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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.
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Soweto Kinch: A Life in the Day of B19 Part 2 Basement Fables
Fri 25 Jul Town Hall
Brilliant saxophonist and MC Soweto Kinch is back with an early chance to hear material from A Life in the Day Of B19: Basement Fables. It’s the highly anticipated follow-up to his acclaimed album B19: Tales of the Towerblock, which earned Kinch a 2007 MOBO award. Basement Fables will shake up audiences and critics on both sides of the Atlantic, weaving an ambitious narrative that fuses jazz, hip-hop and poetry. Alongside Soweto, pioneering young artists from B19 will showcase extracts from their recently premiered Hockley Flyover show. Don’t miss the chance to catch one of the UK’s outstanding musicians, a cutting-edge jazz player but also a leading rap artist and MC. “Mr Kinch demonstrates what England has to teach [the USA] about narrative hip-hop. Don’t sleep on Mr Kinch” The New York Times “A rawness and power that mark him out from his peers in British jazz” The Independent £12.50
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Birmingham Scout and Guide Revue
Sat 26 Jul Town Hall
A fun packed entertaining evening of music, song and dance. Presented by the young people of Birmingham’s Scout and Girl Guiding movement, in the centenary year of Birmingham scouting. Over 100 young people present a thoroughly enjoyable night whilst raising money towards their centenary appeal - the Birmingham Children’s Hospital. Tickets £10
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The Rhythm of Kurdistan
Sun 27 Jul Town Hall
A community event in which Kurdish musical inheritance of song and dance and a variety of talks and speeches are introduced. An opportunity for all communities to come and enjoy the flavour of Kurdish music. £10 Stalls, £15 Circle
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k.d. lang Plus support Duston O'Halloran
Fri 1 Aug Symphony Hall
k.d. lang has announced a series of European tour dates in July and August as part of her continuing worldwide Watershed Tour. The tour follows sold out concerts in Glasgow and London earlier this year. Of January’s London concert, the Daily Telegraph declared, ‘lang’s voice remains a wonder to behold. Many pass themselves off as “proper” singers, but lang is one of the few who can really, really sing. Glorious.’ The Times echoed, ‘With the pop world suddenly in thrall to a bevy of young, female torch singers, here is a star who really knows the stylistic and emotional ropes of the genre.’ k.d.’s latest album is the acclaimed bestseller, _Watershed_, which was released by Nonesuch Records in January and saw k.d. achieve some of the best chart success of her 25-year career, including her highest ever debut on the US Billboard chart at no.8. The album comprises 11 new songs written and produced by k.d., including the first single _I Dream Of Spring_ and the forthcoming single _Coming Home_. It is the first album of newly written material from the four-time Grammy winner since 2000's _Invincible Summer_, and her first studio album since 2004's Canadian songbook, _Hymns Of The 49th Parallel_. It is also the first self-produced collection of her career. The Sunday Times Magazine called it a ‘masterpiece’, and in a four-star review Q proclaimed it ‘The best thing she’s done since 1992’s _Ingénue_.’
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Family Open House
Town Hall
With tours for families with children of all ages, a heritage children's trail, organ demonstrations, activities and music on in the foyers, family friendly staff and suitable refreshments from the cafe. Adults £5, 60 plus £4.50, Under 16's £2.50 Family Ticket (4 people, minimum 1 adult) £12
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British Classics
Fri 8 Aug Town Hall
The National Youth Orchestra of Wales has the distinction of being the first national youth orchestra in the world. It combines traditional expectations with a contemporary outlook, develops a first-class training experience into performances that are full of energy and passion, and is not afraid to challenge audiences with a repertoire that is bold and adventurous. £10, Full-Times Students & 60 plus £6
*National Youth Orcehstra of Wales* *Owain Arwel Hughes OBE* conductor
*Mathias* Celtic Dances *Britten* Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra *Vaughan Williams* Symphony No 2, a London Symphony
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CBSO Summer Concert - CBSO Youth Orchestra Academy
Sun 10 Aug Town Hall
When the CBSO Youth Orchestra Academy, the virtuoso chamber orchestra drawn from the CBSO’s acclaimed Youth Orchestra, gave its first concert last September, the critics were unanimous. “Rapture was really the only natural response,” declared The Birmingham Post, going on to describe the Academy as “this jaw-droppingly brilliant group”. Now it steps onto a bigger stage: past meets present, as the stars of tomorrow raise the roof in Birmingham’s most historic music venue.
