What's On — All events

St George's Day: An English Celebration By Birmingham St. George’s Day Association
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Sat 24 Apr 6:00pm Symphony Hall

*Professor Carl Chinn MBE* _compere_ *Sovereign Brass* *Phoenix Singers* *Male Voice Choirs* *Sharron Burns* *Darren Hogg* _organ_ *Jake Fifer* _tenor_ *Bishop Walsh School Dance Group* *Steve Allen* _musical director_ *John Barber* _accompanist_ *Mike Alexander* _music arranger, piano_ *Birmingham Schools showcase*
Bach's Musical Offering
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Sat 24 Apr 7:30pm Town Hall

For thirty years, Ton Koopman has been an inspirational force in Bach performance, joyfully rejecting anything but the instruments and performing techniques that Bach himself would have known. Together with his Amsterdam Baroque Orchestra, Koopman brings his unique passion to one of the jewels of Bach’s old age - the great Musical Offering.
*Soloists of the Amsterdam Baroque Orchestra* *Ton Koopman* _harpsichord/director_ *Tini Mathot* _harpsichord_
*J S Bach* _A Musical Offering_ 39’ Ricercare a 6 for two harpsichords, BWV1079 9’ Concerto for two harpsichords in C, BWV1061 18’
Canoldir Male Choir - 44th Annual Concert With special guest Aled Jones
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Sun 25 Apr 7:00pm Symphony Hall

Canoldir’s special guest this year is the tremendously popular Aled Jones. He brings his own inimitable style and personality to an evening of high quality traditional male voice choral music, with the occasional added twist of 100 plus sopranos and altos from the Edgbaston High School choirs.
*Canoldir Male Choir* *James Llewelyn Jones* _musical director_ *Aled Jones* _special guest_ *Choirs of Edgbaston High School for Girls*
Programme includes _Alleluia_ (JS Bach), _An American Trilogy_, _The Creation_, _My Lord What a Mornin’_, _Unchained Melody_, _Wie Selig Sind Die Toten_, _Yfory_
Lunchtime Organ Concert Sing Hymns with the City Organist
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Mon 26 Apr 1:00pm Town Hall

*Thomas Trotter* _organ_ *Birmingham Conservatoire Chamber Choir* directed by *Paul Spicer* *Jeremy Nicholas* _compere_
Take your place in a choir of hundreds as Thomas Trotter leads a thrilling journey through some of Britain’s most glorious hymns.
Tuned On Seminar: Islam and Women In Music
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Mon 26 Apr 6:00pm Symphony Hall

This seminar discusses the issues of women from an Islamic background in the urban arts sector. Are they under-represented? The speakers will discuss the cultural barriers that may have prevented them getting involved in the sector, with debate around whether this is changing through a better understanding and shift in attitudes towards contemporary music.
John Renbourn & Robin Williamson In Concert
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Mon 26 Apr 8:00pm Town Hall

A John Renbourn (Pentangle, The John Renbourn Group) concert takes the listener into a rich musical landscape of warm vocals and witty asides. At the core is a revolutionary guitar style that explores the instrument's potential in unusual and beautiful ways. Robin Williamson (The Incredible String Band, Merry Band) is a songwriter of undisputed stature, a distinctive interpreter of traditional song, a published poet and novelist... amongst other things.
CBSO Nelsons Conducts Shostakovich
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Tue 27 Apr 7:30pm Symphony Hall

Muddle or music? If you had just written the loudest, most ambitious, most terrifying symphony since Mahler, and found your music criticised in the national press on behalf of a leader who enjoyed killing anyone who got in his way, what would you do? Well, Shostakovich decided to withdraw his epic Fourth Symphony in 1936 before its first performance, only for it to resurface decades later and be recognised as one of his greatest masterpieces. An outstanding German violinist joins the Orchestra for a more optimistic 1930s classic.
*City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra* *Andris Nelsons* _conductor_ *Frank Peter Zimmermann* _violin_
*Bartók* Violin Concerto No 2 36’ *Shostakovich* Symphony No 4 60’
Vivaldi's Four Seasons Orchestra of the Swan
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Wed 28 Apr 2:30pm Town Hall

Vivaldi's Four Seasons needs no introduction but this afternoon Tasmin premieres the third of Four new Seasons from Roxanna Panufnik, commissioned by Orchestra of the Swan.
*Orchestra of the Swan* *David Curtis* conductor *Tasmin Little* violin/director
*Mozart* Divertimento K136 *Roxanna Panufnik* Indian Summer (world premiére) *Grieg* Holberg Suite *Vivaldi* The Four Seasons
Centre Stage - Stockhausen
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Thu 29 Apr 1:10pm Book through our ticket office for CBSO Centre

*Stockhausen* _Tierkreis_ Music by *Miles Davis, Wayne Shorter, Duke Ellington* and *Bruno Heinen*.
*Ulrich Heinen* _cello_ *Mark Goodchild* _double bass_ *Bruno Heinen* _piano_
*Stockhausen* _Tierkreis_ Music by *Miles Davis, Wayne Shorter, Duke Ellington* and *Bruno Heinen*.
CBSO Tuned In: Shostakovich Symphony No 4
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Thu 29 Apr 7:30pm Symphony Hall

Shostakovich’s massive Fourth Symphony is a devastating portrait of the most turbulent years in 20th-century history. In this concert with a difference, broadcaster Stephen Johnson explains the many stories behind this extraordinary work, and shows how Shostakovich uses his huge orchestra to such unforgettable effect - with live illustrations from Andris Nelsons and the 110-piece CBSO! Then there’s a chance to hear the whole symphony. Whether you know and love the Fourth - or you’re new to Shostakovich - this concert will help you hear it with new ears.
*City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra* *Andris Nelsons* _conductor_ *Stephen Johnson* _presenter_
Introduction to Shostakovich’s Fourth Symphony, with live orchestral examples 45’ _interval_ *Shostakovich* Symphony No 4 60’
Glen Campbell Live In Concert With very special guest Debby Campbell
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Fri 30 Apr 8:00pm Symphony Hall

