What's On — All events

Mid-day Mantra - Indo-Iri...

Sat 12 Jun 1:00pm Symphony Hall Foyer Bars

Together Surmeet Singh, Chris O'Malley, Sam Proctor and Upneet Singh celebrate the musical traditions of India and Ireland, from the haunting sounds of the Indian Alaap to the pounding energy of Irish reels, celebrating their communalities and differences. Presented in association with sampad. The Mid-Day Mantra series is supported by Arts Council England.
*Surmeet Singh* _sitar_ *Chris O'Malley* _accordion_ _and_ _guitar_ *Sam Proctor* _fiddle and bodhran_ *Upneet Singh* _tabla_
Rush Hour Blues - Tommaso...

Fri 11 Jun 5:30pm Symphony Hall Foyer Bars

Tommaso Starace is a storming alto saxophonist and leads a quartet steeped in the bebop tradition.
Centre Stage - Innovation...

Fri 11 Jun 1:10pm Book through our ticket office for CBSO Centre

*Bruckner (arr. Erwin Stein)* Symphony No 7
*Innovation Chamber Ensemble*
*Bruckner (arr. Erwin Stein)* Symphony No 7
An Evening With Joanna Tr... with music and songs by Jason Kouchak
Cancelled
Tue 8 Jun 7:30pm Town Hall

Due to a clash of schedules through unforeseen circumstances, the evening with Joanna Trollope has unfortunately been cancelled, and will not be rescheduled. Existing ticket holders will be contacted to arrange a full refund, and we apologise for any inconvenience caused.
Alfred Brendel Talk: The ...

Mon 7 Jun 7:30pm Town Hall

Alfred Brendel retired from the concert platform in 2008. Now he returns as a speaker, discussing the ideas and inspiration that, for nearly fifty years, have made him one of the world’s leading pianists. There will be a chance to savour the old Brendel magic when he illustrates his thoughts at the piano. BBC Music magazine’s Editor Oliver Condy explains why he has recommended tonight’s concert: _“Alfred Brendel may have retired from public piano performance, but that hasn’t stopped one of the most entertaining, intelligent and thoughtful musicians from sharing his views on music. Brendel has as much a gift for communicating verbally as he does musically.”_

The talk will last approximately 70 minutes with no interval.
Lunchtime Organ Concert with Roger Owens (piano)

Mon 7 Jun 1:00pm Symphony Hall

*Thomas Trotter* _organ_ *Roger Owens* _piano_
A mixed programme of works for organ and piano duo by Mozart, Dupré and Adinsell, as well as piano solos by Mendelssohn.
Silent Comedy Classics: L... Improvised organ accompaniment by NIGEL OGDEN

Sun 6 Jun 3:30pm Town Hall

*Laurel & Hardy* _You’re Darn Tootin’_ (1928) 20’ Interval 20' *Buster Keaton* _The General_ (1927) 75' Two of the greatest of all silent comedies. Stan and Ollie’s short film includes classic sequences and an uproarious final pant-ripping scene, while Buster Keaton’s masterpiece is filled with hilarious gags and ingenious, perfectly timed stunts. Maestro Nigel Ogden tickles the ivories of the Town Hall’s mighty organ, revealing its lighter side as he improvises a freshly-minted accompaniment to the afternoon’s jollity.
With improvised organ accompaniment by *Nigel Ogden*
There will be a 20 minute interval between films.
Neil Cowley Trio Birmingham Jazz 2009/10

Sat 5 Jun 8:00pm Book through our ticket office for CBSO Centre

More details to follow.
The Ukulele Orchestra of ...

