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Gay Birmingham Remembered exhibition
Fri 2 to Fri 30 May Symphony Hall
FRIDAY 2 TO FRIDAY 30 MAY 10AM TO 6PM AND DURING EVENING PERFORMANCES SYMPHONY HALL LEVEL 4 FOYER The ‘Gay Birmingham Remembered’ exhibition illustrates the political, social and cultural heritage of the lesbian, gay and bisexual community and the experiences of local people contributing to and living through times of great change. It will transport you through time with images and quotations from 80 interviewees documenting and describing the transition from an era when male homosexuality was both criminilised and taboo to today’s vibrant and open lesbian, gay and bisexual community in Birmingham.
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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'
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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'
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Steeleye Span
Thu 15 May Town Hall
Since their debut in 1969, Steeleye Span havebeen one of the most influential names in British roots music. Pioneers of folk-rock, Steeleye Span changed the face of folk music forever, taking it from small clubs into the world of gold discs and international tours. Members have come and gone over the years, with past and present lineups virtually a who’s who of the British folk scene, but Steeleye has always remained an institution, at the forefront of the genre they helped define. Steeleye Span 2008 finds Maddy Prior - the voice of Steeleye for 34 years - back at the helm of a line-up featuring band stalwart and fiddler extraordinaire Peter Knight, Rick Kemp on bass, Ken Nicol (Albion Band) on guitar and vocals and Liam Genockey on the drum stool.
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Rush Hour Blues Frank Moon's Desert Groove Ensemble
Fri 16 May Symphony Hall
Level 3 Bar. Admission FREE. Presented in association with "Birmingham Jazz":http://birminghamjazz.co.uk
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The Fron Male Voice Choir
Fri 16 May Symphony Hall
*Voices of the Valley Encore* The Fron Male Voice Choir follow the release of their second album _Encore_ with a UK tour. The Choir’s debut, _Voices of the Valley_, became the best-selling classical album of 2006. Fron’s follow-up presents another carefully selected musical mix. Such indestructible popular classics as _Bridge Over Troubled Water_ and Paul McCartney’s _Yesterday_ nestle alongside _How Great Thou Art_, _Amazing Grace_ and _Guide Me O Thou Great Redeemer_. There’s something for everybody, but always sprinkled with that indefinable Welsh mystique! £20, £27.50
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BBC BIG BAND with Peter Grant & Clare Teal In association with BBC Radio 2
Fri 16 May Town Hall
Don't miss the vocal pairing of Peter Grant and Clare Teal in the closing concert of the Band’s Town Hall season. Since the release of his debut album , _New Vintage_, which went straight in to the Top Ten and sold 100,000+ copies, Peter’s career has gone from strength to strength. Clare Teal, who regularly appears in concert with the BBC Big Band, has also just released her latest album, _Get Happy_ with Universal Music. This is the perfect chance to hear two great singers, backed by Britain’s finest big band. £12.50, £16.50, £19.50 In association with BBC Radio 2. Concert to be recorded for BBC Radio 2’s Big Band Special. BBC Big Band is a Town Hall Associate Artist.
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Sax in the City Featuring Andy Hamilton and the Blue Notes
Sat 17 May Symphony Hall
In Level 3 Bar
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Favourites from the Opera City of Birmingham Choir
Sat 17 May Symphony Hall
A night of great passions, great music and great singing. From the splendour of Egyptian pomp, through haunting Sea Interludes, an entertainment for a Russian Prince, the heartbreak of the American deep south to the fiery passions of a Spanish Gypsy girl, all are here for a night to remember! The concert will end at approximately 9.30pm
*Maureen Brathwaite* Soprano *Roderick Earle* Bass *City of Birmingham Choir* *City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra* *Adrian Lucas* Conductor
*Verdi* Triumphal Scene from Aida *Britten* Four Sea Interludes from Peter Grimes *Gershwin* Porgy and Bess (Concert Version) *Borodin* Polovtsian Dances *Bizet* Concert Suite from Carmen
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The City Of Birmingham Ballroom Dance Championships Featuring Cabaret by Darren and Lilia from Strictly Come Dancing
Sun 18 May Town Hall
Featuring star cabaret by Darren Bennett and Lilia Kopylova from the BBC television programme Strictly Come Dancing. Cabaret at approximately 8pm followed by the Grand Finals. Presented by the 2 Richards, the UK’s leading dance competition promotors. £15, £17.50 Choir benches £12.50
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Worcestershire Youth Music Gala concert 2008
Sun 18 May Symphony Hall
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Lunchtime Organ Concert Thomas Trotter
