What's On — SymphonyHall events

Rush Hour Blues - ArtsFes... Percy Pursglove and Andrew Bain Organ Quartet
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Symphony Hall

Percy Pursglove and Andrew Bain Organ Quartet play a special ArtsFest Rush Hour Blues in Symphony Hall.
Strings in the city with ...
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Sat 11 Sep 12:00pm Symphony Hall

Musicians from Town Hall Associate Artist Orchestra of the Swan will bring the region’s string players together in a massed performance of Vaughan Williams’s Concerto Grosso for String Orchestra. A unique opportunity to play or hear this great work. Get involved: If you play a string instrument at Grade 2 or above, we’d like to invite you to perform in Strings in the City. Pre registration is essential, please email Katie.Banks@thsh.co.uk or call 0121 644 5183.
Mid-day Mantra - Faheem M...
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Sat 11 Sep 2:30pm Symphony Hall

A taster session for Symphony Hall and Sampad’s monthly lunchtime Asian chill series, Mid-day Mantra. Be transported by the magical singing of Faheem Mazhar, acclaimed master of the ancient Indian vocal tradition and student of some of the greatest classical gurus.
*Faheem Mazhar* _vocals_ *Shahbaz Hussain* _tabla_ *Qasim Shah* _tanpoora_
Folk For Free - Elfynn
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Sat 11 Sep Symphony Hall

The launch of a new free monthly series. Elfynn play a vibrant mix of traditional and contemporary tunes on fiddle and accordion with a back line of driving danceable rhythms, grooving bass and fiery electric guitar.
Poet and Pianist
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Symphony Hall

Julie Boden, Symphony Hall’s Poet in Residence, and jazz pianist/composer Steve Tromans perform _The Piano Room_, a suite of poems and music inspired by the Hall’s mysterious piano store. There will be an opportunity to go backstage and visit the store at the end of the performance.
A Taste of Symphony Hall
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Sun 12 Sep 1:00pm Symphony Hall

Symphony Hall will also be hosting a variety of local artists who will be performing as part of ArtsFest throughout Sunday afternoon: *1 - 1.30pm Esther Dee* *2 - 2.30 The Rogue States* *3 - 3.30 Delano Mills* *4 - 4.30 West Midlands Barbershop Harmony Club* *5 - 5.30 The Company from Dudley Performing Arts* *6 - 6.30 Hina & Co (Bollywood dance)*
The Birmingham Mahler Cyc...
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Sep 2010 - Jun 2011 Symphony Hall

As the musical world commemorates 100 years since the death of Gustav Mahler, and 150 years since his birth, we’re delighted to announce Birmingham’s first ever Mahler cycle. Throughout the 2010-11 "Birmingham International Concert Season":http://www.thsh.co.uk/bics-2010-11 and "CBSO Season":http://www.thsh.co.uk/cbso-season-2010-11, hear a selection of the world’s greatest conductors in a series of spectacular performances. As part of Birmingham International Concert Season, we welcome three acclaimed visiting orchestras with their own renowned conductors - the London Philharmonic Orchestra with Vladimir Jurowski, the London Symphony Orchestra with Valery Gergiev, and the Orchestra of the Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia with Antonio Pappano. Symphony Hall’s own resident orchestra, the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, are at the heart of the cycle with music directors past and, of course, present, with Andris Nelsons, Sakari Oramo and Sir Simon Rattle. There are chances to hear wonderful visiting conductors at the helm of the CBSO too, with performances conducted by Vassily Sinaisky and Jac van Steen. It’s a mouth-watering line up - do join us! Symphony No 1* Saturday 19 March 2011, 7.30pm *Antonio Pappano* _conductor_ *Orchestra of the Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia - Rome* Symphony No 2, _Resurrection_ Wednesday 18 May 2011, 7.30pm *Sakari Oramo* _conductor_ *City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra* Symphony No 3 Wednesday 13 October 2010, 7.30pm & Saturday 16 October 2010, 7pm *Vassily Sinaisky* _conductor_ *City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra* Symphony No 4* Thursday 2 December 2010, 7.30pm *Vladimir Jurowski* _conductor_ *London Philharmonic Orchestra* Symphony No 5 Tuesday 23 November 2010, 7.30pm & Wednesday 24 November 2010, 2.15pm *Andris Nelsons* _conductor_ *City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra* Symphony No 6 Tuesday 29 March, 2011, 7pm *Jac van Steen* _conductor_ *City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra* Symphony No 7* Friday 25 March 2011, 7.30pm *Valery Gergiev* _conductor_ *London Symphony Orchestra* Symphony No 8, _Symphony of a Thousand_ Thursday 16 September 2010, 7.30pm & Saturday 18 September 2010, 8pm *Andris Nelsons* _conductor_ *City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra* Symphony No 9 Wednesday 2 February 2011, 7.30pm & Thursday 3 February 2011, 7.30pm *Andris Nelsons* _conductor_ *City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra* Symphony No 10 (completed by Deryck Cooke) Wednesday 23 February 2011, 7.30pm *Sakari Oramo* _conductor_ *City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra* _Rückert Lieder_ Sunday 31 October, 7pm *Vassily Sinaisky* _conductor_ *CBSO Youth Orchestra* _Das Lied von der Erde_ Sunday 12 June 2011, 7pm *Sir Simon Rattle* _conductor_ *City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra* _Kindertotenlieder_ Thursday 10 February 2011, 7.30pm Conductor TBC *City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra* Mahler Discovery Day Saturday 5 February 2011, 2.30pm - 5pm CBSO Centre Uri Caine meets Mahler Saturday 5 February 2011, 7.30pm Town Hall *These concerts are part of the "Birmingham International Concert Season":http://www.thsh.co.uk/bics-2010-11 and can be booked as part of a concert package. All other concerts (except the events on 5 February 2011) are promoted by the CBSO and are available as part of a CBSO Concert Package. Public booking for all 2010/11 CBSO concerts opens on 7 June 2010.
CBSO The Birmingham Mahle...
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Thu 16 Sep 7:30pm Symphony Hall

