What's On — Classical events

Monteverdi's Vespers Birmingham International Concert Season 2010/11
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Sun 17 Oct 4:00pm Town Hall

Composed 400 years ago and dedicated to Pope Paul V, Monteverdi's sumptuous and monumental Vespers gained him the appointment of maestro di cappella at St Mark’s in Venice. The sparkling vocal and instrumental acrobatics of the work are performed by 10 outstanding singers and an ensemble of some of the UK’s finest period instrument performers. This magnificent work never fails to make an impression and is performed here by Birmingham’s own "Ex Cathedra":http://www.excathedra.co.uk/, the internationally acclaimed Town Hall Associate Artist. Classic FM’s Anne-Marie Minhall, says of tonight’s recommended concert: “Town Hall provides the perfect setting for one of the most extraordinarily beautiful works for voices ever written. A work of such scale had never been heard before in the seventeenth century. No wonder then that this landmark in religious music has stood the test of time.” 2.45pm Pre-concert talk.
*Ex Cathedra Consort & Baroque Ensemble* *His Majesty’s Sagbutts and Cornetts* *Jeffery Skidmore* _conductor_
*Monteverdi* 1610 Vespers 100’ There will be one interval and the concert will end at approximately 6pm.
Ex Cathedra at Town Hall ...
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Oct 2010 - Apr 2011 Town Hall & Symphony Hall

For more information on Ex Cathedra, visit "their website":http://www.excathedra.co.uk/
Lunchtime Organ Concert Michael Schönheit
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Mon 18 Oct 1:00pm Town Hall

*Michael Schönheit* _organist_
*Mendelssohn* Prelude and Fugue in C minor, Op 37 No 1 *J S Bach* Chorale Prelude _Schmücke dich, o liebe Seele_ BWV 654 *Schumann* Fugue No 3 from Six Fugues on BACH, Op 60 *Mendelssohn* Sonata No 6 in D minor, Op 65 *J S Bach* Chorale Prelude _Vor deinen Thron tret ich hiermit_ BWV 668 *J S Bach* Prelude and Fugue in E flat major BWV 552
Julian Lloyd Webber - Arr... Orchestra of the Swan
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Wed 20 Oct 2:30pm Town Hall

Orchestra of the Swan welcomes Julian Lloyd Webber and his wife Jiaxin Cheng for the Vivaldi Double cello concerto. Another famous couple - King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba - feature this lunchtime, whilst Alec Roth’s Departure has a sensuous and erotic lyricism to match the lovers’ embraces.
*Orchestra of the Swan* *Julian Lloyd Webber* _cello_ *Jiaxin Cheng* _cello_ *David Curtis* _conductor_
*Handel* _Arrival of the Queen of Sheba_ *Haydn* Cello Concerto in C *Alec Roth* _Departure of the Queen of Sheba_ *Vivaldi* Double Cello Concerto in D *Haydn* Symphony No 45 _Farewell_
Verdi Requiem English Concert Chorus and Orchestra
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Sun 24 Oct 3:00pm Town Hall

The Verdi Requiem is on a grand scale and one of the greatest works in the choral repertoire. It has been described as ‘an opera in clerical garb’ and it evokes not only human feeling but also personal anguish and doubt. Its dramatic power is not mere surface decoration, but flows from a deeply felt conflict between the impersonal assurance of the liturgy and the personal experience of mortality.
*English Concert Singers* *English Concert Chorus* *English Concert Orchestra* *Roy Wales* _conductor_ *Martin Hughes* _leader_ *Helena Dix* _soprano_ *Janet Shell* _mezzo soprano_ *Richard Reaville* _tenor_ *Michael George* _bass_
*Verdi* _Requiem_ There will be an interval.
Bach's Brandenburg Concer... Birmingham International Concert Season 2010/11
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Tue 26 Oct 7:30pm Town Hall

