What's On — SymphonyHall events

Royal Philharmonic Orches...
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Fri 26 Nov 7:30pm Symphony Hall

Back by popular demand and following 2009’s sell-out show, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra returns to Birmingham to perform more legendary rock anthems and classic tracks. Featuring popular hits by: *COLDPLAY, BON JOVI, ERIC CLAPTON, ELBOW, QUEEN, LED ZEPPELIN, TINA TURNER, THE MOODY BLUES* and many more! PLUS! NEW FOR 2010: Symphonic Sgt. Pepper (The Beatles)
Ken Bruce, BBC Radio 2 _Presenter_ Nick Davies _Conductor_ Metro Voices
John Wilson & The Joh...
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Mon 29 Nov 7:30pm Symphony Hall

In August 2009, John Wilson and the John Wilson Orchestra caused a sensation with a live television broadcast from the Royal Albert Hall for the BBC Proms, with a celebration of the MGM film musicals. This November John and the orchestra will reunite the original proms cast including Sir Thomas Allen, Curtis Stigers and Kim Criswell for this concert. The sumptuous sounds of the MGM studio orchestra will be revived by John Wilson paying tribute to composers George Gershwin, Irving Berlin, Cole Porter, Harry Warren, Jerome Kern, Andre Previn and the great Hollywood arrangers Conrad Salinger, Johnny Green and Nelson Riddle. The concert will feature some of Hollywood’s best loved music from the MGM film musicals including _High Society_, _Singin in the Rain_, _An American in Paris_, and _The Wizard of Oz_ to name a few. Much of this music will be heard for the first time live, in its original version in scores newly reconstructed by John Wilson.
Sir Thomas Allen Kim Criswell Sarah Fox Curtis Stigers
Squeeze: Spot the Differe... Plus special guests The Lightning Seeds
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Tue 30 Nov 7:30pm Symphony Hall

South London’s favourite sons will return to what they do best this winter when Squeeze take to the road for their _Spot The Difference_ tour. Squeeze shot to fame thanks to the pithy ‘kitchen-sink’ lyrics and new wave guitar music that have since become their trademark. Having numbered Jools Holland and Paul Carrack within their ranks, and working with the likes of Elvis Costello and Velvet Underground’s John Cale, Squeeze became a fixture of the UK’s music scene over the course of their 13-album career, which included hit singles _Cool For Cats_, _Tempted_, _Hourglass_ and _Up The Junction_. They have gradually been re-establishing the informal live show that made them such favourites in the first place, with co-founders and ever-presents Chris Difford and Glenn Tilbrook being dubbed ‘The New Lennon and McCartney’ due to the chemistry of their festival appearances and gigs to date. They are joined on this tour by fellow Squeeze favourite John Bentley, with the line-up completed by Glenn’s solo band-mates Stephen Large and Simon Hanson. Special guests _The Lightning Seeds_ will also be performing. Over 30 years after _Packet Of Three_, will Squeeze fans be able to spot the difference? Certainly not if the infectious enthusiasm that the band still bring to their live shows is anything to go by! "Click here to see a video of Squeeze":http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3NJuT0C0mE "Click to get an exclusive MP3 file of ‘Up The Junction’ in exchange for a Tweet!":http://www.tweetforatrack.com/Squeeze
CBSO Elgar's Cello Concer...
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Wed 1 Dec 2:15pm Symphony Hall

Tune after tune after tune. There’s a good reason why Elgar’s Cello Concerto routinely tops polls to find Britain’s favourite piece of classical music; its haunting melodies and suppressed passion make it perhaps the single most "English" piece of music ever written. Grieg’s first _Peer Gynt_ suite, meanwhile, is simply a deliciously colourful parade of tunes you’ll already love - from the radiant _Morning_ to the notorious _Hall of the Mountain King_. For conductor Andrew Manze, they’re both secret passions - as is the romantic, gloriously life-affirming Second Symphony by the “Swedish Sibelius” Wilhelm Stenhammar. Begun in 1911, this is its first CBSO performance, though when you hear it, you’ll wonder what took us so long!
*Andrew Manze* _conductor_ *Torleif Thedéen* _cello_
*Grieg* _Peer Gynt_ Suite No. 1 13’ *Elgar* Cello Concerto 26’ *Stenhammar* Symphony No. 2 40’
John Bishop
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Wed 1 Dec 8:00pm Symphony Hall

