What's On — All events

157th British Open Brass ...

Sat 12 Sep 2009 10:00am Symphony Hall

The competitors will be tested by a work from Hermann Pallhuber called _Titan’s Progress_, which is based on themes from Mahler's first symphony. This sets a precedent as it will be the first time a work by a composer from outside the Commonwealth (Austria) has been set for a major British Band Competition. It is the composer's first brass band work and it is staggeringly difficult technically for the bands and conductors yet tunefully attractive for the audience.
Please note: The approximate finish time is at 6.30pm.
ArtsFest Weekend - Friday... Free events at Town Hall for ArtsFest

Fri 11 Sep 2009 5:30pm Town Hall & Symphony Hall

Kicking off the ArtsFest we have two fantastic free events: 5.30PM - 7.30PM, Symphony Hall *Rush Hour Blues Extended ArtsFest Special!* Double bill with Tim Amann's X-Tet and Zappajazz. In this special event, Rushour Blues moves from the foyer onto the main stage at Symphony Hall for ArtsFest. 8PM - 9.30PM, Town Hall *BBC Big Band* featuring *Matthew Ford* In this Big Band Special 30th Anniversary Concert for BBC Radio 2, Britain’s finest big band is joined by singing star Matthew Ford for a night of swing classics, conducted by Jiggs Whigham. Click on the day for more information about "Saturday":http://www.thsh.co.uk/view/artsfest-weekend---saturday-12-september and "Sunday":http://www.thsh.co.uk/view/artsfest-weekend---sunday-13-september ArtsFest Lineups
CBSO The Perfect Fifth - ...

Thu 10 Sep 2009 2:15pm Symphony Hall

Andris Nelsons launches the season in grand style! Beginning with the majestic prelude to Wagner’s sunniest opera, and finishing with the most famous symphony ever written, this is a concert to set pulses racing - and if you only know the first four notes of Beethoven’s perfect Fifth Symphony, trust us: you’re in for a wonderful surprise! Brahms’ dreamy Second Piano Concerto will be an oasis of calm at the evening’s heart - though with the superb young Russian virtuoso Arcadi Volodos at the keyboard, there’ll be no shortage of thrills either. 1.15pm. Free pre-concert talk: *Welcome to the Season.* Andris Nelsons introduces the new season, with CBSO Chief Executive Stephen Maddock. "CBSO Website":http://www.cbso.co.uk
*City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra* *Andris Nelsons* _conductor_ *Arcadi Volodos* _piano_
*Wagner* _The Mastersingers_ - Prelude 9’ *Brahms* Piano Concerto No 2 44’ *Beethoven* Symphony No 5 36’
CBSO The Perfect Fifth

Wed 9 Sep 2009 7:30pm Symphony Hall

Andris Nelsons launches the season in grand style! Beginning with the majestic prelude to Wagner’s sunniest opera, and finishing with the most famous symphony ever written, this is a concert to set pulses racing - and if you only know the first four notes of Beethoven’s perfect Fifth Symphony, trust us, you’re in for a wonderful surprise! Brahms’ dreamy Second Piano Concerto will be an oasis of calm at the evening’s heart - though with the superb young Russian virtuoso Arcadi Volodos at the keyboard, there’ll be no shortage of thrills either. 6.15pm. Free pre-concert talk: *Welcome to the Season.* Andris Nelsons introduces the new season, with CBSO Chief Executive Stephen Maddock. This CBSO concert is sponsored by Mitchells & Butlers. "CBSO Website":http://www.cbso.co.uk
*City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra* *Andris Nelsons* _conductor_ *Arcadi Volodos* _piano_
*Wagner* _The Mastersingers_ Prelude 9’ *Brahms* Piano Concerto No. 2 44’ *Beethoven* Symphony No. 5 36’
Tori Amos plus support One Eskimo

Mon 7 Sep 2009 7:30pm Symphony Hall

Tori Amos is known for her emotionally charged hits including _Crucify, Silent All These Years, Cornflake Girl, Spark,_ and _A Sorta Fairytale_. She visits Symphony Hall to mark the release of her stunning new album _Abnormally Attracted To Sin_. Like all Tori’s albums since _Boys For Pele_, it was recorded in Cornwall, England (where she lives). The centre of the album is Amos’s voice, and her Bösendorfer piano, locking in with her touring and recording band of the past five years: guitarist Mac Aladdin, bassist Jon Evans and her longtime drummer and rhythmic foil, Matt Chamberlain.
Engelbert Humperdinck plus special guests

Sat 5 Sep 2009 7:30pm Symphony Hall

Engelbert’s music has transcended time. He remains the consummate global entertainer with unequaled style and sophistication. He continues to perform for sold out audiences and his millions of fans all over the world. His popularity crosses every generation and gender. His fan club is one of the largest in the world, with 250 active chapters. With each day, he continues to do new things creatively to make sure those fans keep coming back for more. Engelbert Humperdinck is a true icon.
Bollywood and Bhangra Cel...