*Michael Seal* Conductor *Morgan Szymanski* Guitar
*Part* Cantus in Memoriam Benjamin Britten *Ligeti* Concert Romanesc *Rodrigo* Concierto de Aranjuez *Beethoven* Symphony No.7
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The National Children's Orchestra
Sat 23 Aug Town Hall
If you are looking to see something outstanding and inspiring this summer period then the National Children's Orchestra is the performance to see. The quality of sound produced by such a young orchestra is outstanding. Each year NCO auditions hundreds of talented children to take up the 500 highly sought after places. The sheer passion and enthusiasm of the children adds to the experience making it perfect, for you and your friends and family alike. You have to see it to believe it! £10, £14, £17, Under 16's £5 60 plus/full-time students/unwaged/ disabled patrons £8, £12, £15
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The National Children's Orchestra 30th Anniversary Concert
Sun 31 Aug Symphony Hall
2008 is NCO's 30th anniversary year and this is being celebrated with this spectacular concert with all five of NCO's orchestra's performing. NCO's members are provided with high class musical tuition on residential courses. This concert is the perfect opportunity for you to see the UK's most talented under 14 year olds performing.
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Camille O'Sullivan: La Fille Du Cirque
Fri 5 Sep Town Hall
Following sell out seasons in New York, UK and Australia, Camille sings the music of Nick Cave, Jacques Brel, Tom Waits, David Bowie and more. Her recent shows were awarded Spirit of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2007, Best Music at the Brighton Festival 2006 and garnered a host of 5 star reviews. Camille has recently appeared in Stephen Frears Oscar winning film Mrs Henderson Presents opposite Judi Dench, Bob Hoskins and Will Young, and has sung with Duke Special, Damien Rice and Shane McGowan. £17.50
La Fille Du Cirque
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Family Event: World Music Encounter with Infusion
Sat 6 Sep Town Hall
Come and meet this unusual collection of musicians as they lead you on a musical journey from Albania to Zimbabwe! Meet the characters behind the instruments and share the stories of their own personal musical histories. Join them and the rest of the audience as they lead you in an interactive workshop that will certainly have you dancing and singing in the aisles! Infusion was established by Sound It Out Community Music in October 2006 to develop the skills of exiled musicians to run community music workshops and to raise awareness and increase understanding towards refugees and asylum seekers amongst local communities. Adults £5, 60 plus £4.50, Under 16s £2.50 Family ticket (4 people, minimum 1 adult) £12
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Late-Night Light Night
Fri 12 Sep Town Hall
In a thrilling evening of sound and light, Town Hall throws open the doors for an exclusive event showcasing some of the freshest musical talent from around the West Midlands. The party gets underway inside the iconic landmark with beats from Manga (Shaanti, Funkshaan), live hip hop and jazz with Soweto Kinch plus performances courtesy of Summary and The Sub Ensemble. Expect a mix of beats, bass, brass and amazing vocals for a funky ArtsFest Friday. Outside Town Hall, spectacular illuminations and visuals will present the iconic building in a whole new light as part of Light Night Birmingham, a project featuring innovative architectural lighting of city centre landmarks. Free entry and a dazzling late-night audiovisual experience offers an opportunity to see the restored venue as never before. Admission FREE Presented in association with Birmingham Jazz. Soweto Kinch is a Town Hall Associate Artist.
*Soweto Kinch* *Manga* *Summary* *The Sub Ensemble*
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Jagjit Singh Live in Concert
Fri 12 Sep Symphony Hall
Jagjit Singh's unique compositions and etheral voice have acquired him a legendary stature among millions of fans worldwide. He is the leading exponent of Ghazal singing, a form of a Indian classical music that he is credited to have given a new lease of life to, and he is often referred to as the 'Ghazal King'. His mesmerising live performances have enthralled millions so don't miss out.
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Brass Band Championship 2008
Sat 13 Sep Symphony Hall
Championship bands from England, Scotland and Wales compete for the coveted British Open Trophy by performing a specially selected test piece. There will also be trade stands exhibiting and selling brass band merchandise.
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Meet the Associates
Sat 13 Sep Town Hall
As part of the ArtsFest weekend we’re offering free showcase performances from the Town Hall Associate Artists: 1pm - 2pm *Black Voices* showcase The inspirational female vocal quintet 2.30pm - 3.30pm *BBC Big Band* showcase Conducted by Barry Forgie, Britain’s finest big band is on stage with jazz and swing classics 4pm - 5pm *Ex Cathedra* choir showcase Beautiful and uplifting singing from Birmingham’s premier choir Admission FREE
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Open Hall!
