View as plain text
Information for disabled patrons
RSS Feed - CBSO eventsWhat's On — CBSO events
-
CBSO Tuned In: The Firebird
More Info Book TicketsThu 25 Mar 7:30pm Symphony Hall
The CBSO presents a performance of _The Firebird_ with a difference, as broadcaster Stephen Johnson gives a guided tour of Stravinsky’s famous score. Discover how the composer creates his astonishing sounds, hear how the music works, and learn the story of how Stravinsky only got the gig because his teacher Liadov was too lazy! - all illustrated with live music from Andris Nelsons and the full CBSO. Then, after the interval, enjoy a complete performance of _The Firebird_. A real eye (and ear) opener - perfect for aficionado and novice alike.
*City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra* *Andris Nelsons* _conductor_ *Stephen Johnson* _presenter_
*Liadov* Baba Yaga 3’ Introduction to _The Firebird_ - with live orchestral examples 45’ _interval_ *Stravinsky* _The Firebird_ (1910 version) 44’
-
CBSO Alfie Boe with the CBSO
More Info Book TicketsTue 30 Mar 7:30pm Symphony Hall
Whether as the composer of theme tunes from _Blackadder_ to _The Vicar of Dibley_, or as a wonderfully accessible TV champion of classical music in all its forms, Howard Goodall is one of Britain’s best-loved composers. And his new tuneful and deeply moving Requiem, _Eternal Light_, has already become a bestseller. This performance, with star soloists Alfie Boe and Natasha Marsh, will show you why. Alfie Boe also sings Finzi’s radiant masterpiece. 6.15pm. Free pre-concert talk: *Howard Goodall* The popular conductor, composer and broadcaster introduces his new Requiem.
*City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra* *Simon Halsey* _conductor_ *Natasha Marsh* _soprano_ *Alfie Boe* _tenor_ *William Berger* _baritone_ *CBSO Youth Chorus*
*Holst* Choral Hymns from the _Rig Veda_ 12’ *Finzi* _Dies Natalis_ 25’ *Howard Goodall* _Eternal Light_ (Requiem) 45’
-
Centre Stage - Brahms Piano Quartet CBSO Players
More Info Book TicketsWed 31 Mar 1:10pm Book through our ticket office for CBSO Centre
*Brahms* Piano Quartet in G minor, Op 25
*CBSO Players*
*Brahms* Piano Quartet in G minor, Op 25
-
CBSO Alfie Boe with the CBSO
More Info Book TicketsThu 1 Apr 2:15pm Symphony Hall
Whether as the composer of theme tunes from _Blackadder_ to _The Vicar of Dibley_, or as a wonderfully accessible TV champion of classical music in all its forms, Howard Goodall is one of Britain’s best-loved composers. And his new tuneful and deeply moving Requiem, _Eternal Light_, has already become a bestseller. This performance, with star soloists Alfie Boe and Natasha Marsh, will show you why. Alfie Boe also sings Finzi’s radiant masterpiece. 1.15pm. Free pre-concert talk: *A Century of British Choral Music* Chorus Director Simon Halsey introduces today's choral matinee.
*City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra* *Simon Halsey* _conductor_ *Natasha Marsh* _soprano_ *Alfie Boe* _tenor_ *William Berger* _baritone_ *CBSO Youth Chorus*
*Holst* Choral Hymns from the _Rig Veda_ 12’ *Finzi* _Dies Natalis_ 25’ *Howard Goodall* _Eternal Light_ (Requiem) 45’
-
CBSO Pictures at an Exhibition
More Info Book TicketsWed 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 Pictures at an Exhibition
More Info Book TicketsSat 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’
-
CBSO Favourite Mozart - Matinee
More Info Book TicketsWed 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’
-
Centre Stage - Elspeth Dutch Elspeth Dutch and CBSO colleagues
More Info Book TicketsFri 23 Apr 1:10pm Book through our ticket office for CBSO Centre
*Glazunov* Idyll for horn and strings *Dunhill* Horn Quintet in F minor
*Elspeth Dutch* _horn_ *CBSO players*
*Glazunov* Idyll for horn and strings *Dunhill* Horn Quintet in F minor
-
CBSO Friday Night Classics: Silent Heroes
More Info Book TicketsFri 23 Apr 7:30pm Symphony Hall
Carl Davis’s silent movie night is always a sold-out highlight of the CBSO season, as Symphony Hall transforms into a giant cinema and the CBSO performs a live soundtrack that beautifully mirrors every action on screen. This year Davis features classics by two of the great comic geniuses, Harold Lloyd and Charlie Chaplin. Both stars cut an unusual figure when arriving in the wild west: Lloyd’s comfortable East Coast gentleman seems completely unprepared for the rough and tumble that greets him, while Chaplin’s lovable tramp makes do as best he can in the poverty and excitement of the Gold Rush (in one memorable scene, cooking and eating his own boots!). This will be a joyous evening for film fans of all ages.