Bach’s Six _Brandenburg_ Concertos are overflowing with music of supreme energy, tunefulness, good humour and invention. For nearly forty years the Academy of Ancient Music has been at the forefront of Baroque performance, playing 'always with a scholar’s attention to accuracy and a rock musician’s joyous zeal' (Fort Worth Star-Telegram). Classic FM’s Anne-Marie Minhall, says of tonight’s recommended concert: “The Brandenburg Concertos were so named for an ungrateful Marquis who didn’t particularly care for them. Perhaps the minor royal was having a bad day because each of these jewels has something exceptional to offer the listener.” 6.15pm Pre-concert talk: Richard Egarr in conversation with Lyndon Jenkins.
"*Academy of Ancient Music*":http://www.aam.co.uk/ *Richard Egarr* _director/harpsichord_
*J S Bach* The Six Brandenburg Concertos 96’ There will be one interval and the concert will end at approximately 9:30pm.
The RAF In Concert 70th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain
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Thu 28 Oct 7:30pm Symphony Hall

This year's prestigious Royal Air Force in Concert Tour officially commemorates the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Britain with an exciting and nostalgic programme of music that will conjure up the atmosphere surrounding Britain's 'finest hour'. The varied programme ranges from the _Battle of Britain March_ by Goodwin and the _Fighter Command March_ by Alwyn to Gershwin’s _A Foggy Day in London Town_ and _Rhapsody in Blue_. Sing along to _Underneath the Arches_ and _Blue Birds Over the White Cliffs of Dover_. Enjoy the Big Band swing sound of the RAF Squadronaires as they perform a Glenn Miller tribute and the trumpet classic _Tico Tico_. Flight Lieutenant Matthew Little will again delight audiences with his vocal talents, performing under the baton of the RAF's Principal Director of Music, Wing Commander Duncan Stubbs. A wonderful trip down memory lane, this flag-waving, musical tribute to the men and women who took part in the Battle of Britain is not to be missed!
*Alan Dedicoat* (Radio 2) _compere_
CBSO Friday Night Classic...
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Fri 29 Oct 7:30pm Symphony Hall

Whether you love or hate the Halloween silly-season, some great music has been written for horror films. Escape the trick-or-treaters, and let the CBSO scare you silly with music from _Frankenstein_, _Psycho_, _The Omen_ and lots more terrifying favourites. There may not be any nightmare nasties to be seen in Symphony Hall, but with music this creepy and the dramatic sound effects that a full symphony orchestra can throw at you, your imagination will do the rest. We’re sure you’ll have a great evening, but it might leave you wanting to sleep with the lights on... 6.15pm Pre-concert talk. Film music fanatic Tommy Pearson talks to conductor Michael Seal.
*Michael Seal* _conductor_ *Tommy Pearson* _presenter_ *CBSO Chorus*
Featuring music from: _Psycho_, _Poltergeist_, _Frankenstein_, _The Witches of Eastwick_, _Hannibal_, _The Omen_, _Bride of Frankenstein_, _Halloween H2O_, _Edward Scissorhands_, _Jurassic Park_, _The Devil Rides Out_
English Schools Orchestra Annual Concert
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Sat 30 Oct 3:30pm Symphony Hall

The "English Schools’ Orchestra":http://esoc.gb.com returns to Symphony Hall to perform two monumental works in this ideal setting. Fine young orchestral musicians from around the country join the wonderful City of Birmingham Choir and four outstanding soloists for this spectacular event.
*Robert Pepper MBE* _conductor_ *Sara Hartley* _soprano_ *Lisa Byrnes* _mezzo-soprano_ *Octavio dos Santos Neto* _tenor_ *Gerard Delrez* _bass-baritone_
*Respighi* _The Pines of Rome_ 25' *Verdi* Requiem 90'
CBSO The Birmingham Mahle...
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Sun 31 Oct 7:00pm Symphony Hall

History lessons were never meant to be this exciting. Shostakovich’s 11th Symphony isn’t just a musical re-telling of the failed Revolution of 1905; it’s an epic drama - a vast, teeming panorama of a great nation on the brink of chaos. It’s been compared to a film score, but, this being Shostakovich, it’s also a powerful and emotionally-charged musical tragedy, shot through with coded messages. It’ll be a thrilling challenge for our world-class Youth Orchestra - and who better to harness all that youthful energy than veteran Russian maestro Vassily Sinaisky? First, though, comes Mahler’s ravishing Rückert Lieder - part of this season’s Birmingham Mahler Cycle - and Wagner’s barnstorming overture, a heady mix of solemn grandeur and raw, untamed passion. Sounds perfect for our young players! A Bequest Patrons’ Reception will take place before this concert. For information about leaving a legacy, contact Eve Smith on 0121 616 6533. Part of "The Birmingham Mahler Cycle":http://www.thsh.co.uk/the-birmingham-mahler-cycle
*Vassily Sinaisky* _conductor_ *Katarina Karnéus* _mezzo_
*Wagner* _Tannhäuser_ - Overture 14’ *Mahler* _Rückert Lieder_ 18’ *Shostakovich* Symphony No.11 (_The Year 1905_) 65’
The Hunchback of Notre Da... Halloween Silent Movie Special
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Sun 31 Oct 7:30pm Town Hall

