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• True Romantics  

  Thu 14 Feb 2008 Symphony Hall

  It's Valentine’s Day, so it has to be Romeo and Juliet! Tchaikovsky’s stirring Overture is the perfect introduction to a programme full of romantic ardour. Rachmaninov’s Concerto, familiar to millions through its use in Brief Encounter, has equally soaring melodies and is played for us by a talented pianist who won the prestigious Van Cliburn competition in 2005. The love-life of Johannes Brahms is rather less apparent in his music, but his Third Symphony does contain music of great warmth and romantic yearning, inspired in part by his unfulfilled longing for Clara Schumann.
  Vassily Sinaisky conductor Alexander Kobrin piano
  Tchaikovsky: Romeo and Juliet 21' Rachmaninov: Piano Concerto No. 2 35' Brahms: Symphony No. 3 33'
  

• Romeo and Juliet  

  Thu 13 Nov Symphony Hall

  Popular CBSO guest Andrew Litton returns with a colourful programme featuring two brilliant musical responses to Shakespeare: Walton’s score for Laurence Olivier’s 1944 film of Henry V, together with highlights from Prokofiev’s ever-popular ballet (currently featured as the music for the BBC series _The Apprentice_) premiered six years earlier. Barber’s gloriously lyrical Violin Concerto, composed between these two works, receives its first-ever CBSO performance, played by a dazzling American soloist.
  Andrew Litton - conductor Anne Akiko Meyers - violin City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra
  Walton: Henry V - Suite 15’ Barber: Violin Concerto 25’ Prokofiev: Romeo and Juliet (highlights) 50’
  

• Schools Concert: Romeo and Juliet  

  Fri 19 Jun 2009 Symphony Hall

  Shakespeare’s tragic love-story inspired many composers as well as young imaginations! Today’s concert specially devised for Key Stage 2 children (Years 3 & 4) features two pieces written in Russia and the USA almost a century apart. Tchaikovsky’s fantasy overture retains Shakespeare’s characters, while Bernstein’s musical West Side Story updates Romeo and Juliet to modern times and the streets of New York.
  Andris Nelsons - conductor Tommy Pearson - presenter City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra
  
  

• Schools Concert: Romeo and Juliet  

  Fri 19 Jun 2009 Symphony Hall

  Shakespeare’s tragic love-story inspired many composers as well as young imaginations! Today’s concert specially devised for Key Stage 2 children (Years 3 & 4) features two pieces written in Russia and the USA almost a century apart. Tchaikovsky’s fantasy overture retains Shakespeare’s characters, while Bernstein’s musical West Side Story updates Romeo and Juliet to modern times and the streets of New York.
  Andris Nelsons - conductor Tommy Pearson - presenter City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra
  
  

• Valentine's Day Love Classics  

  Thu 14 Feb Symphony Hall

  A perfect evening of enchanting music for the most romantic night of the year. With a free rose for every couple in the audience. £20, £23.50, £27.50, £31.50 Choir £11, £15
  *Stephen Bell* Conductor *Roger Owens* Piano *London Concert Orchestra*
  *Tchaikovsky* The Sleeping Beauty Waltz and Rose Adagio *Debussy* Clair de Lune *Grieg* Piano Concerto *Verdi* Force of Destiny Overture *Tchaikovsky* Romeo & Juliet Fantasy Overture *Delius* The Walk to the Paradise Garden *Elgar* Salut d’amour *Strauss* The Blue Danube Waltz
  

• Tchaikovsky’s Little Russian  

  Thu 18 Jun 2009 Symphony Hall

  After Hamlet in November, Andris Nelsons offers us another of Tchaikovsky’s responses to Shakespeare, a passionate fantasy overture based on the kind of story of doomed love to which the composer was naturally drawn. But Tchaikovsky is not always doom and gloom, and his Second Symphony uses folk music to create a tuneful work of great charm. Britten, a more openly gay composer than Tchaikovsky, nevertheless suffered his own share of inner torment - but in his Serenade we hear his acutely sympathetic response to great English poems from across the ages. 6.15pm Pre-concert talk - The Little Russian Roderic Dunnett of The Independent gives a user’s guide to Tchaikovsky’s Second Symphony
  Andris Nelsons - conductor Elspeth Dutch - horn Toby Spence - tenor City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra
  Tchaikovsky: Romeo and Juliet 21’ Britten: Serenade for Tenor, Horn and Strings 26’ Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 2 (Little Russian) 33’
  