Mon 19 May Town Hall
*Parry* Toccata & Fugue, _The Wanderer_ *J.S.Bach* Trio Sonata No. 1 *Saint-Saëns* Fantasie in D flat Danse Macabre *Litaize* Prélude et Danse Fuguée
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Chant d'Amour
Tue 20 May Symphony Hall
There is nothing else in the whole of classical music to compare with the experience of hearing Messiaen’s amazing Turangalîla Symphony live. A larger-than-life tribute to the cosmic power of love, it features a massive orchestra and major solos for piano and ondes martenot, the other-worldly electronic instrument that was this composer’s speciality. It is conducted in the composer’s centenary year by Ilan Volkov, who has built a very strong reputation in large-scale 20th-century scores. We also begin a three-week Janácek focus with Taras Bulba, his stirring triptych telling of the battles and ultimate death of a Ukrainian Cossack hero. 6.15pm pre-concert talk
Ilan Volkov conductor Steven Osborne piano Cynthia Millar ondes martenot
Janácek: Taras Bulba 23' Messiaen: Turangalîla-Symphonie 76'
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Peter Noke and Julian Hellaby (pianos)
Tue 20 May Book through our ticket office for CBSO Centre
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BBC Radio 3 Lunchtime Concert
Wed 21 May Town Hall
Our friendly lunchtime concert series continues with the first in a series of recitals featuring Beethoven’s most popular violin sonatas in the hands of outstanding young players. Jennifer Pike was 2002 Young Musician of the Year, and has just been nominated for a South Bank Show/The Times Breakthrough Award. £7, 60 plus/full-time students/under 16’s/unwaged £5
*Jennifer Pike* Violin *Daniel Tong* Piano
*Mozart* Sonata for violin & piano 30 in E minor K304 12’ *Schubert* Sonata for violin & piano No.3 in G minor D408 16’ *Beethoven* Sonata for violin & piano in C minor Op.30 No.2 26’
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Teatro Sings The Magic of the Musicals plus very special guests **CANCELLED**
Change of DateWed 21 May Symphony Hall
Take the outstanding vocal talent of four good looking young men and a unique collection of timeless classics from musical theatre and you have all the ingredients for the success of Teatro. Already billed as Theatreland’s first supergroup, they captivated the nation with their stunning rendition of ‘I Dreamed A Dream’ on the 79th Royal Variety Performance and their debut album, simply entitled Teatro has achieved gold disc status. Join them and their special guests as they celebrate great anthems from a century of musicals. £21.50, £24.50, £26.50 *This concert has been postponed with no future date currently confirmed. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.*
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Laurence Jackson violin, Ulrich Heinen cello, Robert Markham piano Lunchtime concerts at the CBSO Centre
Thu 22 May 2008 Book through our ticket office for CBSO Centre
Schubert: Nocturne, D. 897 Beethoven: Piano Trio in B flat (Archduke)
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Chant d'Amour
Thu 22 May Symphony Hall
There is nothing else in the whole of classical music to compare with the experience of hearing Messiaen’s amazing Turangalîla Symphony live. A larger-than-life tribute to the cosmic power of love, it features a massive orchestra and major solos for piano and ondes martenot, the other-worldly electronic instrument that was this composer’s speciality. It is conducted in the composer’s centenary year by Ilan Volkov, who has built a very strong reputation in large-scale 20th-century scores. We also begin a three-week Janácek focus with Taras Bulba, his stirring triptych telling of the battles and ultimate death of a Ukrainian Cossack hero. 6.15pm pre-concert talk
Ilan Volkov conductor Steven Osborne piano Cynthia Millar ondes martenot
Janácek: Taras Bulba 23' Messiaen: Turangalîla-Symphonie 76'
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Rush Hour Blues Steve Ajao Quartet
Fri 23 May Symphony Hall
Level 3 Bar. Admission FREE. Presented in association with "Birmingham Jazz":http://birminghamjazz.co.uk
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Buena Vista Social Club™ presents Guajiro Mirabal, Cachaito Lopez, Manuel Galban, Aguaje Ramos
Fri 23 May Symphony Hall
*Due to demand. The Choir benches behind the stage are now on sale priced at £22.50* An extraordinary line-up of Buena Vista Social Club™ stalwarts, together in a 12 piece band direct from Havana, returns to Symphony Hall to present some of the finest Cuban music ever made. This unique concert will take audiences on a musical excursion from the original 1996 Buena Vista Social Club™ recordings, which sold over 7 million copies, up to the present day, and transport you to the heat of Cuba’s clubs and dancehalls. "..taking the atmosphere up to a breathless level" The Independent "..left audiences awe-struck" Financial Times "This was a pulsating display" The Times "A truly memorable evening from some genuinely inspirational musical stars" Cambridge Evening News