Multi-award-winning comedian, John Bishop has enjoyed starring in _Live At The Apollo_, _Michael McIntyre’s Roadshow_ and _Skins_. He has also made appearances on popular TV shows _Mock the Week_ and _8 Out of 10 Cats_. He now brings his brand new show to Symphony Hall. _“I can't help falling in love with this open, optimistic show”_ Guardian _“A gloriously gifted storyteller”_ Evening Standard
Jurowski Conducts Mahler ... Birmingham International Concert Season 2010/11
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Thu 2 Dec 7:30pm Symphony Hall

Few conductors have received the plaudits that have been awarded to Vladimir Jurowski, Chief Conductor of the London Philharmonic Orchestra. Described as 'the most creative force in London's orchestral life' (Financial Times), his concert contains Mahler’s Fourth Symphony, one of the composer’s most relaxed works - classical, song-like and culminating in a representation of a child’s view of heaven. Steven Osborne is the soloist in the gentle lyrical poetry of Beethoven’s Fourth Piano Concerto. 6:15pm Pre-concert talk. Part of "The Birmingham Mahler Cycle":http://www.thsh.co.uk/the-birmingham-mahler-cycle
"*London Philharmonic Orchestra*":http://www.lpo.co.uk/ *Vladimir Jurowski* _conductor_ *Steven Osborne* _piano_ *Christine Schäfer* _soprano_
*Beethoven* Piano Concerto No 4 32’ *Mahler* Symphony No 4 54’
CBSO Friday Night Classic...
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Fri 3 Dec 7:30pm Symphony Hall

This season’s silent movie is a swashbuckling adventure starring Douglas Fairbanks, one of the all-action stars of the pre-talkie era. Revel in this take on an 18th-century legend as the CBSO turns Symphony Hall into a giant cinema for the night, with every twist and turn on the screen reflected by the Orchestra in conductor and composer Carl Davis’s score. There’s a scheming Cardinal, an evil count, kidnappings, and plenty of sword-fighting - all the ingredients needed for a great sequel to _The Three Musketeers_. The story of _The Iron Mask_ has appeared on the big screen many times since this 1929 version - most recently starring Leonardo DiCaprio; if imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, we’re in for a real treat.
*Carl Davis* _conductor_
*Douglas Fairbanks* stars in _The Iron Mask_ (1929 version) 103’
Cecilia Bartoli: Sacrific... Birmingham International Concert Season 2010/11
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Sun 5 Dec 3:00pm Symphony Hall

'Confirmation that Bartoli remains one of today’s greatest artists...music of exceptional beauty and passion' BBC Music magazine on _Sacrificium_ CD Join "Cecilia Bartoli":http://www.ceciliabartolionline.com for one of the highlights of the season: a journey through the extraordinary world of eighteenth-century castratos, whose dazzling vocal virtuosity held their contemporaries spellbound. Her latest album, _Sacrificium_, concentrates on the music of Nicolò Porpora, whose pupils were the most famous castratos of all time. Experience this music brought to life again, by one of today’s leading singers. BBC Music magazine’s Editor Oliver Condy explains why he has recommended this afternoon's concert: “To experience Cecilia Bartoli live in concert is as much about seeing her as hearing her. Bartoli’s musicianship, sense of drama and entertainment is of a calibre matched by a tiny handful of singers today. A unique afternoon for those lucky to grab a ticket!” 1:45pm Pre-concert talk with David Owen Norris: Everything you wanted to know about the castrato but were afraid to ask.
*Cecilia Bartoli* _mezzo soprano_ *Kammerorchester Basel*
Rare and beautiful music by *Porpora*, *Caldara* and *Handel*.
Belle & Sebastian
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Mon 6 Dec 8:00pm Symphony Hall

Belle and Sebastian visit Symphony Hall on their first tour of the British Isles since 2006. The band will also release a new album this year.
Russian Patriarchate Choi... Birmingham International Concert Season 2010/11
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Tue 7 Dec 7:30pm Symphony Hall