Sat 5 Jun 8:00pm Town Hall

The UOGB have collaborated with BFI National Archive to find a host of unusual and little seen gems from the early days of silent film, and have sculpted them into a delightfully eclectic evening of music, film, comedy and pathos. This mixed bill combines short films and clips including adverts, singing pictures, actualities, dramas, Science and nature, hints and hobbies and documentary footage to amaze, amuse and baffle. All of this, of course, presented in the UOGB’s own inimitable style, and set to a programme of original and carefully chosen old favourites from musical history. _"Ukulelescope takes you on a delightful mystery tour into the past, a beautifully judged match of silent-film snippets and evocative tunes, all delivered with the Orchestra's usual wit and panache. Awesome!"_ Helen Hawkins, Sunday Times _“Pound for pound the best musical entertainment in the country”_ The Independent
Show created and produced by Hester Goodman. All original music by Hester Goodman and George Hinchliffe, and performed by the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain.
This is a screening of silent film footage with musical accompaniment, in conjunction with the BFI.
Boogie Pete Live!

Sat 5 Jun 11:00am Town Hall

Are you ready to boogie with Pete from _Boogie Beebies_? Catch star of the BAFTA award-winning CBeebies TV show _Boogie Beebies_, the much-loved Pete Hillier in his hit stage show _Boogie Pete Live_! Join Pete as he shows you some moves, some magic and some silliness in this fun-packed show for children of all ages (2 +) - featuring all your favourite songs and dances including _Go, Go Mango_, _Hey Monkey_ and _Ocean Motion_! MEET BOOGIE PETE! Cameras and pens at the ready, Pete will be coming to meet, greet and sign autographs after the show! _“What makes it is the presenter Pete Hillier, engaging and warm and the children love him”_ *The Guardian* "Boogie Pete website":http://www.boogiepete.com
Rush Hour Blues - Mc3 wit...

Fri 4 Jun 5:30pm Symphony Hall Foyer Bars

A great Hammond organ, guitar and drums trio led by drummer Tim Jozwiak, featuring Matt Ratcliffe on Hammond and Matt Chandler on guitar.
CBSO The Pathétiqu...

Thu 3 Jun 2:15pm Symphony Hall

There’s really nothing in all music quite like Tchaikovsky’s _Pathétique_ Symphony. Tchaikovsky threw his all into this no-holds-barred musical autobiography; the result is a symphony that blends raw emotion and glorious melody to devastating effect. It’s gripping stuff - Andris Nelsons has it in his blood. And if you saw him conducting Tchaikovsky last season, you won’t need any further recommendation. Meanwhile, the CBSO’s wonderful section leader oboe offers a moment of tranquillity with Strauss’s gentle concerto. Visit the "CBSO website":http://www.cbso.co.uk Pre-concert talk 1.15pm: *The Players' Perspective - The Pathétique* Violinist David Gregory, and CBSO colleagues, explore Tchaikovsky's final symphony.
*City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra* *Andris Nelsons* conductor *Rainer Gibbons* oboe
*Tchaikovsky* The Voyevoda 14' *Strauss* Oboe Concerto 26' *Tchaikovsky* Symphony No 6 (_Pathétique_) 45'
Roberto Fonseca

Wed 2 Jun 7:30pm Town Hall

_“Sensuous, fresh, modern - brings the piano dazzlingly to life.”_ The Daily Telegraph _“A genre-busting tour de force."_ The Observer _“Fonseca is a star.”_ The Independent On Sunday _"A fabulously gifted pianist, composer and band leader... a gift for melody that outshines more celebrated peers."_ The Guardian Roberto Fonseca is an extraordinary and charismatic young pianist from Cuba. He wowed audiences as a member of Buena Vista Social Club, where he was successor to Ruben Gonzalez, co-produced Ibrahim Ferrer’s last album, and released his debut album _Zamazu_ to global acclaim. His exuberant pianism draws on Cuban traditions, and his music is a vibrant, sexy and beguiling cocktail of Latin and Jazz, topped off with an unparalleled gift for melody.
*Roberto Fonseca* _piano/keyboards_ *Joel Hierrezuelo* _percussion_ *Javier Zalba* _clarinet, flute, sax_ *Ramsés Rodriguez* _drums_ *Omar Gonzáles* _double bass_
One 90 minute set. No support.
CBSO The Pathétiqu...