Sat 5 Sep 2009 11:00am Town Hall

Join us for a celebration of all things Bollywood and Bhangra. This vibrant dance workshop and energetic performance will give you the chance to try out your hand (or feet) at some Bhangra and Bollywood Steps.
with Nachda Sansaar and Dance Sansaar
We'll Meet Again A Salute to the War Years

Thu 3 Sep 2009 7:30pm Symphony Hall

60 years on, take a Sentimental Journey with Gavin Sutherland and a live orchestra performing commemorative classics to remember the World War II years. _In the Mood_ _A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square_ _Dam Busters March_ _Sing, Sing, Sing_ _One O’clock Jump_ _Moonlight Serenade_ _The White Cliffs of Dover_ _Goodnight Sweetheart_ _Pack Up Your Troubles_ _It’s a long way to Tipperary_ _Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy_ _When I’m Cleaning Windows_ _We’ll Meet Again_ Plus a special Radio Days Medley featuring the popular requests from the day and a traditional singalong to forties favourites such as: _Hang out the Washing on the Siegfried Line_ _Underneath the Arches_ _Run Rabbit Run_
Introduce by *June Whitfield* Featuring … Guest Singer *Flight Lieutenant Matt Little* Plus a tribute to the Andrews Sisters with *The Swing Cats* *London Concert Orchestra* *Gavin Sutherland* conductor *Chris Marques & Jaclyn Spencer* World Champion Dancers *Mark Walsh* ukelele
Rush Hour Blues: Chris Al... at City Inn Cafe, BrindleyPlace

Fri 28 Aug 2009 5:30pm Book through our ticket office for BrindleyPlace

A quintet led by saxophonist Chris Aldridge, featuring Bryan Corbett on trumpet and Marcus Byrne on piano.
Rush Hour Blues: Moises &... at Oozells Square, BrindleyPlace

Fri 21 Aug 2009 5:30pm Symphony Hall Foyer Bars

The group is led by Brazilian guitarist and singer, Moises, and features a mix of bossa nova and Brazilian funk.
Rush Hour Blues: Chris Bo... at City Inn Cafe, BrindleyPlace

Fri 14 Aug 2009 5:30pm Symphony Hall Foyer Bars

The Tomorrow Band remain one of Birmingham's finest groups, featuring the fiery alto saxophone of Chris Bowden.
National Youth Wind Orche...

Sat 8 Aug 2009 7:30pm Town Hall

The National Youth Wind Orchestra of Great Britain presents some of the finest young wind, brass and percussionists in the country, performing music by English composers.
*Glenn Price* conductor *David Campbell* clarinet
*Kenneth Hesketh* _Masque_ *Holst* _Hammersmith_ *Malcolm Arnold* _Solitaire_ *Edward Gregson* _Sword and the Crown_ *Woolfenden* _Gallimaufrey_ *Turnbull* _African Dances_ *Philip Sparke* _Year of the Dragon_
Latin Fever

Sat 8 Aug 2009 7:30pm Symphony Hall

*Presented in Association with Raymond Gubbay and Sadler's Wells* Take an exhilarating journey into the colourful world of Latin American dance with sparkling stars Darren Bennett and Lilia Kopylova in a special run of performances this summer. The dazzling partnership from the BBC's _Strictly Come Dancing_ will be joined by four top Latin American dancing duos and a nine-piece Latin Band for their breathtaking voyage, which takes them from the streets of Brazil to the bullrings of Spain by way of a vibrant mix of dance styles including the tango, rumba and cha-cha-cha. An explosion of Brazilian rhythms at the Carnival in Rio begins the glamorous journey, before the audience is transported to the sultry clubs of Buenos Aires to be seduced by the passion and intensity of the tango. Cuba beckons with the cheeky cha-cha-cha and rumba, and then it's time to boogie to the American dance halls of the 1920s for the swing and jitterbug. The voyage continues in Spain where the passion, aggression and drama of the bullrings are brought to life in the glorious paso doblè. *More Latin Fever* Can't make 8 August? Try "today, 7 August":http://www.thsh.co.uk/view/latin-fever2 instead!
Latin Fever

Fri 7 Aug 2009 7:30pm Symphony Hall

*Presented in Association with Raymond Gubbay and Sadler's Wells* Take an exhilarating journey into the colourful world of Latin American dance with sparkling stars Darren Bennett and Lilia Kopylova in a special run of performances this summer. The dazzling partnership from the BBC's _Strictly Come Dancing_ will be joined by four top Latin American dancing duos and a nine-piece Latin Band for their breathtaking voyage, which takes them from the streets of Brazil to the bullrings of Spain by way of a vibrant mix of dance styles including the tango, rumba and cha-cha-cha. An explosion of Brazilian rhythms at the Carnival in Rio begins the glamorous journey, before the audience is transported to the sultry clubs of Buenos Aires to be seduced by the passion and intensity of the tango. Cuba beckons with the cheeky cha-cha-cha and rumba, and then it's time to boogie to the American dance halls of the 1920s for the swing and jitterbug. The voyage continues in Spain where the passion, aggression and drama of the bullrings are brought to life in the glorious paso doblè. *More Latin Fever* Can't make today? Try "tomorrow, 8 August":http://www.thsh.co.uk/view/latin-fever3 instead
Rush Hour Blues: Del Cami... at Oozells Square, BrindleyPlace