The Russian Patriarchate Choir of Moscow evokes the authentic sound of ancient Russia. These 12 male singers are dedicated to the repertoire of Russian Orthodox Church music and traditional folk songs, much of which lay in obscurity for centuries and was suppressed by the Soviet regime. Their deep and sonorous singing evokes haunting images of the ancient Russia of a bygone age: gold-encrusted cathedral domes, rich sacred iconography, and the dark snowy nights of Russian folklore. 'The fine male voices of the choir - unaccompanied, as Russian Church law dictates - create a powerful atmosphere of energy and devotion, of fluency and a spontaneity that effectively blends refinement with rawness.' The Daily Telegraph
Lunchtime Christmas Music With Salisbury Cathedral Choir
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Wed 8 Dec 1:00pm Symphony Hall

Join us for the finest Christmas music and carols, sung by a choir with nearly 800 years of musical history accompanied by Thomas Trotter on the mighty Symphony Organ. Featuring music by Archer, Rutter and Stanford as well as audience carols. Advance booking is recommended for this very popular concert.
*David Halls* _Director_ *Thomas Trotter* _Organ_
CBSO Beethoven and Rachma...
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Wed 8 Dec 7:30pm Symphony Hall

One concert: two epic dramas. 'C’est l’empereur!' cried a French soldier, at the first performance of Beethoven’s Fifth Piano Concerto, and the name has stuck. And fair enough: with its majestic proportions and stirring melodies, this is a concerto on a truly imperial scale - and a challenge even for a virtuoso of the calibre of our soloist tonight, Louis Lortie. Rachmaninov’s tremendous Second Symphony is even grander in scale; a passionate journey through a vast Russian landscape, with some of the most romantic music even Rachmaninov ever wrote. Danish maestro Thomas Dausgaard has this music pulsing through his veins; expect soaring emotions and sweeping drama, from first note to last.
*Thomas Dausgaard* _conductor_ *Louis Lortie* _piano_
*Beethoven* Piano Concerto No. 5 (_Emperor_) 38’ *Rachmaninov* Symphony No. 2 55’
Handel: Messiah City of Birmingham Choir
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Fri 10 Dec 7:00pm Symphony Hall

Once again City of Birmingham Choir bring their acclaimed performances of this popular masterpiece to both Symphony Hall and Town Hall. *‘Christmas festivities can sometimes disappoint but the City of Birmingham Choir’s performances of Handel’s Messiah never do.’* _Birmingham Post_
*Claire Wild* _soprano_ *Frances Bourne* _contralto_ *James Oxley* _tenor_ *Alan Ewing* _bass_ *City of Birmingham Choir* *City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra* *Thomas Trotter* _harpsichord_ *David Newsholme* _organ_ *Adrian Lucas* _conductor_
CBSO Beethoven and Rachma...
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Sat 11 Dec 7:00pm Symphony Hall

One concert: two epic dramas. 'C’est l’empereur!' cried a French soldier, at the first performance of Beethoven’s Fifth Piano Concerto, and the name has stuck. And fair enough: with its majestic proportions and stirring melodies, this is a concerto on a truly imperial scale - and a challenge even for a virtuoso of the calibre of our soloist tonight, Louis Lortie. Rachmaninov’s tremendous Second Symphony is even grander in scale; a passionate journey through a vast Russian landscape, with some of the most romantic music even Rachmaninov ever wrote. Danish maestro Thomas Dausgaard has this music pulsing through his veins; expect soaring emotions and sweeping drama, from first note to last.
*Thomas Dausgaard* _conductor_ *Louis Lortie* _piano_
*Beethoven* Piano Concerto No. 5 (_Emperor_) 38’ *Rachmaninov* Symphony No. 2 55’
Only Men Aloud A Christmas Concert
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Mon 13 Dec 7:30pm Symphony Hall

After two acclaimed sell out tours in 2009, Only Men Aloud are back with a very special Christmas themed concert. The show will be a selection of festive Christmas repertoire, plus a mixture of songs from both of their albums and a few firm favourites. Only Men Aloud was formed to encourage younger men to get involved with one of Wales’ oldest and best loved traditions, male voice singing. The choir shot to fame in 2008 when they were crowned winners of the BBC One hit Saturday night show _Last Choir Standing_. The group are unafraid to tackle music not normally associated with male voice choirs, with their repertoire ranging from the 17th Century to the present day. Their most recent album, the _Band of Brothers_ has just won them the Classical Brit Award for ‘Album of the Year 2010’. 'I can't quite believe that in less than 2 years, we're putting our third UK National tour on sale. For all of us in OMA, nothing matches the thrill of being out on the road, performing live and meeting all our fabulous loyal supporters. Our Christmas tour last year was such great fun and we can't wait to get back out there doing what we love to do the most!' Tim Rhys-Evans, Only Men Aloud. "Visit the Only Men Aloud website":http://www.onlymenaloud.com/
CBSO Mendelssohn Abroad
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Thu 16 Dec 7:30pm Symphony Hall