• British Classics  

  Wed 1 Apr 2009 Symphony Hall

  Springtime in England; and what better way to celebrate it than with this delightfully tuneful programme? Some of these pieces are classics, others are the kind of melodies you’re always humming but can’t put a name to; either way, they’ll come up fresh as a daisy under John Wilson’s sparkling baton. A fine British string player joins him for an afternoon of pure melodious pleasure. 1.15pm- Pre Concert Talk- John Wilson’s Light Programme Conductor John Wilson talks to Christopher Morley of The Birmingham Post about this concert of tuneful British rarities.
  John Wilson - conductor Lawrence Power - viola City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra
  Holst: The Perfect Fool - ballet music 13’ Delius: On Hearing the First Cuckoo in Spring 4’ Walton: Viola Concerto 25’ Sullivan: Overture di Ballo 11’ German: Romeo and Juliet - Nocturne 5’ Farnon: Westminster Waltz 3’ Ketèlbey: Sanctuary of the Heart 4’ Elgar: Chanson de nuit 4’ Coates: The Three Men Suite 15’
  

• Tchaikovsky’s Little Russian  

  Wed 17 Jun 2009 Symphony Hall

  After Hamlet in November, Andris Nelsons offers us another of Tchaikovsky’s responses to Shakespeare, a passionate fantasy overture based on the kind of story of doomed love to which the composer was naturally drawn. But Tchaikovsky is not always doom and gloom, and his Second Symphony uses folk music to create a tuneful work of great charm. Britten, a more openly gay composer than Tchaikovsky, nevertheless suffered his own share of inner torment - but in his Serenade we hear his acutely sympathetic response to great English poems from across the ages. This concert is followed by a Members’ Afternoon Tea with Elspeth Dutch, in conversation with Christopher Morley of The Birmingham Post. 1.15pm Pre-concert talk - The Little Russian Roderic Dunnett of The Independent gives a user’s guide to Tchaikovsky’s Second Symphony
  Andris Nelsons - conductor Elspeth Dutch - horn Toby Spence - tenor City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra
  Tchaikovsky: Romeo and Juliet 21’ Britten: Serenade for Tenor, Horn and Strings 26’ Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 2 (Little Russian) 33’
  

• Opera Gala with Angela Gheorghiu & WNO 

  1 May 2007 Symphony Hall

  Annie-Marie Minhall, news reader and presenter of Classic FM's Newsnight, introduces tonight's Classic FM recommended concert "A great opportunity to see a unique talent from the world of opera. The Romanian soprano Angela Gheorghiu brings her remarkable voice to Symphony Hall for a night of music by the the kings of opera. The singer is a particular fan of Puccini's work and believes he knew how to write for sopranos because he loved them. Tonight Gheorghiu will perform Ch'il bel sogno di Doretta, better known as Doretta's Dream Aria from the Italian composer's La Rondine. Guaranteed pulling of heartstrings for Puccini's O mio babbino caro which is also on the programme as is Bizet's Habanera from the timeless Carmen."
  Angela Gheorghiu Soprano Orchestra of Welsh National Opera Ion Marin Conductor
  Verdi Overture from Nabucco Giordani "Caro mio ben" Handel "Lascia ch'io pianga" Mascagni Intermezzo from Cavalleria Rusticana Leoncavallo "Stridono lassu" from I Pagliacci Puccini "Ch'il bel sogno di doretta..." from La Rondine INTERVAL Puccini "In quelle trine morbide" from Manon Lescaut Bizet "Habanera" from Carmen Tchaikovsky Excerpts from Romeo & Juliet Puccini "O mio babbino caro" from Gianni Schicchi Puccini "Un bel di vedremo" from Madama Butterfly
  

• Sir Willard White and Friends  

  Sun 5 Oct Town Hall

  Sir Willard White launches the inaugural gala of the Black British Classical Foundation and the VOBOs - the competition to find the best Voice of Black Opera across the Commonwealth. The foundation aims are to increase the take up of Black and Asisian young people into classical music and develop new audiences from under represented communities. The evening will consist of operatic arias and spirituals. Joining Sir Willard will be Josephine Amankwah, Mezzo Soprano, Alison Buchannan, Soprano, John Colyn-Gyeantey, Tennor, Abigail Kelly Soprano, and Njabulo Madlala , Baritone. The Evening will be accompanied by the Orchestra of The Swan and the City of Birmingham Young Voices.
  
  *Strauss* Spiel'Ich die Unschuld vom Lande - Die Fledermaus *Donizetti* Prendi per me sei libero - L'Elisir d'amore *Donizetti* Una furtiva lagrima - L'elisir d'amore *Gounod* Je veux vivre from Romeo et Juliette *Gounod* Ah, lève-toi, soleil - Romeo et Juliette *Mozart* Dies Bildnis - Magic Flute *Mozart* Laci darem Don Giovanni *Mozart* Come Scoglio - Cosi fan tute *Puccini* Recondita Armonia - Tosca *Dvorak* Rusalka's hymn to the moon - Rusalka *Lehar*Meinen Lippen sie kussen - Guiditta *Gerswhin* My man's Gone now - Porgy & Bess *Gerswhin* Bess you is my woman now - Porgy & Bess *Traditional Spirituals* Ride On King Jesus Sometimes I feel Like a Motherless Child Give Me Jesus No Ways Tired He Got the Whole World In His hands City Called Heaven His Name So Sweet Every Time I feel The Spiri
  