'Try to imagine the whole universe beginning to ring and resound. These are no longer human voices, but planets and suns revolving.' With its vast orchestra, and even huger chorus, Mahler’s mighty _Symphony of a Thousand_ lives up to its nickname. But it’s much more than just the most spectacular symphony ever written; it’s an exultant hymn to the joy of creation itself, and every performance is a special occasion. You’ll be thrilled, you’ll be moved - and you’ll be blown backwards, as Andris Nelsons, the CBSO, three great choruses and a star-studded team of soloists launch Birmingham’s centenary Mahler Cycle in truly epic style. 6.15pm Pre-concert talk with Norman Lebrecht, novelist, critic and author of _Why Mahler?_ Part of "The Birmingham Mahler Cycle":http://www.thsh.co.uk/the-birmingham-mahler-cycle
*Andris Nelsons* _conductor_ *Marina Shaguch* _soprano_ *Erin Wall* _soprano_ *Carolyn Sampson* _soprano_ *Katarina Karnéus* _mezzo_ *Mihoko Fujimura* _mezzo_ *Sergei Semishkur* _tenor_ *Christopher Maltman* _baritone_ *Matthew Best* _bass_ *CBSO Chorus* *CBSO Youth Chorus* *CBSO Children's Chorus* *Hallé Choir*
*Mahler* Symphony No. 8 (_Symphony of a Thousand_) 85’ (Sung in Latin & German with English surtitles)
Joanna Newsom plus Roy Harper (support)
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Fri 17 Sep 7:30pm Symphony Hall

Joanna Newsom; harpist, pianist, and singer-songwriter, makes her Symphony Hall debut. Newsom’s recent album _Have One on Me_ has received enthusiastic critical plaudits. She is a spellbinding live performer: *‘... symphonies swirl, motifs that others would build a career out of drop in and out and no one can be left in any doubt that they are witnessing a master at work.’* The Independent
CBSO The Birmingham Mahle...
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Sat 18 Sep 8:00pm Symphony Hall

'Try to imagine the whole universe beginning to ring and resound. These are no longer human voices, but planets and suns revolving.' With its vast orchestra, and even huger chorus, Mahler’s mighty _Symphony of a Thousand_ lives up to its nickname. But it’s much more than just the most spectacular symphony ever written; it’s an exultant hymn to the joy of creation itself, and every performance is a special occasion. You’ll be thrilled, you’ll be moved - and you’ll be blown backwards, as Andris Nelsons, the CBSO, three great choruses and a star-studded team of soloists launch Birmingham’s centenary Mahler Cycle in truly epic style. 6.15pm Pre-concert talk with Norman Lebrecht, novelist, critic and author of _Why Mahler?_ Part of "The Birmingham Mahler Cycle":http://www.thsh.co.uk/the-birmingham-mahler-cycle
*Andris Nelsons* _conductor_ *Marina Shaguch* _soprano_ *Erin Wall* _soprano_ *Carolyn Sampson* _soprano_ *Katarina Karnéus* _mezzo_ *Mihoko Fujimura* _mezzo_ *Sergei Semishkur* _tenor_ *Christopher Maltman* _baritone_ *Matthew Best* _bass_ *CBSO Chorus* *CBSO Youth Chorus* *CBSO Children's Chorus* *Hallé Choir*
*Mahler* Symphony No. 8 (_Symphony of a Thousand_) 85’ (Sung in Latin & German with English surtitles)
University College Birmin...
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Mon 20 Sep 11:30am Symphony Hall

