What's On — All events

Centre Stage - Brass Expl...
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Wed 17 Nov 1:10pm Book through our ticket office for CBSO Centre

*Bernstein* _Fanfare for Bima_ *Michael Nyman* _Masque Arias_ *Bernstein* _West Side Story_ - Suite
Vaughan Williams - An Eng... Orchestra of the Swan
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Wed 17 Nov 2:30pm Town Hall

Sarah Williamson is a favourite with audiences and critics alike. Classic FM gave a rave review of her recording of the Finzi concerto with Orchestra of the Swan, noting in particular her ‘luminous accuracy [and] sensuously velvety tone’. Judge for yourself with this performance, replete with Vaughan Williams, Barber and Britten.
*Orchestra of the Swan* *Sarah Williamson* clarinet *David Curtis* conductor
*Vaughan Williams* Fantasia on a theme by Thomas Tallis *Finzi* Clarinet concerto *Barber* Adagio for Strings *Britten* Variations on a theme by Frank Bridge
Jim Jefferies - Alcoholoc... Plus support
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Wed 17 Nov 8:00pm Town Hall

Never afraid to court controversy, and not big on political correctness, Jefferies' forthright and opinionated shows have sometimes divided audiences, and even led to a violent outburst at the Manchester Comedy Store (now seen by over 12 million people on the internet). But no one ever said being a comedian was easy, even if Jefferies makes it look that way. With five Edinburgh Fringe sell-out shows, numerous TV appearances, an HBO hour comedy special and phenomenal critical acclaim, Jefferies is now one of the biggest names in comedy around the globe. 'One of the funniest comics on the planet' HBO 'Jefferies will have you roaring in the aisles' ***** Edinburgh Evening News 'One of the most gratifyingly riotous comedians working today' ***** The List *Strictly no admittance to under 16s*
Folk For Free - Contact
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Thu 18 Nov 5:30pm Symphony Hall Foyer Bars

Zoë Titchener and Mike Weston have been writing and performing together since 1995. Making the move from members of indie bands to an acoustic duo in 2000 provided the opportunity to indulge a wider range of tastes and styles. The move to an acoustic line-up has led to a more stripped back, intimate sound, finding favour with Birmingham’s folk-rock contingent as well as younger fans who appreciate a good tune when they hear it. Sparse acoustic guitar interplays with Mike’s rhythmic bass lines, allowing space for Zoë to deliver the lyrical, melodic vocals that complete the "Contact":http://myspace.com/contacttheduo sound.
CBSO Mozart's Requiem
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Thu 18 Nov 7:30pm Symphony Hall

The mysterious commission from a masked stranger, Mozart’s deathbed struggle to complete the score, the rumours of murder... if you’ve seen _Amadeus_, you’ll know the legends behind Mozart’s Requiem. But the reality is even more extraordinary. Hear for yourself, because Andris Nelsons has assembled some of the freshest and finest new voices on the concert scene to join him, the CBSO and the acclaimed CBSO Chorus for a very special performance of Mozart’s sublime final masterpiece. First, though, we hear from a younger and happier Amadeus, in two of the sunniest gems from his Salzburg years: the exuberant _Haffner_ Symphony and the First Flute Concerto, a sparkling showcase for the CBSO’s popular principal flute, Marie-Christine Zupancic.
*Andris Nelsons* _conductor_ *Marie-Christine Zupancic* _flute_ *Sarah-Jane Brandon* _soprano_ *Wendy Dawn Thompson* _mezzo_ *Andrew Kennedy* _tenor_ *Benedict Nelson* _bass_ *CBSO Chorus*
*Mozart* Symphony No. 35 (_Haffner_) 17’ *Mozart* Flute Concerto in G major 25’ *Mozart* Requiem 50’
Funk For Life: Nils Landg... In association with BBC Radio 2
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Fri 19 Nov 8:00pm Town Hall

Swedish trombonist and singer Nils Landgren and his Funk Unit join forces with the BBC Big Band for the very first time. They will perform music from his latest album _Funk for Life_ - in all-new versions for big band, created by conductor Jorg Keller.
*BBC Big Band* *Nils Landgren* _trombone / vocals_ *Jorg Keller* _conductor_
CBSO Mozart's Requiem
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Sat 20 Nov 7:00pm Symphony Hall

The mysterious commission from a masked stranger, Mozart’s deathbed struggle to complete the score, the rumours of murder... if you’ve seen _Amadeus_, you’ll know the legends behind Mozart’s Requiem. But the reality is even more extraordinary. Hear for yourself, because Andris Nelsons has assembled some of the freshest and finest new voices on the concert scene to join him, the CBSO and the acclaimed CBSO Chorus for a very special performance of Mozart’s sublime final masterpiece. First, though, we hear from a younger and happier Amadeus, in two of the sunniest gems from his Salzburg years: the exuberant _Haffner_ Symphony and the First Flute Concerto, a sparkling showcase for the CBSO’s popular principal flute, Marie-Christine Zupancic.
*Andris Nelsons* _conductor_ *Marie-Christine Zupancic* _flute_ *Sarah-Jane Brandon* _soprano_ *Wendy Dawn Thompson* _mezzo_ *Andrew Kennedy* _tenor_ *Benedict Nelson* _bass_ *CBSO Chorus*
*Mozart* Symphony No. 35 (_Haffner_) 17’ *Mozart* Flute Concerto in G major 25’ *Mozart* Requiem 50’
The Smiths Indeed Meat Is Murder 25th Anniversary Tour
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Sat 20 Nov 8:00pm Town Hall

