What's On — All events

BBC Radio 3 Lunchtime Concert: Leon McCawley
More Info Book Tickets
Mon 12 Apr 1:00pm Town Hall

2010 is the centenary of the birth of American composer Samuel Barber. BBC Radio 3 marks that anniversary with a series of lunchtime concerts at Town Hall, which place Barber’s chamber music in context with some of his contemporaries and influences. This afternoon one of England’s finest young pianists performs.
*Leon McCawley* _piano_ *Barber Nocturne* Op 33 *Chopin* Sonata in B flat minor, Op 35 *Chopin* Nocturne in C sharp minor, Op 27 No 1 *Barber* Sonata for Piano, Op 26
CBSO Pictures at an Exhibition
More Info Book Tickets
Wed 14 Apr 7:30pm 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 Schools Concert: The Firebird
More Info Cancelled
Thu 15 Apr 11:30am Symphony Hall

Stravinsky’s music transports you to a world of glittering colours, enchanted melodies and nightmarish, bloodcurdling thrills. Discover the orchestra from the inside out with one of the best-loved pieces of music in the classical repertoire, which shows off the full symphony orchestra in all its brilliance and splendour. The ballet score is based on a Russian folk tale telling the story of Prince Ivan who enters the garden of the evil Kastchei and rescues 13 princesses with the help of the magical firebird. 11.30am performance: specially devised for Key Stage 2 (Years 5 & 6); 1.30pm performance: for Key Stages 3 & 4. *Special prices apply: £4 per ticket for children and teachers, and home-schooling* children and parents. To book please call Group Bookings on 0800 358 7070.* For information on pre-concert support packages and other opportunities available for schools with the CBSO, please contact the CBSO’s Education Department by email (education@cbso.co.uk) or telephone (0121 616 6546). *proof of eligibility, eg registration with your Local Authority, required
*City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra* *Michael Seal* _conductor_ *Tommy Pearson* _presenter_
CBSO Schools Concert: The Firebird
More Info Cancelled
Thu 15 Apr 1:30pm Symphony Hall

Stravinsky’s music transports you to a world of glittering colours, enchanted melodies and nightmarish, bloodcurdling thrills. Discover the orchestra from the inside out with one of the best-loved pieces of music in the classical repertoire, which shows off the full symphony orchestra in all its brilliance and splendour. The ballet score is based on a Russian folk tale telling the story of Prince Ivan who enters the garden of the evil Kastchei and rescues 13 princesses with the help of the magical firebird. 11.30am performance: specially devised for Key Stage 2 (Years 5 & 6); 1.30pm performance: for Key Stages 3 & 4. *Special prices apply: £4 per ticket for children and teachers, and home-schooling* children and parents. To book please call Group Bookings on 0800 358 7070.* For information on pre-concert support packages and other opportunities available for schools with the CBSO, please contact the CBSO’s Education Department by email (education@cbso.co.uk) or telephone (0121 616 6546). *proof of eligibility, eg registration with your Local Authority, required
*City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra* *Michael Seal* _conductor_ *Tommy Pearson* _presenter_
Berlioz's Symphonie Fantastique
More Info Book Tickets
Thu 15 Apr 7:30pm Symphony Hall

_Symphonie Fantastique_ dramatises unrequited love. In this colourful score Berlioz depicted the fantasies of a spurned lover, ranging through a glittering ball, love in a meadow during the drowsy heat of the afternoon, an execution and a supernatural encounter in a churchyard at night. Classic FM’s Anne-Marie Minhall, says of tonight’s recommended concert: _“Every year Classic FM asks you to vote for your favourite classical works in our Hall of Fame. One of the works I like to vote for each year is the Grieg Piano Concerto and one of my favourite recordings of it is by tonight’s soloist Jean-Yves Thibaudet.”_
*Luxembourg Philharmonic Orchestra* *Emmanuel Krivine* conductor *Jean-Yves Thibaudet* piano
Berlioz Overture, _Roman Carnival_ 8’ Grieg Piano Concerto 28’ Berlioz _Symphonie Fantastique_ 50’
Mozart's Requiem
More Info Book Tickets
Fri 16 Apr 7:30pm Symphony Hall