Fri 7 Aug 2009 5:30pm Symphony Hall Foyer Bars

Top latin rhythms to launch the summer series at BrindleyPlace.
Latin Fever

Thu 6 Aug 2009 7:30pm Symphony Hall

*Presented in Association with Raymond Gubbay and Sadler's Wells* Take an exhilarating journey into the colourful world of Latin American dance with sparkling stars Darren Bennett and Lilia Kopylova in a special run of performances this summer. The dazzling partnership from the BBC's _Strictly Come Dancing_ will be joined by four top Latin American dancing duos and a nine-piece Latin Band for their breathtaking voyage, which takes them from the streets of Brazil to the bullrings of Spain by way of a vibrant mix of dance styles including the tango, rumba and cha-cha-cha. An explosion of Brazilian rhythms at the Carnival in Rio begins the glamorous journey, before the audience is transported to the sultry clubs of Buenos Aires to be seduced by the passion and intensity of the tango. Cuba beckons with the cheeky cha-cha-cha and rumba, and then it's time to boogie to the American dance halls of the 1920s for the swing and jitterbug. The voyage continues in Spain where the passion, aggression and drama of the bullrings are brought to life in the glorious paso doblè. *More Latin Fever* Can't make 6 August? Try "7 August":http://www.thsh.co.uk/view/latin-fever2 or "8 August":http://www.thsh.co.uk/view/latin-fever3 instead!
Islamic Help: The Pearls ...

Tue 28 Jul 2009 7:00pm Symphony Hall

The Burdah is the great classical poem composed by the prominent thirteenth century Sufi Saint Imam al-Busiri in praise of the noble character and exalted status of the Islamic prophet Muhammad (pbuh). The concert will consist of a range of selections from the Burdah and will feature various artists from around the Muslim world including Mesut Kurtis, Khalid Belrouzhi, Junaid Jamshed, Hamami Munshids of Damascus and Ahbab al Mustafa.
*Mesut Kurtis, Khalid Belrouzhi, Junaid Jamshed, Hamami Munshids of Damascus* and *Ahbab al Mustafa*
CBSO Youth Orchestra Acad...

Sun 26 Jul 2009 7:00pm Town Hall

After its triumphant Town Hall debut last season, the CBSO Youth Orchestra’s brilliant chamber orchestra returns with a riotously entertaining programme spanning three centuries, including Ibert’s _Divertissement_ and Rameau’s _Les Boréades_.
*City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra* *Michael Seal* conductor
*Ibert* Divertissement *Rameau* Les Boréades - Suite *Prokofiev* Violin Concerto No 2 *Julian Anderson* Alhambra Fantasy
IDRS 2009 Grand Finale Co... featuring New Mozart Orchestra

Sat 25 Jul 2009 7:30pm Town Hall

*International Double Reed Society* The Grand Finale concert of IDRS 2009 embodies the conference theme of the “old and new”, featuring performances by established artists whilst also celebrating up-and-coming talent with a performance of the Vaughan Williams' concerto given by the winner of this year’s IDRS Gillet-Fox Competition.
*Clive Fairbairn* conductor *Omar Zoboli* oboe *Meyrick Alexander & Graham Hobbs* bassoon *Winner of the Fernand Gillet-Hugo Fox Competition for oboe* *Christian Schmitt* oboe *Carlo Colombo* bassoon
*Mozart* Symphony No.23 (K.181) in D *Pasculli* Gran Concerto su I Vespri Siciliani arr. G.Zani *Nigel Treherne* Concerto for two bassoons *Vaughan WIlliams* Concerto for oboe *Haydn* Sinfonia Concertante
IDRS 2009 Organ & Obo... International Double Reed Society

Sat 25 Jul 2009 12:00pm Town Hall

A fantastic chance to hear City Organist Thomas Trotter and oboist Celia Craig performing a programme of work written for this unique instrumental combination on the final day of the International Double Reed Society’s Annual Conference. "IDRS2009":http://www.idrs2009.org
*Celia Craig* oboe *Thomas Trotter* organ
*Albinoni* Concerto in D minor arr. Giazotto *Rheinberger* Rhapsodie (from organ sonata op 127) arr. Busch *Flagler* Variations on a American Air *Britten* Metamorphoses for solo oboe (Pan, Phaeton, Niobe, Bacchus, Narcissus, Arethusa) *Noyon* Concertino Pastorale ("Dit du Cou Cou") for oboe and organ