What's On — TownHall events

Lunchtime Organ Concert Paul Hale
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Mon 22 Mar 1:00pm Town Hall

*Paul Hale* _organ_
*Cook* Fanfare *Corrette* Selection from _Suite du Premier Ton_ *Vierne* Claire de Lune *Guilmant* Sonata No 3 in C minor, Op 56 *Willan* Introduction, Passacaglia & Fugue in E flat minor
An Evening with Barbara Dickson
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Wed 24 Mar 8:00pm Town Hall

For over four decades, Barbara Dickson has continued to deliver songs to the public in her own incomparable fashion. As a multi-million selling recording artist with an equally impressive Olivier award-winning acting career, Barbara Dickson OBE has firmly established herself as one of the most enduring and popular entertainers in Britain today. Globally known for hits which include Caravans, Another Suitcase in Another Hall and her chart-topping duet with Elaine Paige, I Know Him So Well, Barbara Dickson is also a two-time Olivier Award-winning actress with roles including Anita Braithwaite in TV's Band of Gold and the original Mrs Johnstone in Willy Russell's long-running musical Blood Brothers.
Reach For The Sky
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Thu 25 Mar 7:30pm Town Hall

This exciting evening celebrates the exceptional talents of young dancers and musicians from the West Midlands. Part of a national series of ‘Excellent!’ showcases, highlighting the success of the DCSF Music and Dance Scheme, this event includes unique music and dance collaborations for a truly inspiring show.
*Birmingham Conservatoire Junior Department* *Elmhurst School for Dance* *Regional choir schools represented by Lichfield Cathedral Choristers and School Girls’ Choir* *Centres for Advanced Training based at DanceXchange and Dance4*
Passion for Life Friday Events Phatfish
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Fri 26 Mar 7:00pm Town Hall

A Passion for Life is a set of events organised at Easter 2010 by local churches and are an opportunity for people of all faiths and none to consider the relevance of Jesus Christ for today. Rico Tice will be giving a number of talks on various topics. Tonight, well-known Christian band, Phatfish will be playing and Rico will be speaking. Also throughout the weekend there are smaller events aimed different sections of the community such as an interactive Easter Family Praise concert and a pre-school Lost Sheep Party. On the Saturday there will also be a number of talks on issues with opportunities for Q&A. Full info at "A Passion For Life":http://www.apassionforlife-brum.org.uk
Passion for Life Saturday Events Henry Olonga, Stilltime, Rico Tice
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Sat 27 Mar 7:00pm Town Hall

A Passion for Life is a set of events organised at Easter 2010 by local churches and are an opportunity for people of all faiths and none to consider the relevance of Jesus Christ for today. Rico Tice will be giving a number of talks on various topics. Saturday features an evening with Henry Olonga, the Zimbabwean cricket captain who made a stand against President Mugabe. There's also a jazz group, Stilltime and a talk by Rico Tice. Also throughout the weekend there are smaller events aimed different sections of the community such as an interactive Easter Family Praise concert and a pre-school Lost Sheep Party. On the Saturday there will also be a number of talks on issues with opportunities for Q&A. Full info at "A Passion For Life":http://www.apassionforlife-brum.org.uk
Passion for Life Sunday Events Easter Praise, Rico Tice
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Sun 28 Mar 7:00pm Town Hall

A Passion for Life is a set of events organised at Easter 2010 by local churches and are an opportunity for people of all faiths and none to consider the relevance of Jesus Christ for today. Rico Tice will be giving a number of talks on various topics. Sunday will see an Easter Praise concert with a local gospel choir and a talk from Rico. Also throughout the weekend there are smaller events aimed different sections of the community such as an interactive Easter Family Praise concert and a pre-school Lost Sheep Party. On the Saturday there will also be a number of talks on issues with opportunities for Q&A. Full info at "A Passion For Life":http://www.apassionforlife-brum.org.uk

3pm Easter Family Praise 7pm Rico Tice
Lunchtime Organ Concert Roland Maria Stangier
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Mon 29 Mar 1:00pm Town Hall

*Franck* Final from Six Pièces *Holst* Selections from The Planets Mars , the Bringer of War; Venus, the Bringer of Peace; Jupiter,the Bringer of Jollity (arr. Stangier) *Stangier* Improvisation on given themes. If you wish to provide a theme for the improvisation, please hand a copy to a steward before the concert.
Feast of Fiddles
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Mon 5 Apr 7:30pm Town Hall

