What's On — All events

CBSO Russian Classics
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Thu 27 May 7:30pm Symphony Hall

Music director of Moscow’s legendary Bolshoi Theatre since 2001, Alexander Vedernikov makes his CBSO debut with a trio of very different Russian masterpieces. Rimsky’s colourful overture celebrates the Russian Orthodox Easter in a riot of bells and orchestral brilliance, while Prokofiev’s superb post-war symphony strikes a more serious mood in music of great intensity and power. His sometime friend Shostakovich is also famous for his serious symphonies, but this tuneful piano concerto finds him in a lighter mood, and is played for us by the versatile Scottish pianist who has entertained CBSO audiences in music from Mozart to Messiaen. Visit the "CBSO website":http://www.thsh.co.uk Pre-concert Talk, 6.15pm: *Soviet Symphonists* Russian music expert David Fanning, of the University of Manchester, introduces Prokofiev's Sixth Symphony.
*City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra* *Alexander Vedernikov* conductor *Steven Osborne* piano
*Rimsky-Korsakov* Russian Easter Festival Overture 16' *Shostakovich* Piano Concerto No 2 20' *Prokofiev* Symphony No 6 45'
Eric Bibb in concert plus Megan Henwood (support)
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Thu 27 May 8:00pm Town Hall

A performance by Eric Bibb is an enriching experience, both musically and spiritually. His music, like his personality, is intimate, assured and passionate, drawing listeners into the moment more as participants than as spectators. His rich and sensitive vocals and lyrics provide a perfect balance to his fine fingerpicking technique. Purveying a beautifully realised and deftly accomplished soulful and gospel-infused folk-blues, Bibb has no problem blending various genres effortlessly, melding a traditional rootsy American style with a subtle, contemporary sensibility. As one critic wrote, _“Eric’s singing and versatile guitar playing fuses a variety of genes to become a New World Blues.”_ He visits Town Hall to mark the release of new album, _Booker’s Guitar_, inspired by the discovery of a 1930s steel-body guitar that had belonged to Delta blues legend Booker White, an older cousin to B.B. King. Bibb recorded the title track in England using White’s guitar.
Natalie Merchant
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Fri 28 May 7:30pm Symphony Hall

Singer, musician and songwriter Natalie Merchant was previously the lead singer in 10,000 Maniacs, the American alternative/college rock band whose hits include _Peace Train_. Natalie left the band in 1993 to pursue a solo career and to date has released four solo albums including _Tigerlily_ which included the top 10 American single _Carnival_. This concert marks the release of new album _Leave Your Sleep_.
The Priests Plus support Camilla Kerslake
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Sat 29 May 7:45pm Symphony Hall

We are delighted to announce, after a phenomenal 2009 including some live dates across the UK and selling close to 2 million records world wide, The Priests play Symphony Hall this May. It was at St. MacNissi’s College near Carnlough in Co Antrim, where Father Eugene O’Hagan, Father Martin O’Hagan and Father David Delargy met for the first time and realised their musical prowess as a singing trio. The Priests have defied record industry convention by just being themselves; middle-aged Roman Catholic priests who sing. Selling close to two million records worldwide to date, a dream story of world class talent wrapped up in an amazing true story spanning a turbulent lifetime of service, faith and music, with no stunts, no stylists, no make-up, no image and no audio trickery. The Priests have taken the world by storm. Why the success? They simply sing and they sing with belief.
BBC Radio 3 Lunchtime Concert: Markus Werba (baritone) & Gary Matthewman (piano)
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Tue 1 Jun 1:00pm Town Hall

Youthful Austrian Markus Werba has already established a remarkable career and is now regarded as one of the leading baritones of his generation. He has a wide range of repertoire from the complete Mozart/Da Ponte operas to Mahler and Schumann which he has recited at prestigious venues worldwide including the Royal Opera House, Metropolitan Opera, Wiener Staatsoper and Baden-Baden Festival. Today's concert is part of BBC Radio 3's series celebrating the American composer Samuel Barber.
*Barber* Melodies passagères, Op.27 *Poulenc* Chansons gaillardes *Britten* Songs & Proverbs of William Blake, Op.74 *Barber* Despite & Still, Op.41
*Markus Werba* _baritone_ *Gary Matthewman* _piano_
An Audience with Ann Widdecombe, in conversation with Iain Dale
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Tue 1 Jun 7:30pm Town Hall