The circumstances under which Mozart’s Requiem was composed have all the elements of Gothic fantasy. Commissioned by a mysterious stranger, it was still being written by Mozart on his deathbed and is one of his most iconic works. The Academy of Ancient Music brings a special dark hue to this music, using the original instruments of Mozart’s own time. Classic FM’s Anne-Marie Minhall, says of tonight’s recommended concert: _“If you’ve ever thought about introducing a friend or family member to the wonders of classical music, then this could be the concert to take them to. It’s a real taste of the immensely diverse works that Mozart produced.”_
*Academy of Ancient Music* *Richard Egarr* _soloist/director_ *Katharine Fuge* _soprano_ *Barbara Kozelj* _mezzo soprano_ *James Gilchrist* _tenor_ *Christopher Purves* _bass_
*Mozart* Overture, _Don Giovanni_ 5’ Piano Concerto No 25 28’ Requiem 50’
THE ENID featuring members of the Chandos Symphony Orchestra, plus other special guests
More Info Book Tickets
Fri 16 Apr 7:30pm Town Hall

The Enid are back and in concert - this will be a night to remember. A special one-off concert featuring the full brass and percussion of The Chandos Symphony Orchestra plus the Town Hall organ. Including the world premiere of _Journey's End_, the long awaited new studio album, followed by a new performing version of _Fand_ featuring special guest appearances. The Enidi (the band’s fan club) are sponsoring a live DVD recording of the show in surround sound and using state of the art high definition cameras. See rare footage of The Enid at London Hammersmith 1979 "here":http://www.youtube.com/robertjohngodfrey#p/a/u/0/zW3JvsQaO9E
CBSO Pictures at an Exhibition
More Info Book Tickets
Sat 17 Apr 7:00pm 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’
National Youth Wind Orchestra
More Info Book Tickets
Sat 17 Apr 7:45pm Book through our ticket office for CBSO Centre
Tommy Fleming In Concert plus support
More Info Book Tickets
Sat 17 Apr 8:00pm Town Hall

Tommy is one of Ireland’s top entertainers and has had a hugely successful career over the past 16 years. He is famous for his own arrangements of _Danny Boy_, _Isle of Innisfree_ and _Hard Times_. He also covers songs from _You Raise Me Up_ to _Bridge over Troubled Water_, _Summer in Dublin_ and _Something Inside So Strong_. A Tommy Fleming concert is a musical experience not to be missed, he constantly receives the compliment that he sings better live than on his albums.
Plus support *John Carey Dance Academy* *South Birmingham Comhaltas*
BCMG Family Concert Serenade For Satellite- A Journey in Time and Space
More Info Book Tickets
Sun 18 Apr 1:30pm Book through our ticket office for CBSO Centre

Conducted by Peter Wiegold
BCMG Family Concert Serenade For Satellite- A Journey in Time and Space
More Info Book Tickets
Sun 18 Apr 3:30pm Book through our ticket office for CBSO Centre

Conducted by Peter Wiegold
Sing For All - Community Spirit
More Info Book Tickets
Sun 18 Apr 6:00pm Town Hall

A truly diverse mix of community choirs come together for a celebratory concert. Fourteen choirs will take part, ranging from Welsh male voice to gospel, singing an eclectic range of music from contemporary jazz arrangements to traditional English folk songs. This is the first time a project of this type has been done in the city, providing an opportunity for community choirs to perform alongside two professional ensembles, Black Voices and Ex Cathedra.
The Armed Man Featuring The Black Dyke Band and The Halifax and Sheffield Choral Societies
More Info Book Tickets
Sun 18 Apr 7:00pm Symphony Hall

An evening of music from the world's most successful brass band. A first half of wonderful classics including Walton's _Crown Imperial_, Suppé's _Poet and Peasant_, Rossini's _Largo Al Factotum_ featuring Tuba virtuoso Joseph Cook, and, as finale to the first half, Wagner's _Procession to the Minster_. Black Dyke are joined in the second half by two of the finest choral societies in Britain, conducted by John Pryce-Jones, in Karl Jenkins’s acclaimed _The Armed Man_.
*Black Dyke Band* *Dr Nicholas J. Childs* and *John Pryce-Jones* _conductors_ *Halifax Choral Society* *Sheffield Philharmonic Chorus*
Melody Gardot
More Info Book Tickets
Mon 19 Apr 7:30pm Symphony Hall

Philadelphia-based singer-songwriter Melody Gardot burst onto the scene with her 2008 debut album _Worrisome Heart_ which displays her innate gift for transforming the traditions of jazz and blues with her "personal kiss of life." Her 2009 follow-up, _My One and Only Thrill_, is an artistic leap forward for the smoky-voiced singer, mixing Latin rhythms, finger-snapping blues, and smouldering torch songs.
Boy George: Up Close and Personal
More Info Book Tickets
Mon 19 Apr 8:00pm Town Hall