More details to follow.
Beethoven's Eighth Sympho... Birmingham International Concert Season 2010/11
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Sun 21 Nov 7:30pm Town Hall

Two piano concertos by composers who conducted their own music at Town Hall - Mendelssohn’s intensely dramatic First Concerto and Saint-Saëns’s sparkling Second. The legend of a falling chandelier that left the audience unharmed at the premiere of Haydn’s Symphony No 96 earned it the nickname ‘Miracle’ - a title that might also be used to describe the good-humoured genius of Beethoven’s Eighth Symphony. Classic FM’s Anne-Marie Minhall, says of tonight’s recommended concert: “Howard Shelley is something of a firm favourite with Classic FM listeners whether he’s playing the piano or conducting. Tonight he’ll be wearing both hats on the concert platform.” 6.15pm Pre-concert talk.
"*English Chamber Orchestra*":http://www.englishchamberorchestra.co.uk/ *Howard Shelley* _conductor/piano_
*Haydn* Symphony No 96, _Miracle_ 27’ *Mendelssohn* Piano Concerto No 1 20’ *Saint-Saëns* Piano Concerto No 2 24’ *Beethoven* Symphony No 8 28’
Centre Stage - Tchaikovsk...
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Tue 23 Nov 1:10pm Book through our ticket office for CBSO Centre

*CBSO Players*
*Tchaikovsky* Piano Trio in A minor (In Memory of a Great Artist)
CBSO The Birmingham Mahle...
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Tue 23 Nov 7:30pm Symphony Hall

Every Mahler symphony tells a life-or-death story, but none does it with more romance, more melody or more epic sweep than the Fifth. Opening with a desolate trumpet call and ending with a joyous hymn of triumph, it’s one of music’s great emotional odysseys, taking in Viennese waltzes, funeral marches, and - above all - the famous _Adagietto_, Mahler’s tender love song to his young wife. It’s probably Mahler’s most popular symphony - so Andris Nelsons’s interpretation, part of our year-long Birmingham Mahler Cycle, is sure to be a high point of the season. Tonight's performance includes Judith Weir’s Shakespeare-inspired _Storm_, performed by the very choir and conductor who premiered it back in 1997. 6.15pm Pre-concert talk. CBSO violinist David Gregory offers a performer’s perspective. Part of "The Birmingham Mahler Cycle":http://www.thsh.co.uk/the-birmingham-mahler-cycle
*Andris Nelsons* _conductor_ *Simon Halsey* _conductor_ *CBSO Youth Chorus* *CBSO Children’s Chorus*
*Weir* _Storm_ 20’ *Mahler* Symphony No. 5 72’
Paul Sinha plus support Extreme Anti-White Vitriol
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Tue 23 Nov 8:00pm Town Hall

Paul Sinha has spent much of the previous decade garnering rave reviews for his self-deprecating tales of his life as a GP, lovelorn gay bachelor, quiz fanatic and social coward. This year, he doesn’t want to discuss turning forty, because he has bigger fish to fry. A racist called him a racist. Paul would like to fight back. *‘A triumph...explosive punchlines and laser guided political asides.’* Independent On Sunday *‘Reassuringly intelligent and very funny’* Observer
CBSO The Birmingham Mahle...
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Wed 24 Nov 2:15pm Symphony Hall

Every Mahler symphony tells a life-or-death story, but none does it with more romance, more melody or more epic sweep than the Fifth. Opening with a desolate trumpet call and ending with a joyous hymn of triumph, it’s one of music’s great emotional odysseys, taking in Viennese waltzes, funeral marches, and - above all - the famous _Adagietto_, Mahler’s tender love song to his young wife. It’s probably Mahler’s most popular symphony - so Andris Nelsons’s interpretation, part of our year-long Birmingham Mahler Cycle, is sure to be a high point of the season. This afternoon's performance includes Bach’s masterly double violin concerto. 1.15pm Pre-concert talk. CBSO violinist David Gregory offers a performer’s perspective. Part of "The Birmingham Mahler Cycle":http://www.thsh.co.uk/the-birmingham-mahler-cycle
*Andris Nelsons* _conductor_ *Laurence Jackson* _violin_ *Zoë Beyers* _violin_
*Bach* Concerto in D minor for two violins 16’ *Mahler* Symphony No. 5 72’
Paul Carrack
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Fri 26 Nov 7:30pm Town Hall

