composer Anthony Holborne, via Matthew Locke’s majestic music for brass instruments, probably written for Charles II’s coronation in 1661, to a brand new work by early-21st-century Polish composer Pawel Lukaszewski. Britten Sinfonia’s Principal Flautist, Michael Cox, shows off his virtuosic skills in Oliver Knussen’s Masks, an unusual and technically demanding work that is effectively a ‘dialogue’ for solo flute. The title of Janacek’s Capriccio gives a hint of the piece’s character. Written for piano (left hand alone) and wind/brass septet, it is a capricious, quirky piece, blending folk-like tunes and Romantic melodies within a 20th-century harmonic framework. "Britten Sinfonia":http://www.brittensinfonia.co.uk
    Huw Watkins piano Michael Cox flute Paul Archibald trumpet
    Anthony Holborne: Music for Brass Oliver Knussen: Masks Pawel Lukaszewski: New Work (world première tour) Matthew Locke: For His Majesty’s Sagbutts and Cornetts Janacek: Capriccio

  • Strauss's Four Last Songs  

    Fri 14 Nov Symphony Hall

    Three great masterpieces: the autumnal sweetness of Strauss’s final songs, the gentle Idyll that Wagner presented to his wife on Christmas Day, and Beethoven’s _Eroica_ - a work that changed the course of Western music for ever. The Orchester der KlangVerwaltung Munich is made up of musicians from leading german orchestras including the Berlin and Munich Philharmonics. it was founded in 1997 with the aim of realising the unique musical vision of conductor Enoch zu Guttenberg, who has gained a cult following for radical performances of fierce integrity and depth. *BBC music magazine’s editor, Oliver Condy, explains why he has recommended tonight’s concert:* _"The Four Last Songs are Richard Strauss’s emotional farewell to the world. With Wagner’s exquisite Siegfried Idyll and Beethoven’s groundbreaking Third Symphony, this concert features three of the finest works to have emerged during the last 200 years.”_ "BBC Music Magazine":http://www.bbcmusicmagazine.com Tickets £5-£37.50 *We regret to inform you that Maestro Enoch zu Guttenburg has cancelled his engagements due to a serious riding accident and so is unable to appear with the Orchester der KlangVerwaltung Munich at Symphony Hall on Friday 14 November.* *We are delighted that Heinrich Schiff has agreed to stand in at short notice. Unfortunately, to allow Maestro Schiff adequate rehearsal time, the pre-concert piano recital with Tatiana Dardykina, at 6.15pm, has been postponed to a later date. For the evening’s concert the orchestra, programme and soloist remain unchanged*
    *Orchester der KlangVerwaltung Munich* *Heinrich Schiff* conductor *Solveig Kringelborn* soprano
    *Wagner* Siegfried Idyll 18’ *Strauss* Four Last Songs 20’ *Beethoven* Symphony no 3, Eroica 50’

  • Russell Watson  

    Thu 23 Apr Symphony Hall

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


Book Tickets

Choose and event below
or phone 0121 780 3333

View Pick-A-Seat tutorial video

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