It’s midwinter in Birmingham - so treat yourself to a blast of musical sunshine, in the form of Mendelssohn’s exuberant _Italian_ symphony. From the moment it bursts into life to the dizzying final tarantella, there’s never been a more joyous musical homage to the land of blue skies and chianti! Pure escapism - and there’s pure romance on the cards, too, in Schumann’s adorable Piano Concerto, written in the first flush of love for his wife Clara. The great French keyboard poet Jean-Efflam Bavouzet joins rising Spanish star Pablo Heras-Casado, who also steers the CBSO across Mendelssohn’s musical seascape, and adds a final touch to our musical exploration of the year 1910 with Busoni’s haunting _Berceuse Elégiaque_.
*Pablo Heras-Casado* _conductor_ *Jean-Efflam Bavouzet* _piano_
*Mendelssohn* Overture, _The Hebrides_ 10’ *Schumann* Piano Concerto 31’ *Busoni* _Berceuse Elégaique_ 9’ *Mendelssohn* Symphony No. 4 (_Italian_) 26’
Carols by Candlelight
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Fri 17 Dec 7:30pm Symphony Hall

Carols and seasonal classics performed by the UK’s most elegant ensemble in full period costume in a candle-lit style setting.
*Mozart Festival Chorus* *Mozart Festival Orchestra* in full period costume *Sophie Bevan* _soprano_ *Steven Devine* _conductor_
*Handel* _Zadok the Priest_ *Mozart* _Laudate Dominum_ *Bach* _Wachet auf_ *Vivaldi* _Gloria_ (Opening) *Cullen* _Coventry Carol_ *L. Mozart* _Musical Sleigh Ride_ *Pearsall* _In dulci jubilo_ *Corelli* _Allegro & Pastorale_ from _Christmas Concerto_ *Handel* _Let the bright Seraphim_ Christmas sequence from _Messiah_ including Hallelujah Chorus *Bach* Air on the G string Carols for all including: _Hark! the herald angels sing_, _The first Nowell_, _O come, all ye faithful_, _Once in royal David’s city_, _God rest ye merry, gentlemen_, _It came upon the midnight clear_, _Good King Wenceslas_, _Unto us is born a son_
Christmas Festival 2010
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Dec 2010 - Feb 2011 Symphony Hall

*Special Multi-buy Offer* For a limited period only, book tickets for two or more concerts at the same time and save 15% off the price of your tickets. Offer applies to top four ticket prices only and excludes Hayley Westenra, New Year’s Eve, Johann Strauss Gala, Glenn Miller, and Anton and Erin. Offer closes 1 December and is only available to book by phone or in person. Patrons must book the same number of tickets per concert for each party member to qualify for the discounts. *Groups* 10% discount for groups of 10 or more, 15% discount for groups of 20 or more and 20% for groups of 50 or more. Freephone 0800 358 7070. Discounts apply to the top four ticket prices on the following performances only: 17, 23, 24, 27, 28, 29 December and 1 January (The Mikado).
CBSO Festive Favourites w...
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Sat 18 Dec 3:00pm Symphony Hall

Get your Christmas celebrations off to a suitably joyful start in the company of the CBSO and our family of choruses. Enjoy seasonal music from traditional favourites to some more unusual gems - and plenty of carols for all to sing. And to complete the perfect early Christmas present, we welcome back TV presenter, adventurer and superhuman rower Ben Fogle to share festive readings and stories.
*Simon Halsey* _conductor_ *Ben Fogle* _presenter_ *CBSO Choruses*
CBSO Festive Favourites w...
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Sat 18 Dec 7:30pm Symphony Hall

Get your Christmas celebrations off to a suitably joyful start in the company of the CBSO and our family of choruses. Enjoy seasonal music from traditional favourites to some more unusual gems - and plenty of carols for all to sing. And to complete the perfect early Christmas present, we welcome back TV presenter, adventurer and superhuman rower Ben Fogle to share festive readings and stories.
*Simon Halsey* _conductor_ *Ben Fogle* _presenter_ *CBSO Choruses*