Sun 14 Sep Town Hall
We’re throwing the doors open to everyone, with: Orchestra of the Swan showcase (2pm - 3pm), children’s Heritage trail, Organ demonstrations, foyer music, Town Hall exhibition, refreshments from the foyer café, and a prize draw for free concert tickets. Admission FREE
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Brass Gala Concert 2008
Sun 14 Sep Symphony Hall
The present British Open Champion Band, The English and National Champion Band and the European Champion Band come together on one spectacular bill leading to a glorious climax featuring the Cory and Black Dyke Band performing together! The three bands will play music widely ranging from _Mozart's_ Magic Flute Overture to _Harry James'_ Trumpet Blues and Cantabile and taking in en route _Bach's_ Air on the G String, _Widor's_ famous Organ Toccata and ending with a new arrangement by Robert Childs of _Tchaikowsky's_ Marche Slav played by Black Dyke and Cory together. Original brass band music will include _Fletcher's_ popular Labour and Love, the first work commissioned by the national Brass Band Championship in 1913. Something, and probably more, for every fan of brass band music here. £12.50, £14.50, £16.50, £19.50, Choir £8.50 Full Programme details: *Grimethorpe Colliery Band* Percy Grainger _Irish tune from County Derry_ Shipley Douglas _March, Mephistopheles_ Fletcher _Labour and Love_ Hartmann _Rule Britannia_ (Euphonium solo Michael Dodd) Ireland _Elegy from A Downland Suite_ Goffin _Rhapsody in Brass_ *Cory Band* Philip Wilby _Peel Park_ (from a Lowry sketchbook) Paul Lovatt-Cooper _Neath the Dublin skies_ (Euphonium solo David Childs) Karl Jenkins arr. Tony Small _Palladio_ Monk, arr. Karl Jenkins _Abide With Me_ Gareth Wood _Actaeon_ *Black Dyke Band* Widor arr. Sparke _Toccata_ Mozart arr. Anon _Overture to The Magic Flute_ Simone Mantia _Fantasie Originale_ (Euphonium solo David Thornton) Bach arr. Snell _Air from Suite No. 3_ Paul Lovatt-Cooper _In Vitae Aeternam_ *Black Dyke and Cory together* Lovatt-Cooper _Walking with Heroes_ Harry James arr. Geldard _Trumpet Blues and Cantabile_ (with twenty soloists) Tchaikovsky arr. Robert Childs _Marche Slav_
Grimethorpe Colliery Band Cory Band Black Dyke Band
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Fantastic Symphony
Wed 17 Sep Symphony Hall
A new conductor, a new era - three youthful orchestral showpieces launch Andris Nelsons’ first concert as music director of the CBSO. And they couldn’t be more appropriate. Like Andris Nelsons himself, Berlioz was still in his twenties when he wrote his outrageous symphony, and the young Wagner actually wrote his Rienzi overture in Nelsons’ home city of Riga! Bartók’s thrilling ballet score comes from the composer’s mid-thirties. The CBSO’s new music director has already won widespread praise for his exciting performances with the Orchestra, and tonight’s programme has plenty to set pulses racing so make sure you don’t miss the start of something really special! The concert on 17 September is sponsored by Mitchells and Butlers 6.15pm Pre-concert talk - Welcome to the Season Meet Andris Nelsons, as he prepares to conduct his first concerts as music director of the CBSO. In conversation with Stephen Maddock.
Andris Nelsons - conductor
Wagner: Overture, Rienzi 13’ Bartók: Miraculous Mandarin Suite 21’ Berlioz: Symphonie fantastique 55’
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Stephen Bishop Plus John O'Connell (Groundpig)
Thu 18 Sep Town Hall
The acclaimed American singer / songwriter and composer of _On and On_, _Save It for a Rainy Day_, _Everybody Needs Love_, and _It Might Be You_, the theme from the movie _Tootsie_. Bishop is an American singer and guitarist who has been nominated for two Grammys and an Oscar. As well as writing and singing on numerous film scores, Phil Collins, Eric Clapton, Barbra Streisand, Art Garfunkel, Kenny Loggins, Johnny Mathis, Phoebe Snow, David Crosby and The Four Tops have all recorded songs penned by Bish. Jonny O'Connell was half of the well-known Liverpool band Groundpig and is now making a name for himself as a popular singer/songwriter.