Awards Congregation for the School of Recreation Sport and Tourism and the school of Hospitality, Food and Events Management (including Retail) Maximum of 5 guest tickets.
University College Birmin...
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Mon 20 Sep 2:45pm Symphony Hall

Awards Congregation for the School of Childhood and Education, the School of Business and Marketing and the School of Sports Therapy and Salon Management. Maximum of 5 guest tickets.
University College Birmin...
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Mon 20 Sep 6:00pm Symphony Hall

Further Education Awards Congregation
CBSO Nelsons conducts Sho...
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Wed 22 Sep 7:30pm Symphony Hall

In Soviet Russia, listening to Shostakovich’s Eighth Symphony could have got you arrested. Huge in scale, and overwhelmingly powerful, this epic symphonic portrayal of a nation broken by war and tyranny is the ultimate proof that some music speaks louder than any words. No wonder they banned it! Today, we can listen without fear - but Shostakovich’s Eighth Symphony remains one of those masterpieces that everyone needs to experience for themselves. No-one conducts Russian music with more emotion - or power - than Andris Nelsons. In the hands of German virtuoso Christian Tetzlaff, Brahms’s serene concerto should be the lyrical calm before Shostakovich’s devastating storm. 6.15pm Pre-concert talk. CBSO Music Director Andris Nelsons talks to Director of Orchestral Management Simon Webb.
*Andris Nelsons* _conductor_ *Christian Tetzlaff* _violin_
*Brahms* Violin Concerto 36’ *Shostakovich* Symphony No. 8 62’
Wagner's Tristan und Isol... Birmingham International Concert Season 2010/11
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Thu 23 Sep Symphony Hall

'…The overall impact is shattering. A great occasion, no question.' The Guardian 'It could well be a very long time before something this great comes our way again.' Los Angeles Times 'One of the greatest experiences of my artistic life' Esa-Pekka Salonen This performance is, quite simply, an unmissable event that is one of the highlights of the UK cultural calendar: a partnership of three of the greatest artists of the present time - conductor Esa-Pekka Salonen, artistic collaborator Peter Sellars and film artist Bill Viola. Set against the stunning backdrop of Viola’s film projections, this UK premiere promises to bring a new intensity to Wagner’s hymn to love and death. Classic FM’s Anne-Marie Minhall, says of tonight’s recommended concert: “Wagner’s tale of forbidden love was inspired by Arthurian legend. The composer himself said that the story is ’one of endless yearning, longing, the bliss and wretchedness of love...one sole redemption - death, finality, a sleep without awakening.’” "Click here to view a lecture by Bill Viola on _Tristan und Isolde_.":http://channel.tate.org.uk/media/26708479001 Concert performance with visual projections. Sung in German with English surtitles.
*Philharmonia Orchestra* *Esa-Pekka Salonen* _conductor_ *Gary Lehman* _Tristan_ *Violeta Urmana* _Isolde_ *Anne Sofie von Otter* _Brangäne_ *Matthew Best** _King Marke_ *Jukka Rasilainen* _Kurwenal_ *Stephen Gadd* _Melot_ *Joshua Ellicott** _Shepherd/Sailor_ *Darren Jeffery* _Helmsman_ *Philharmonia Voices* *Bill Viola* _visual artist_ *Peter Sellars* _artistic collaborator_ *Please note the change of cast from that originally advertised.
*Wagner* _Tristan und Isolde_ 255’ There will be two 30 minute intervals and the concert will end at approximately 10.30pm. *Please note that due to video scenes with nudity, this performance is not recommended for under-14s.* _Tristan und Isolde_ co-producers: "Philharmonia Orchestra":http://www.philharmonia.co.uk/, Konzerthaus Dortmund and Lucerne Festival In association with: Southbank Centre London and Symphony Hall, Birmingham Also performed in: KKL, Lucerne (10 September), Konzerthaus, Dortmund (17 September) and Southbank Centre, London (26 September)
CBSO Nelsons conducts Sho...
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Fri 24 Sep 2:15pm Symphony Hall