In this silent classic, master of horror Lon Chaney gives what is widely regarded as one of his finest performances. Chaney plays deformed bellringer Quasimodo, who is one of many to fall for the beautiful gypsy Esmeralda. This dramatic tale of murder, kidnap, romance and peasant revolt on the streets of Paris is brought to life by renowned cinema organist Nigel Ogden, who will improvise a stunning accompaniment on Town Hall’s monumental 1834 organ.
Improvised organ accompaniment by *Nigel Ogden*
Please note: This is the original 1923 movie starring Lon Cheney.
Lunchtime Organ Concert Thomas Trotter
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Mon 1 Nov 1:00pm Town Hall

*Wagner* Pilgrim’s Chorus (arr. Lemare) *Pachelbel* Chorale-Partita _Was Gott tut, das ist wohlgetan_ *Morandi* Bell-Rondo (arr. Best) *Liszt* Variations on _Weinen, Klagen, Sorgen, Zagen_ *Vierne* _Final_ from Symphony No 6
Nigel Kennedy plays Vival...
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Mon 1 Nov 7:30pm Symphony Hall

For over 25 years, Nigel Kennedy has been acknowledged as one of the world's leading violin virtuosos and is, without doubt, one of the most important violinists Britain has ever produced. The best selling classical violinist of all time returns to Symphony Hall with his new orchestra, the Orchestra of Life, for an evening of Vivaldi, including his legendary interpretation of The Four Seasons. Nigel says "I am so happy to be bringing my new orchestra to the UK for these dates and playing Vivaldi and the Four Seasons - they are amazingly brilliant young players at the top of their form."

*Vivaldi* Violin Concerto in A Minor, RV356 *Vivaldi* Concerto for Violin and Oboe, in B flat *Vivaldi* Concerto for Two Violins *Vivaldi* Violin Concertos, _The Four Seasons_
Centre Stage - Violissimo...
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Thu 4 Nov 1:10pm Book through our ticket office for CBSO Centre

Programme to include: *York Bowen* _Phantasy Quartet_ *J. S. Bach* _Chaconne in D minor_
Le Mystere des Voix Bulga...
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Thu 4 Nov 7:30pm Town Hall

Le Mystere Des Voix Bulgares is an internationally renowned vocal ensemble that blends traditional six-part a cappella repertoire with modern arrangements to create a richness of sound and otherworldly mood. The singers 'jubilate, shout, ornament, form fast and perfect glissandos, let one crazy rhythm follow another and make their voices build the most darling cords.' The appeal of the group has to do with the beauty of its sound, the character of its music and the connection of this music with universal human feelings and experiences. *'…when they open their voices out come timeless melodies and rich, strange harmonies that make every hair on your body stand on end.'* Timeout, New York *'Bulgarian music is stunningly beautiful, the voices are exceptional, the melodies are extraordinary and I think people are just stunned by it...the vocal style is just magic.'* The New York Times "Visit the website":http://themysteryofthebulgarianvoices.com
CBSO Mozart's Clarinet Co...
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Thu 4 Nov 7:30pm Symphony Hall