Wed 2 Jun 7:30pm Symphony Hall

There’s really nothing in all music quite like Tchaikovsky’s _Pathétique_ Symphony. Tchaikovsky threw his all into this no-holds-barred musical autobiography; the result is a symphony that blends raw emotion and glorious melody to devastating effect. It’s gripping stuff - Andris Nelsons has it in his blood. And if you saw him conducting Tchaikovsky last season, you won’t need any further recommendation. Meanwhile, the CBSO’s wonderful section leader oboe offers a moment of tranquillity with Strauss’s gentle concerto. Visit the "CBSO website":http://www.cbso.co.uk Pre-concert talk 6.15pm: *The Players' Perspective - The Pathétique* Violinist David Gregory, and CBSO colleagues, explore Tchaikovsky's final symphony.
*City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra* *Andris Nelsons* _conductor_ *Rainer Gibbons* _oboe_
*Tchaikovsky* The Voyevoda 14' *Strauss* Oboe Concerto 26' *Tchaikovsky* Symphony No 6 (_Pathétique_) 45'
An Audience with Ann Widd...

Tue 1 Jun 7:30pm Town Hall

Larger-than-life politician, novelist and TV celebrity, Ann Widdecombe delights audiences across the land with her witty and controversial speeches. Now she brings her show to the general public answering questions and sharing anecdotes in conversation with Iain Dale. Iain Dale is a political commentator, publisher and broadcaster, appearing on numerous political radio and television programmes.
BBC Radio 3 Lunchtime Con...
Programme Change
Tue 1 Jun 1:00pm Town Hall

Swedish baritone Håkan Vramsmo has performed extensively on the concert platform, appearing at major venues and festivals throughout Europe, as well as enjoying performances at the BBC Proms. Today's concert is part of BBC Radio 3's series celebrating the American composer Samuel Barber.
*Barber* _Despite & Still_, Op.41 *Barber* _Dover Beach_ *Barber* 3 Songs, Op.45 *Grieg* _Fra Monte Pincio_, Op.39'1 *Grieg* _Dereinst, Gedanke mein_, Op48'2 *Grieg* _To brune ojne_, Op.5'1 *Grieg* _Til En_, Op.59'4 *Grieg* _God morgen_, Op.21'2 *Grieg* _En Drom_, Op48'6 *Ravel* _Don Quichotte à Dulcinée_
*Håkan Vramsmo* _baritone_ *Gary Matthewman* _piano_ *Håkan Vramsmo replaces Markus Werba, who unfortunately will not be appearing due to a family emergency.*
The Priests Plus support Camilla Kerslake

Sat 29 May 7:45pm Symphony Hall

We are delighted to announce, after a phenomenal 2009 including some live dates across the UK and selling close to 2 million records world wide, The Priests play Symphony Hall this May. It was at St. MacNissi’s College near Carnlough in Co Antrim, where Father Eugene O’Hagan, Father Martin O’Hagan and Father David Delargy met for the first time and realised their musical prowess as a singing trio. The Priests have defied record industry convention by just being themselves; middle-aged Roman Catholic priests who sing. Selling close to two million records worldwide to date, a dream story of world class talent wrapped up in an amazing true story spanning a turbulent lifetime of service, faith and music, with no stunts, no stylists, no make-up, no image and no audio trickery. The Priests have taken the world by storm. Why the success? They simply sing and they sing with belief.
Sax in the City

Sat 29 May 12:30pm Symphony Hall Foyer Bars

Relax with Birmingham jazz legend Andy Hamilton as he brings you the finest in jazz, together with his band The Blue Notes. Free event Supported by Arts Council England
Natalie Merchant

Fri 28 May 7:30pm Symphony Hall

Natalie Merchant began her career as the lead vocalist and lyricist of the multi-platinum band 10,000 Maniacs. She has earned a place among America’s most respected recording artists and is a captivating performer. Q have called her *‘among the most compelling and distinctive voices of the last decade’*

Please note there is no support act and no interval this evening
Rush Hour Blues - Matt Ha...

Fri 28 May 5:30pm Symphony Hall Foyer Bars

Championed by DJ Gilles Peterson, this Manchester-based band is led by trumpeter Matt Halsall.