What's On — Williams events
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A London Symphony
Wed 17 Dec Symphony Hall
For our final tribute to Vaughan Williams in this 50th anniversary year of his death, we are joined by one of his leading interpreters for a rare hearing of the original 1913 version of his ‘London’ Symphony. This extraordinary work was subsequently dedicated to his friend George Butterworth, who unlike Vaughan Wiliams never returned from the trenches of World War I - as a result we only have a few pieces, of which tonight’s is the best known, to remember him by. The dazzling 1920s concerto by Vaughan Williams’ teacher Ravel completes the programme. 6.15pm Pre-concert talk - “A Symphony by a Londoner” English music specialist Michael Foster explores the genesis of Vaughan Williams’ colourful symphony. *The CBSO, Town Hall and Symphony Hall are very sad to hear of the sudden death of Richard Hickox, who was to have conducted this concert. The concert will now be dedicated to his memory, and a replacement conductor announced in due course.*
Kirill Gerstein - piano City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra
Butterworth: Banks of Green Willow 6’ Ravel: Piano Concerto in G major 21’ Vaughan Williams: A London Symphony (original version) 61’
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King's College Choir at Christmas
Sat 20 Dec Town Hall
What could be more evocative of Christmas than the magical sound of the Choir of King’s College, Cambridge? This world-famous choir visits Town Hall with a concert of Christmas music ranging from majestic baroque masterworks by Praetorius and Schütz through to quintessential favourites from the Nine Lessons and Carols, including Darke’s _In the Bleak Midwinter_ and Joubert’s _There is no Rose_. *Classic FM’s Anne-Marie Minhall says of tonight’s recommended concert:* _It’s thanks to Henry VI that the Choir of King’s College Cambridge exist. The last king of the Lancastrian dynasty envisaged daily singing in his splendid chapel and to this day that remains the main purpose of the Choir. Tonight a musical festive fayre is promised including Vaughan Williams’ Fantasia on Christmas Carols, a work based on traditional carols. Other seasonal favourites on the menu include Harold Darke’s beautiful In The Bleak Midwinter and John Joubert’s There Is No Rose._ "Classic FM":http://www.classicfm.co.uk Tickets £5-30
*Choir of King’s College Cambridge* *Stephen Cleobury* director
*Scheidt* Puer natus in Bethlehem *Praetorius* Magnificat quinti toni - with interpolated Carols - _Joseph, lieber Joseph, mein_ and _In dulci Jubilo_ *Schutz* Hodie Christus Natus est *Bach* In dulci jubilo BWV729 (organ solo) *Poulenc* Four Christmas Motets INTERVAL *Rachmanonov* Magnificat (All-Night Vigil) *Howells* A Spotless Rose *Darke* In the bleak midwinter *Weir* Illuminare, Jerusalem *Joubert* There is no rose *Messiaen* Dieu Parmi Nous (from La Nativité du Seigneur)(organ solo) *Vaughn Williams* Fantasia on Christmas Carols
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CBSO John Williams Blockbusters
Sat 24 Jan 2009 Symphony Hall
*Extra date added due to popular demand.* No-one writes a big film theme like John Williams - no wonder he’s the world’s most popular living classical composer. And if you think his music is thrilling on the big screen, just wait until you hear it live at Symphony Hall! Join the CBSO for blockbuster music from Star Wars, Schindler’s List, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, Superman, E.T., Raiders of the Lost Ark, JFK, Munich, Saving Private Ryan, Jaws and many more! £9.50, £16, £22.50, £28, £32, £36, £39.50
*Michael Seal - Conductor* *Tommy Pearson - Presenter*

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