Larger-than-life politician, novelist and TV celebrity, Ann Widdecombe delights audiences across the land with her witty and controversial speeches. Now she brings her show to the general public answering questions and sharing anecdotes in conversation with Iain Dale. Iain Dale is a political commentator, publisher and broadcaster, appearing on numerous political radio and television programmes.
CBSO The Pathétique
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Wed 2 Jun 7:30pm 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'
Roberto Fonseca
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Wed 2 Jun 7:30pm Town Hall

_“Sensuous, fresh, modern - brings the piano dazzlingly to life.”_ The Daily Telegraph _“A genre-busting tour de force."_ The Observer _“Fonseca is a star.”_ The Independent On Sunday _"A fabulously gifted pianist, composer and band leader... a gift for melody that outshines more celebrated peers."_ The Guardian Roberto Fonseca is an extraordinary and charismatic young pianist from Cuba. He wowed audiences as a member of Buena Vista Social Club, where he was successor to Ruben Gonzalez, co-produced Ibrahim Ferrer’s last album, and released his debut album _Zamazu_ to global acclaim. His exuberant pianism draws on Cuban traditions, and his music is a vibrant, sexy and beguiling cocktail of Latin and Jazz, topped off with an unparalleled gift for melody.
*Roberto Fonseca* _piano/keyboards_ *Joel Hierrezuelo* _percussion_ *Javier Zalba* _clarinet, flute, sax_ *Ramsés Rodriguez* _drums_ *Omar Gonzáles* _double bass_
CBSO The Pathétique - Matinee
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Thu 3 Jun 2:15pm 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'
Boogie Pete Live!
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Sat 5 Jun 11:00am Town Hall

Are you ready to boogie with Pete from _Boogie Beebies_? Catch star of the BAFTA award-winning CBeebies TV show _Boogie Beebies_, the much-loved Pete Hillier in his hit stage show _Boogie Pete Live_! Join Pete as he shows you some moves, some magic and some silliness in this fun-packed show for children of all ages (2 +) - featuring all your favourite songs and dances including _Go, Go Mango_, _Hey Monkey_ and _Ocean Motion_! MEET BOOGIE PETE! Cameras and pens at the ready, Pete will be coming to meet, greet and sign autographs after the show! _“What makes it is the presenter Pete Hillier, engaging and warm and the children love him”_ *The Guardian* "Boogie Pete website":http://www.boogiepete.com
The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain Proudly Presents UKULELESCOPE
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Sat 5 Jun 8:00pm Town Hall

The UOGB have collaborated with BFI National Archive to find a host of unusual and little seen gems from the early days of silent film, and have sculpted them into a delightfully eclectic evening of music, film, comedy and pathos. This mixed bill combines short films and clips including adverts, singing pictures, actualities, dramas, Science and nature, hints and hobbies and documentary footage to amaze, amuse and baffle. All of this, of course, presented in the UOGB’s own inimitable style, and set to a programme of original and carefully chosen old favourites from musical history. _"Ukulelescope takes you on a delightful mystery tour into the past, a beautifully judged match of silent-film snippets and evocative tunes, all delivered with the Orchestra's usual wit and panache. Awesome!"_ Helen Hawkins, Sunday Times _“Pound for pound the best musical entertainment in the country”_ The Independent
Show created and produced by Hester Goodman. All original music by Hester Goodman and George Hinchliffe, and performed by the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain.
This is a screening of silent film footage with musical accompaniment, in conjunction with the BFI.
Neil Cowley Trio Birmingham Jazz 2009/10
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Sat 5 Jun 8:00pm Book through our ticket office for CBSO Centre

More details to follow.
Silent Comedy Classics: Laurel & Hardy and Buster Keaton Improvised organ accompaniment by NIGEL OGDEN
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Sun 6 Jun 3:30pm Town Hall