'A mighty hero / in his veins the blood of ages / head erect and form commanding...but, alas! he had his failings.' In all Finnish legend, there’s no-one to match the hero Lemminkäinen. Seducing the girls, battling his enemies, and cheating death itself (with a bit of help from his mum), it’s an extraordinary story, and Sibelius puts it all into even more extraordinary music. His _Lemminkäinen Suite_ tells the tale in unforgettable style - including the haunting _Swan of Tuonela_. It all adds up to the greatest symphony Sibelius never wrote, and the perfect challenge for the superb Finnish conductor John Storgårds. But first, after his breathtaking performance last season, we’re thrilled to welcome back another Finnish legend - virtuoso clarinettist Kari Kriikku, in Mozart’s chart-topping concerto.
*John Storgårds* _conductor_ *Kari Kriikku* _clarinet_
*Beethoven* Overture, _Coriolan_ 8’ *Mozart* Clarinet Concerto 28’ *Sibelius* _Lemminkäinen Suite_ 50’
CBSO Friday Night Classic...
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Fri 5 Nov 7:30pm Symphony Hall

As the nation commemorates the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Britain, the CBSO pays its own tribute to war-time heroes - and to some of the greatest war films of the decades since. Expect a rousing celebration with triumphant music by Elgar and Walton, as well as moments of reflection in favourite film themes from _Dangerous Moonlight_ and _Saving Private Ryan_. And since no war film is complete without a good romance, there’ll be love in the air with _A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square_, and of course _As Time Goes By_ from _Casablanca_. It’s the perfect night to indulge in a little nostalgia, as well as some great music.
*Stephen Bell* _conductor_ *Juliette Pochin* _soprano_
Including: *Walton* _Spitfire Prelude and Fugue_, _A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square_, _As Time Goes By_, _633 Squadron_, *Addinsell* _Warsaw Concerto_, *Handel* _Music for the Royal Fireworks_, *Elgar* _Nimrod from the Enigma Variations_, _We’ll Meet Again_, _There’ll Always be an England_, *Williams* _Hymn to the Fallen_, *Walton & Goodwin* _Music for The Battle of Britain_, *Elgar* _Pomp and Circumstance_ March No. 1
Choir of the Year 2010 Children's and Open Category Finals
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Sat 6 Nov 2:00pm Symphony Hall

Choir of the Year, in association with BBC Radio 3, is the UK’s biggest choral competition in a search for the best amateur choir. The Choir of the Year 2010 Category Finals promise to be an infectious celebration of singing, with opportunities for the audience to join in! The winner of each category and two ‘wildcards’ will go through to the Grand Final at the Royal Festival Hall.
*Sara Mohr-Pietsch* _presenter_ *Children's Category* Inverclyde Schools' Junior Choir New Forest Children's Choir Warwickshire County Boys' Choir Westminster Boys' Choir *Open Category* Sing It Take Twenty The Rainbow Connection Singers Ysgol Glanaethwy Senior Choir
Choir of the Year 2010 Youth & Adult Category Finals
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Sat 6 Nov 7:00pm Symphony Hall

Choir of the Year, in association with BBC Radio 3, is the UK’s biggest choral competition in a search for the best amateur choir. The Choir of the Year 2010 Category Finals promise to be an infectious celebration of singing, with opportunities for the audience to join in! The winner of each category and two ‘wildcards’ will go through to the Grand Final at the Royal Festival Hall.
*Sara Mohr-Pietsch* _presenter_ *Youth Category* Farnham Youth Choir Lincoln Minster School Chamber Choir St Martin-in-the-Fields High School for Girls Choir The Holles Singers *Adult Category* CF1 Reading Phoenix UCLan Chamber Choir Wellensian Consort
CBSO Family Concert: To I...
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Sun 7 Nov 3:00pm Symphony Hall

Take a journey into outer space as the CBSO flies you to the moon and beyond, and look back on our world in the company of some favourite composers. There’ll be plenty of exciting adventures on the way, with music from _Star Wars_ and _2001: A Space Odyssey_ as well as familiar songs including _Fly Me to the Moon_ and _Come Fly with Me_. Look out of the windows of the Symphony Hall spaceship, and you’ll see the planets of our solar system in orchestral technicolour with music from Holst’s Planets suite. So, sit tight as the countdown begins and a whole orchestra goes into orbit! FREE craft workshops and music, including a pre-concert performance by the CBSO Boys’ Choir, in the foyers from 1.30pm. Why not come dressed up in a space-themed costume?
*Michael Seal* _conductor_ *Michael Collie* _presenter_ *CBSO Boys’ Choir* in partnership with Barclays Wealth *CBSO Young Voices* in partnership with Birmingham Music Service