What's On — Symphony events

CBSO Tuned In: Shostakovich Symphony No 4
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Thu 29 Apr 7:30pm Symphony Hall

Shostakovich’s massive Fourth Symphony is a devastating portrait of the most turbulent years in 20th-century history. In this concert with a difference, broadcaster Stephen Johnson explains the many stories behind this extraordinary work, and shows how Shostakovich uses his huge orchestra to such unforgettable effect - with live illustrations from Andris Nelsons and the 110-piece CBSO! Then there’s a chance to hear the whole symphony. Whether you know and love the Fourth - or you’re new to Shostakovich - this concert will help you hear it with new ears.
*City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra* *Andris Nelsons* _conductor_ *Stephen Johnson* _presenter_
Introduction to Shostakovich’s Fourth Symphony, with live orchestral examples 45’ _interval_ *Shostakovich* Symphony No 4 60’
CBSO Bruckner's Romantic
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Wed 16 Jun 7:30pm Symphony Hall

Inspired by the same idea of courtly romance as Wagner’s _Lohengrin_, Bruckner’s glorious Fourth is one of the finest of all Austrian symphonies, its evocative horncalls and soaring melodies perfectly suited to Symphony Hall’s cathedral-like acoustics. Henri Dutilleux also summons up ‘a whole distant world’ in his much-played cello concerto, composed for the great Rostropovich and played tonight by one of his greatest successors. It’s a gloriously vivid programme for the CBSO debut of Solihull-born conductor Jonathan Nott, who has established an enviable international reputation both in new music and in the Austro-German classics. Visit the "CBSO website":http://www.cbso.co.uk
*City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra* *Jonathon Nott* _conductor_ *Truls Mørk* _cello_ Jean-Guihen Queyras replaces Truls Mork who has had to withdraw from this concert due to illness
*Dutilleux* _Tout un monde lointain..._ 24' *Bruckner* Symphony No 4 (Romantic) 64'
CBSO Beethoven's Pastoral
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Thu 24 Jun 7:30pm Symphony Hall

It’s summer - so it must be Beethoven’s _Pastoral_ Symphony. From its dewy-fresh opening to the serene _Shepherd’s Hymn_ with which it closes, no composer has ever captured the healing power of nature more timelessly. Two centuries on, it’s still a candidate for the most relaxing piece of music ever written. Guest conductor Ludovic Morlot brings a uniquely Gallic lightness of touch to Beethoven’s inspiration - and plenty of colour for Bartók’s folk-flavoured miniatures. They’ll stand him in good stead for the amazing sound-world of Ligeti’s Violin Concerto. French virtuoso Renaud Capuçon brings all his skill to bear on the ravishing colours, child-like humour and crackling energy of this true modern classic. Pre-concert talk, 6.15pm: *Ligeti's Violin Concerto* Writer and Broadcaster Anthony Burton on this 20th century masterpiece.
*City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra* *Ludovic Morlot* _conductor_ *Renaud Capuçon* _violin_
*Bartók* Two Pictures 17' *Ligeti* Violin Concerto 28' *Beethoven* Symphony No 6 (_Pastoral_) 40'