*City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra* *Carl Davis* _conductor_
*Harold Lloyd* _An Eastern Westerner_ 27’ *Charlie Chaplin* _The Gold Rush_ 90’
-
CBSO Nelsons Conducts Shostakovich
More Info Book TicketsTue 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’
-
Centre Stage - Stockhausen
More Info Book TicketsThu 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
More Info Book TicketsThu 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’
-
Notelets SHAKE, RATTLE AND ROLL
More Info Book TicketsSat 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
More Info Book TicketsSat 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.
-
Centre Stage - Russian String Quartets CBSO Players
More Info Book TicketsFri 7 May 1:10pm Book through our ticket office for CBSO Centre
*Tchaikovsky* String Quartet No 1 *Shostakovich* String Quartet No 6
*CBSO Players*
*Tchaikovsky* String Quartet No 1 *Shostakovich* String Quartet No 6
-
Hugh Masekela and the CBSO
More Info Book TicketsFri 7 May 7:30pm Symphony Hall
Hugh Masekela is a legend. Born in South Africa seventy years ago, he quickly emerged as one of his country’s leading musicians, his music reflecting its struggles, sorrows, joys and passions. He returns to Symphony Hall for a unique collaboration with the CBSO and the Town Hall Gospel Choir, for whom he has written a new work, as well as performing Jason Yarde’s Trumpet Concerto. Visit the "CBSO website":http://www.cbso.co.uk
*City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra* *Michael Seal* conductor *Hugh Masekela* _trumpet_ *Town Hall Gospel Choir* *CBSO Young Voices in partnership with Birmingham Music Service*
-
CBSO Symphonic Dances: III
More Info Book TicketsWed 12 May 7:30pm Symphony Hall
Andris Nelsons kicks up a real song and dance. In American exile, Rachmaninov summed up his life’s work in one extraordinary masterpiece. His _Symphonic Dances_ evoke a fantastic dream-world of half-remembered melodies, ghostly waltzes and driving jazz rhythms. But more to the point, they’re pure Rachmaninov - and that means high romance and glorious tunes. If you love his piano concertos, you’ll be spellbound. And if you love Beethoven’s piano concertos - well, you won’t need any persuasion to hear the most songful and poetic of the lot, played by the masterly Lars Vogt. Meanwhile, who’d have thought that the very first piece of music Nelsons brings us from his native Latvia would be the wonderfully evocative _Tango_, by his friend Arturs Maskats? Post-concert talk, c 9.15. Stay late for a post-conecrt conversation with Andris Nelsons and Stephen Maddock.
*City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra* *Andris Nelsons* conductor *Lars Vogt* piano
*Maskats* _Tango_ 12' *Beethoven* Piano Concerto No 4 34' *Rachmaninov* _Symphonic Dances_ 35'
-
Centre Stage - Lars Vogt
More Info Book TicketsThu 13 May 1:10pm Book through our ticket office for CBSO Centre
*Schubert* '_Trout_' Quintet
*CBSO Players* *Lars Vogt* _piano_
*Schubert* '_Trout_' Quintet
-
CBSO Family Concert: Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra - Matinee
More Info Book TicketsSun 16 May 3:00pm Symphony Hall
This is your chance to discover all you wanted to know about a symphony orchestra! What are all those instruments and the amazing sounds they make? Travel through time on this magical musical journey as the CBSO’s top conductor, Andris Nelsons, and musicians Catherine Arlidge and Peter Hill let you into lots of musical secrets, with _The Sorcerer’s Apprentice_, The Elephant (from _The Carnival of the Animals_), Britten’s _Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra_ and more. FREE CRAFT WORKSHOPS AND MUSIC in the foyers from 1.30pm. Why not come dressed up in a music inspired costume? Visit the "CBSO website":http://www.cbso.co.uk
*City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra* *Andris Nelsons* _conductor_ *Catherine Arlidge* _presenter_ *Peter Hill* _presenter_
-
CBSO One Thousand and One Nights
More Info Book TicketsTue 18 May 7:30pm Symphony Hall
Soaring violin solos, drama on the high seas and a total mastery of the orchestra: it’s no surprise that Rimsky-Korsakov’s _Scheherazade_ has become one of the most played and best-loved of all Russian pieces. After his thrilling CBSO debut two seasons ago, dynamic Czech conductor Jakub Hrůša returns with this and another Russian masterpiece, Tchaikovsky’s charming _Rococo_ Variations. Tchaikovsky was inspired by his lifelong love of Mozart, and the concert begins with one of the greatest of Mozart’s symphonies, written for a visit to Hrůšas home city. Visit the "CBSO website":http://www.cbso.co.uk
*Jakub Hrůša* conductor *Johannes Moser* cello *City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra*
*Mozart* Symphony No38 (Prague) 25' *Tchaikovsky* Rococo Variations 18' *Rimsky-Korsakov* Scheherazade 47'
- 1
- 2