It isn't accurate to call Glen Campbell "pure country," but his smooth fusion of country mannerisms and pop melodies and production techniques, made him one of the most popular country musicians of the late '60s and '70s and has helped to sell over 40 million records. He is best known for classic hits like _By the Time I Get to Phoenix_, _I Wanna Live_, _Wichita Lineman_, _Galveston_, _Rhinestone Cowboy_, and _Southern Nights_. Don't miss your chance to experience Glen's unique style live.
Notelets SHAKE, RATTLE AND ROLL
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Sat 1 May 11:00am Book through our ticket office for CBSO Centre

A mini concert for 3-5 year olds and their families. Come and explore the beat with the CBSO’s percussion.
Notelets SHAKE, RATTLE AND ROLL
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Sat 1 May 2:00pm Book through our ticket office for CBSO Centre

A mini concert for 3-5 year olds and their families. Come and explore the beat with the CBSO’s percussion.
Mass in B Minor
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Sat 1 May 7:30pm Town Hall

Bach’s epic setting of the Mass is the equal of anything he composed, but is less often performed than his Passion settings. A tremendously powerful piece, it demands exceptional virtuosity and stamina from the performers - and will be greatly anticipated by them.
*Ex Cathedra Choir and Baroque Orchestra* *Jeffrey Skidmore* Conductor *Julia Doyle* Soprano *Mark Chambers* Alto *Matthew Venner* Alto *Christopher Watson* Tenor *Greg Skidmore* Baritone *Edward Grint* Bass
Joan Armatrading
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Sat 1 May 8:00pm Symphony Hall

Joan Armatrading whose unique voice has deservedly built her a huge fan following, takes to the road again to play a selection of UK dates in 2010. Joan's strong rhythmic acoustic guitar playing and her melodic electric solos help to make her the consummate musician.The 3 times Grammy nominated British singer songwriter has stood the test of time with songs like _Love And Affection, Willow, Drop The Pilot_ and _Lovers Speak._ _“Britain’s first lady of song”_ Daily Mail
Fancy Dress Salsa Ball Classes from 6.30pm, DJs from 8.30pm
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Sun 2 May 6:00pm Town Hall

Building upon the success of their sellout winter Salsa balls, SalsaFever are pleased to bring you a Bank Holiday weekend showcase spectacular. Fancy dress theme: Anything beginning with the letter “P” Fancy dress prize: £50 to the winner, plus loads of prizes to second and third place.
*Rohan Brown* _host_ DJs: Robert White, Maverick Logan, Rohan Brown, Urel Brown, Mr * H *
*Event 6pm - 2am* *Classes:* 6.30 - 7.30 Miguel and Mayana - Salsa 7.40 - 8.40 Mauro and Eva - Cha cha cha 8.50 - 9.50 Miguel Montero & Marlene - Kizomba *Showcase performances:* *Miguel and Mayana* _mambo_ *Mauro and Eva* _cha cha cha_ *Ignite Dancer Co.* _turns turns turns_ *Miguel Monteiro & Marlene Almeida* _kizomba_ *10pm Show (The Broadway Junior team)* *12 midnight Show time and Fancy Dress Competition* *Party room (opens 11pm) with Kizomba, R 'n' B, Soul and Reggae*
Brit Asia TV Music Awards 2010
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Sun 2 May 7:00pm Symphony Hall

Brit Asia TV, the UK’s only British Asian Music channel are set to smash the sound barrier by delivering an elaborate and much over due award ceremony to celebrate the success of Britain’s most accomplished artists within the British Asian Music Scene. Special Guest appearances will include Imran Khan, Jaz Dhami, and a long awaited Multi-tone collaboration from favourites including Malkit Singh, Alaap, Heera, Apna Sangeet and DCS. Doors open at 6.30pm. Smart dress code.
Don McLean in Concert Plus Support
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Mon 3 May 8:00pm Symphony Hall

America’s legendary singer-songwriter Don McLean returns to Symphony Hall. Over the course of his extraordinary career Don McLean has sold over 40 gold and platinum records worldwide, performed 12 world tours and has appeared in concert more than 3,500 times. He was inducted into the Song Writers Hall of Fame, in New York in 2004, and in February 2002 American Pie was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.
Reginald D. Hunter Plus Support Steve Hughes
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Mon 3 May 8:00pm Town Hall

Reginald D Hunter’s uniquely non-secular approach to comedy continues. _“He shimmers with stage presence and his comic timing is sharp enough to burst balloons.”_ Independent A well-known face on primetime television shows such as _8 Out Of 10 Cats_, _Never Mind The Buzzcocks_ and _QI_, Reginald is also a frequent guest on _Have I Got News For You_ and has just finished starring alongside Andy Hamilton in BBC4’s _It’s Only A Theory_. _“One of the most brilliantly unpredictable comics in the country”_ Sunday Times
Britten Sinfonia at Lunch
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Tue 4 May 1:00pm Town Hall

BBC New Generation artist, Gwilym Simcock sits at the meeting point of classical and jazz music. Hailed as both a gifted pianist and imaginative composer, Gwilym presents a new work scored for piano trio in which he will also perform.
*Jacqueline Shave* _violin_ *Caroline Dearnley* _cello_ *Gwilym Simcock* _piano*_
*Gwilym Simcock* New Work* (World première tour) *Messiaen* _Louange à l’Éternité de Jésus_ *Ravel* Piano Trio