This concert is part of Feast of Fiddles’ 17th Spring Tour since the band first formed in 1994. What started as an informal get-together for Nettlebed Folk Club has gone from strength to strength with festival appearances at Cropredy, Broadstairs, Jersey, The Great British Beer Festival, Gosport and Marvellous in the Park. The line-up of fiddlers is a compendium of British folk stars: Phil Beer, Garry Blakeley, Ian Cutler, Tom Leary, Chris Leslie, Peter Knight and Brian McNeill are once again joined by Dave Mattacks, Hugh Crabtree, Dave Harding, John Underwood and Martin Vincent. Ticket holders are entitled to a third off the new CD _Walk Before You Fly_, when it is purchased at Town Hall on 5 April 2010.
Phil Beer, Garry Blakeley, Ian Cutler, Tom Leary, Chris Leslie, Peter Knight, Brian McNeill, Dave Mattacks, Hugh Crabtree, Dave Harding, John Underwood and Martin Vincent
Mother India Weekend
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Fri 9 Apr 7:00pm Town Hall

A journey through the musical heritage of Mother India in the company of a range of Indian musical masters - classical and contemporary, young and old, Asian and British-Asian. The weekend’s musical journey starts at the pinnacle of Mother India’s classical tradition, with a rare UK recital by santoor maestro and living legend Pandit Shivkumar Sharma. Then we encounter a younger generation of Indian musicians, Amaan and Ayaan Ali Khan. These gifted sarod players come from a distinguished classical lineage, but here they take the ancient classical tradition of Mother India on an East-West cross-cultural journey in collaboration with young British cellist Matthew Barley. Finally, we come right up-to-date in a cutting-edge event when young British-Asian artist DJ Tigerstyle explores his heritage and re-visions Mother India, a classic of Indian cinema, in contemporary idiom. Complementing these main-hall events, a pair of freestage events present young British Asian artists playing Indo-Jazz and the launch of Mid-day Mantra, a new, free monthly Saturday lunchtime series.
Pandit Shivkumar Sharma (Mother India Weekend)
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Fri 9 Apr 7:00pm Town Hall

The weekend’s journey starts at the pinnacle of the Indian classical tradition, with a rare UK recital by santoor maestro Pandit Shivkumar Sharma, one of its greatest living exponents.
*Pandit Shivkumar Sharma, Master of Santoor* With *Pandit Anindo Chatterjee*, _tabla_ *Rupinder Panesar* _sitar_ With *Upneet Dhadyalla* _tabla_
Amaan & Ayaan Ali Khan (Mother India Weekend)
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Sat 10 Apr 7:30pm Town Hall

‘A bold and searching cross-cultural experiment between a Western classical cellist and top exponents of the sarod.’ Songlines Magazine on Strings Attached, best albums of 2003 ‘Matthew Barley . . . is a classical cellist who really can improvise with the masters . . . lush, arch-like cello melodies sit alongside decorative filigree on the sarod. Audibly inspired, the players pick up one another’s phrases and reinterpret them in their own way to end in dazzling fireworks.’ Evening Standard on the CD Strings Attached
*Amaan Ali Khan* _sarod_ *Ayaan Ali Khan* _sarod_ *Matthew Barley* _cello_
Mother India - 21st Century Remix
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Sun 11 Apr 7:30pm Town Hall

A dynamic audio-visual project that revisits the groundbreaking tour-de-force of Indian cinema, Mother India (1957). Experimental, yet true to the source, the film has been specially re-cut and remixed exclusively for this performance. DJ Tigerstyle, one of the world's leading Turntablists and electronic composers, reinterprets the score live for a contemporary audience. He is accompanied by the prodigious talents of cellist Matt Constantine, drummer David Shaw and visual editor Josh Ford. Post-show conversation between audience and artists led by Indy Hunjan from producers Kala Phool. Watch a clip from the performance "here":http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQNHjrZ2l3k Watch the promo video "here":http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a-n37eMILkc
*DJ Tigerstyle* *Matt Constantine* _cello_ *David Shaw* _drums_ *Josh Ford* _visual editor_
BBC Radio 3 Lunchtime Concert: Leon McCawley
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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
THE ENID featuring members of the Chandos Symphony Orchestra, plus other special guests
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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
Tommy Fleming In Concert plus support
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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*
Sing For All - Community Spirit
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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.
Boy George: Up Close and Personal
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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
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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.
BBC Big Band: A Tribute to Louis & Ella
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Fri 23 Apr 7:30pm Town Hall

Join Australian trumpet virtuoso James Morrison and the BBC Big Band to hear the sounds of jazz legend Louis Armstrong; including _Sleepy Time_ _Down South_, _All of Me_ and _Struttin’ with some Barbecue_. They are joined by singer Anita Wardell as they recreate the great jazz partnership of Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald. Concert to be recorded for BBC Radio 2’s "Big Band Special":http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio2/shows/bigband BBC Big Band is a Town Hall Associate Artist
*BBC Big Band* *James Morrison* _trumpet_ *Anita Wardell* _vocalist_ *Mark Nightingale* _conductor_
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’