As the front man of one of the UK’s biggest ever bands Boy George needs little introduction... he has sold millions of albums worldwide and secured top 10 hits in every country. He remains one of the world’s most recognisable pop and fashion icons. Culture Club was the first band since The Beatles to achieve three top 10 hits from their debut album _Kissing to Be Clever_ on the US Billboard charts. His 2008 tour proved he is still top of his game... _'Outstanding voice... his solo set proved who really was the star of Culture Club.'_ The Scottish Sun With a new album George returns to the live stage performing all the hits from Culture Club, his solo career and some great covers. Don’t miss one of the best soul voices and most colourful personalities Britian has ever produced. _‘... a great British soul voice. Church Of The Poisoned Mind was delivered at breakneck speed and overflowed with joie de vivre. Do You Really Want To Hurt Me? was the very epitome of dreaminess and the beloved Karma Chameleon gained a new layer of loveliness in a new, stately incarnation’_ The Evening Standard _'His unmistakable voice was as solid as ever, his raunchy moves revved up the crowd and confidence simply oozed. A great showman.'_ South End Echo _'A thoroughly entertaining concert that embodied all that should continue to be treasured about Boy George.'_ Newcastle Evening Chronicle "Boy George - Amazing Grace : The Official Video":http://youtube.com/watch?v=_jkVfSznw5Q
Paul Brady and Band plus support
More Info Book Tickets
Tue 20 Apr 7:30pm Town Hall

Paul Brady, singer, songwriter, musician and producer, has been at the forefront of popular music in Ireland for over forty years. His dramatic interpretations of classic traditional ballads such as _Arthur McBride_ and _The Lakes of Pontchartrain_ firmly established him as one of the cornerstones of the new wave of Irish music and song in the 1970s. He has since forged a reputation as one of Ireland’s finest singer-songwriters, releasing many popular and critically acclaimed records such as _The Island_, _Crazy Dreams_, _The Homes of Donegal_ and _Paradise Is Here_. Hiis songs have been recorded by artists including Tina Turner, Cliff Richard, Cher, Carole King, Art Garfunkel, Bonnie Raitt, Joe Cocker, Ronan Keating and Mary Black. Paul is known as a dynamic and passionate live performer whether in the company of his band or in the more intimate setting of solo performance. On this occasion he will be with his band to highlight the release of _Hooba Dooba_, his eagerly awaited collection of new songs and to revisit some old favourites.
An Evening with Rufus Wainwright
More Info Book Tickets
Tue 20 Apr 7:45pm Symphony Hall

Affectionately referred to by Elton John as “the greatest songwriter on the planet” and praised by The New York Times for his "genuine originality," Rufus Wainwright has established himself as one of the great male vocalists and songwriters of his generation. Rufus has achieved his success by carving out his own singular sound in the worlds of rock, opera, theatre, dance and film.
CBSO Favourite Mozart - Matinee
More Info Book Tickets
Wed 21 Apr 2:15pm Symphony Hall

Robert Schumann just couldn’t help himself. He knew he was meant to be writing serious symphonies, but emotion kept getting in the way. With its heroic opening, imposing slow movement and beer-festival finale, his _Rhenish_ Symphony is more than just a joyous musical postcard from the sunny hills of the Rhineland - it’s an irresistibly exuberant self-portrait of one of music’s supreme Romantics. Mozart’s best-loved piano concerto makes a perfect complement. Call it the “Elvira Madigan”, call it Piano Concerto No. 21; the fact remains that it’s one of the most eloquent, most stirring and - yes - most romantic concertos Mozart ever wrote. In the hands of the acclaimed young Finnish pianist Antii Siirala, you’ll know it.
*City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra* *Karl-Heinz Steffens* _conductor_ *Antti Siirala* _piano_
*Schumann* _Manfred_ Overture 12’ *Mozart* Piano Concerto No 21, K.467 31’ *Schumann* Symphony No 3, _Rhenish_ 32’
Frankie Boyle (extra date) I would happily punch every one of you in the face
More Info Book Tickets
Wed 21 Apr 8:00pm Symphony Hall

Following his epic record-breaking tour in 2008, Frankie Boyle, star of BBC2’s _Mock the Week_ and one of the hottest and most controversial comedians of the moment, visits Symphony Hall with the all new live show, _I Would Happily Punch Every One of You in the Face_. In the last four years, Frankie has propelled himself into the premiere league with a host of brilliant performances, both on stage and screen, including every episode of _Mock the Week_ and _8 out of 10 Cats, Live at the Apollo_ and _Would I Lie to You_ to name but a few. Visit Frankie's website "here":http://www.frankieboyle.com/ Not suitable for under 16s