In Soviet Russia, listening to Shostakovich’s Eighth Symphony could have got you arrested. Huge in scale, and overwhelmingly powerful, this epic symphonic portrayal of a nation broken by war and tyranny is the ultimate proof that some music speaks louder than any words. No wonder they banned it! Today, we can listen without fear - but Shostakovich’s Eighth Symphony remains one of those masterpieces that everyone needs to experience for themselves. No-one conducts Russian music with more emotion - or power - than Andris Nelsons. In the hands of German virtuoso Christian Tetzlaff, Brahms’s serene concerto should be the lyrical calm before Shostakovich’s devastating storm. 1.15pm Pre-concert talk. CBSO Music Director Andris Nelsons talks to Chief Executive Stephen Maddock. The concert is followed by a Members’ Afternoon Tea, with Andris Nelsons as guest speaker. Contact Ellie Griffiths on 0121 616 6514.
*Andris Nelsons* _conductor_ *Christian Tetzlaff* _violin_
*Brahms* Violin Concerto 36’ *Shostakovich* Symphony No. 8 62’
Jimmy Carr Laughter Therapy
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Fri 24 Sep 8:00pm Symphony Hall

Since the turn of the century Jimmy has been a ‘fun slinger’ of international repute. _Laughter Therapy_ is his ninth solo show. It’ll be an evening of non-stop jokes, gags and banter. If you’ve got a sick sense of humour then maybe laughter is the best medicine. Not to be taken if you have a sensitive disposition or an overactive moral compass. Recommended dose: one brand new show to be taken annually (I said annually).
Padmashree Dr. S.P. Balas... Accompanied by Saadhaga Paravaigal in association with The London Beat
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Sat 25 Sep 4:00pm Symphony Hall

Balasubramanyam, fondly known as “SPB” or “ Balu”, got the taste for music at a very young age. After winning an amateur singing contest, he gave up studying engineering to pursue his interest in music. His career spans over 40 years, 36,000 songs and nine languages. He is a singer, dubbing artist, actor, music director and producer. Chitra, ‘the Nightingale of South India’ is a multilingual singer who has given performances in major venues throughout India and worldwide. Karthik is the most sought after Tamil singer today, performing for many music directors including Academy Award winner A R Rahman.
Celebrity Piano Recital: ... Birmingham International Concert Season 2010/11
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Sun 26 Sep 3:00pm Symphony Hall

"Mitsuko Uchida’s":http://www.mitsukouchida.com/ ability to communicate the spirit of whatever she plays with wit, sparkle and gravitas makes her one of the world’s most admired performers. Beethoven’s popular _Moonlight_ Sonata is heard alongside music by Schumann and Chopin’s passionate, spacious Third Sonata. Classic FM’s Anne-Marie Minhall, says of tonight’s recommended concert: “The Celebrity Piano Recital series provides an unmissable opportunity to catch some world-class players up close and personal. Hearing Mitsuko Uchida perform Beethoven’s groundbreaking _Moonlight_ Sonata (the first to begin with a slow movement rather than a fast one) will definitely be worth the ticket price alone.”

*Beethoven* Piano Sonata, No 27 in E minor, Op 90 13’ *Beethoven* Piano Sonata in C sharp minor, Op 27, No 2, _Moonlight_ 15’ *Schumann* _Die Gesänge der Frühe_ 16’ *Chopin* Piano Sonata No 3, in B minor 28’
CBSO Paganini Rhapsody
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Tue 28 Sep 7:30pm Symphony Hall

What’s in a tune? Rachmaninov took a devilish little theme by Paganini and turned it into one of the all-time favourite romantic piano showpieces. A few years later, in occupied Warsaw, the great Polish composer Witold Lutoslawski had exactly the same idea. But whether romantic or riotous, both composers knew how to entertain. Which is best? You decide, as pianist Barry Douglas tackles both in one bumper concert. But first, the acclaimed young British conductor Edward Gardner shows us the darker side of Rachmaninov, before finishing in a blaze of colour with Lutoslawski’s dazzling Concerto for Orchestra. Twentieth-century music doesn’t get more exciting - or fun. 6.15pm Pre-concert talk. Conductor Edward Gardner, in conversation with CBSO Chief Executive Stephen Maddock.
*Edward Gardner* _conductor_ *Barry Douglas* _piano_
*Rachmaninov* _The Isle of the Dead_ 19’ *Rachmaninov* Rhapsody on a theme of Paganini 23’ *Lutoslawski* Variations on a theme by Paganini 10’ *Lutoslawski* Concerto for Orchestra 26’