*Laurel & Hardy* _You’re Darn Tootin’_ (1928) 20’ *Buster Keaton* _The General_ (1927) Two of the greatest of all silent comedies. Stan and Ollie’s short film includes classic sequences and an uproarious final pant-ripping scene, while Buster Keaton’s masterpiece is filled with hilarious gags and ingenious, perfectly timed stunts. Maestro Nigel Ogden tickles the ivories of the Town Hall’s mighty organ, revealing its lighter side as he improvises a freshly-minted accompaniment to the afternoon’s jollity.
With improvised organ accompaniment by *Nigel Ogden*
Lunchtime Organ Concert with Roger Owens (piano)
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Mon 7 Jun 1:00pm Symphony Hall

*Thomas Trotter* _organ_ *Roger Owens* _piano_
A mixed programme of works for organ and piano duo by Mozart, Dupré and Adinsell, as well as piano solos by Mendelssohn.
Alfred Brendel Talk: The Light and Shade of Interpretation
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Mon 7 Jun 7:30pm Town Hall

Alfred Brendel retired from the concert platform in 2008. Now he returns as a speaker, discussing the ideas and inspiration that, for nearly fifty years, have made him one of the world’s leading pianists. There will be a chance to savour the old Brendel magic when he illustrates his thoughts at the piano. BBC Music magazine’s Editor Oliver Condy explains why he has recommended tonight’s concert: _“Alfred Brendel may have retired from public piano performance, but that hasn’t stopped one of the most entertaining, intelligent and thoughtful musicians from sharing his views on music. Brendel has as much a gift for communicating verbally as he does musically.”_
An Evening With Joanna Trollope
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Tue 8 Jun 7:30pm Town Hall

More details to follow.
Centre Stage - Innovation Chamber Ensemble
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Fri 11 Jun 1:10pm Book through our ticket office for CBSO Centre

*Bruckner (arr. Erwin Stein)* Symphony No 7
*Innovation Chamber Ensemble*
*Bruckner (arr. Erwin Stein)* Symphony No 7
CBSO Lohengrin
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Sat 12 Jun 4:30pm Symphony Hall

A maiden in distress, a black-hearted count, a wicked sorceress and a mysterious knight in shining armour... no question, Wagner’s _Lohengrin_ is the ultimate Romantic opera. But it’s not just a stirring tale of chivalry and romance in medieval Europe. _Lohengrin_ is Wagner at his accessible best, filled with music of flamboyant colour and profound beauty. Just weeks before Andris Nelsons makes his hotly-awaited debut at Wagner’s own theatre in Bayreuth, Birmingham gets a one-off preview. With an all-star cast, the full CBSO and CBSC, and a conductor who loves Wagner above all other composers, this extraordinary evening will be one of the most talked-about concerts in Birmingham this year. Be sure to book early! Sung in German with English surtitles. This performance will include a 20-minute interval after Act 1 and a 90-minute dinner interval* (7.30-9pm) after Act 2. The performance finishes c10.15pm. *Dinner is not included in ticket price. Visit the "CBSO website":http://www.cbso.co.uk
*City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra* *Andris Nelsons* conductor *Edith Haller* Elsa *Lioba Braun* Ortrud *Lance Ryan* Lohengrin *Eike Wilm Schulte* Telramund *Gidon Saks* King *CBSO Chorus* *CBSO Youth Chorus*
*Wagner* Lohengrin 225'
Kenny Rogers
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Sun 13 Jun 7:30pm Symphony Hall

For five decades, Kenny Rogers has delivered memorable songs spanning rock, pop, soul and country. Hits including _Lady, The Gambler, Islands in the Stream, We’ve Got Tonight_, and _Buy Me A Rose_ have won him countless awards and legions of fans. Come and hear a legend in person.
Lunchtime Organ Concert Thomas Trotter Summer Request Concert
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Mon 14 Jun 1:00pm Town Hall

This is your chance to request favourite items that you have enjoyed Thomas playing earlier in the season. Send your selections to: Emily Jones, Organ Requests, Symphony Hall, Broad Street, Birmingham B1 2EA by 3 May 2010.