Legendary Sheffield-born singer, songwriter and former frontman of Ace, Squeeze and Mike & The Mechanics returns to Town Hall to mark the release of his acclaimed new album _I Know That Name_. The album has received heavy airplay on BBC Radio 2. The single _I Don't Want to Hear Any More_ featuring Don Henley and fellow Eagle Timothy B. Schmit on backing vocals, has also been recorded and released as a single by The Eagles. With a back catalogue of hits including _How Long, Tempted_ and _The Living Years_, Paul's marvelously soulful voice is known to millions around the world. He is undoubtedly a key figure in Britsh pop history. As his devoted fans know all too well, a Paul Carrack show is always something very special.
Royal Philharmonic Orches...
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Fri 26 Nov 7:30pm Symphony Hall

Back by popular demand and following 2009’s sell-out show, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra returns to Birmingham to perform more legendary rock anthems and classic tracks. Featuring popular hits by: *COLDPLAY, BON JOVI, ERIC CLAPTON, ELBOW, QUEEN, LED ZEPPELIN, TINA TURNER, THE MOODY BLUES* and many more! PLUS! NEW FOR 2010: Symphonic Sgt. Pepper (The Beatles)
Ken Bruce, BBC Radio 2 _Presenter_ Nick Davies _Conductor_ Metro Voices
Family Foyer Fusion
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Sat 27 Nov 1:00pm Symphony Hall Foyer Bars

Bring your family along for an afternoon packed full of buzzing entertainment. Make, take, play, watch and listen as the foyers come alive with activities and performances by community big band The Notebenders. Stay or pop by - either way we hope to see you there. Would your local band or ensemble like the opportunity to perform during a family foyer fusion? Get in touch at education@thsh.co.uk
Ludovico Einaudi: The Sol...
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Sat 27 Nov 7:30pm Town Hall

A real event for for lovers of Ludovico Einaudi's music - the composer and his piano for one special solo concert. "If you expect a normal piano concert, think again! This is an exploration, a thrilling and unpredictable challenge, that opens up new paths for our music" - La Repubblica Incorporating influences from rock, world, electronica and classical music Ludovico Einuadi's sweeping compositions are contemporary and deeply touching. His work seems to strike a strong visual response with audiences and film directors with parts of his album _Divenire_ being used in the soundtrack of the Shane Meadows film _This is England_. Past albums such as _Eden Roc_, _Le Onde_, _I Giorni_ and _Una Mattina_ have also been woven into film scores.
Lunchtime Organ Concert Thomas Trotter
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Mon 29 Nov 1:00pm Town Hall

*Handel* Overture to Messiah (arr. Best) *J S Bach* Canonic Variations on _Vom himmel hoch, da komm ich her_ *Whitlock* Canzona and Scherzetto from Sonata *Chauvet* Cloche du Soir (arr. Goss-Custard) *Reger* Fantasy and Fugue on _Wachet auf, ruft uns die stimme_
Brubecks Play Brubeck Special guest Dave O’Higgins (Sax)
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Mon 29 Nov 7:30pm Town Hall

A concert featuring Dave Brubeck’s legendary music and original compositions by his sons. Darius, the eldest Brubeck son, is a jazz pianist, composer, educator and band-leader. Chris is a multi-instrumentalist and award-winning composer, who tours the world performing his exciting trombone concertos. Dan is a renowned, Grammy-nominated percussionist, acclaimed for his exciting drum solos, whose own group, The Dolphins, played to critical success at Ronnie Scott’s. In the 70s and 80s the three brothers recorded and toured worldwide with Dave. Now, in their father’s ninetieth year, they have come together to play the music that made him a revered icon of modern jazz. With special guest saxophonist Dave O’Higgins, this concert will include famous Brubeck originals, standard tunes associated with Dave and a few of their own. For over fifty years, Dave Brubeck has been a giant of American jazz. In December 2009, he received the Kennedy Center Award for a lifetime contribution to American culture. The Dave Brubeck Quartet has been one of the most popular and influential groups in the last half century and this concert underscores its relevance today.
John Wilson & The Joh...
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Mon 29 Nov 7:30pm Symphony Hall

In August 2009, John Wilson and the John Wilson Orchestra caused a sensation with a live television broadcast from the Royal Albert Hall for the BBC Proms, with a celebration of the MGM film musicals. This November John and the orchestra will reunite the original proms cast including Sir Thomas Allen, Curtis Stigers and Kim Criswell for this concert. The sumptuous sounds of the MGM studio orchestra will be revived by John Wilson paying tribute to composers George Gershwin, Irving Berlin, Cole Porter, Harry Warren, Jerome Kern, Andre Previn and the great Hollywood arrangers Conrad Salinger, Johnny Green and Nelson Riddle. The concert will feature some of Hollywood’s best loved music from the MGM film musicals including _High Society_, _Singin in the Rain_, _An American in Paris_, and _The Wizard of Oz_ to name a few. Much of this music will be heard for the first time live, in its original version in scores newly reconstructed by John Wilson.
Sir Thomas Allen Kim Criswell Sarah Fox Curtis Stigers