• CBSO Players: Der Getreue Musik Meister Lunchtime concerts at the CBSO Centre 

  Thu 15 Nov Book through our ticket office for CBSO Centre

  
  CBSO players (on period instruments)
  Chamber music by Georg Philipp Telemann (including his Gulliver suite)
  

• Notelets: Global Grooves Morning 

  Sun 22 Jun 2008 Book through our ticket office for CBSO Centre

  Discover music from around the globe in this fun-packed and interactive performance, devised specially for 3-5 year olds and their families, and featuring musicians from the CBSO. Join us for craft workshops one hour before each show, and enjoy post-performance music workshops.
  
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• Centre Stage at CBSO Centre  

  Thu 25 Sep to Sun 14 Jun Book through our ticket office for CBSO Centre

  Devised and performed by the musicians of the CBSO, Centre Stage provides a series of intimate chamber concerts designed to complement the music being performed at Symphony Hall. Centre Stage events start at 1.10pm and normally last about 50 minutes. Snacks and a licenced bar are available before every performance.
  
  
  

• CBSO Players Lunchtime concerts at the CBSO Centre 

  Thu 29 Nov Book through our ticket office for CBSO Centre

  
  
  Revueltas: Ocho por Radio Saint-Saëns: Septet for trumpet, piano and strings
  

• Festive Favourites With Presenter Aled Jones (Matinee) 

  Fri 21 Dec Symphony Hall

  Join the CBSO for its traditional festive fun and frolics, hosted by broadcaster and performer Aled Jones, who will present a selection of his chosen Christmas stories and readings, and sing a couple of his seasonal favourites. Featuring the CBSO and its massed choirs, and packed with Christmas music plus plenty of audience participation, these concerts are a perfect way to kick-start your Christmas holidays and put you in the festive spirit. NB Christmas concert prices apply to these five performances. Following each of these concerts, there will be a Christmas collection for a different local charity, as voted for by CBSO employees. To be considered for inclusion, please contact Rachel Blackman on 0121 616 6511 or email "rblackman@cbso.co.uk":mailto:rblackman@cbso.co.uk
  *Simon Halsey* Conductor *Aled Jones* Presenter *City of Birmingham Symphony Youth Chorus* *City of Birmingham Symphony Chorus* *City of Birmingham Young Voices*
  
  

• Russian Classics CBSO Benevolent Fund Concert 

  Fri 14 Sep Symphony Hall

  Romantic symphonies don’t come more romantic than Rachmaninov’s Second. A sweeping Russian epic, it’s chock-full of great melodies and its slow movement contains some of the most rapturously beautiful music he ever wrote. It’s a glorious way to launch the season, and Russian maestro Vassily Sinaisky has this music in his blood. Three magical musical pictures open this concert the proceeds of which will go to help CBSO musicians, past and present, through the CBSO Benevolent Fund. (Please note: this concert is not part of the 2007/2008 CBSO Season, therefore tickets cannot be bought as part of a concert package or other promotion.) CBSO Benevolent Fund (Reg. Friendly Society 735F)
  *Vassily Sinaisky* Conductor
  Mussorgsky: Night on the Bare Mountain Liadov: The Enchanted Lake Rimsky-Korsakov: Capriccio espagnol Rachmaninov: Symphony No. 2
  

• Sci-Fi Symphony II CBSO Summer Concert 

  Tue 11 Sep Symphony Hall

  Symphony Hall: The Final Frontier. Back by popular demand, Carl Davis takes the CBSO on a fantastic journey through the greatest music ever inspired by space, science-fiction and fantasy. From John Williams' unforgettable themes for _ET_ and _Star Wars_ to highlights from Holst's spectacular odyssey through _The Planets_, and whether by Thunderbird or TARDIS, it's an out-of-this-world programme. Begin the count-down, engage warp-drive, and beam on board as Carl and the CBSO boldly go where no orchestra has gone before! (Please note: this concert is not part of the 2006/2007 CBSO Season, therefore tickets cannot be bought as part of a concert package or other promotion.)
  *Carl Davis* Conductor
  Sci-Fi Symphony II
  

• CBSO Schools' Concert Sleeping Beauty 

  27 June 2007 Symphony Hall

  The CBSO presents a concert specially devised for Key Stage 2 students in years 3 and 4, based around Tchaikovsky's timeless ballet music for _The Sleeping Beauty_. The classic fairy tale features the beautiful Princess Aurora, sentenced to sleep for one hundred years by the evil fairy Carabosse having been pricked by a poisoned needle, but awakened by a kiss from the handsome Prince Florimund. For information on pre-concert support packages for schools, please email education@cbso.co.uk or call 0121 616 6500.
  *Joseph Wolfe* Conductor *Tommy Pearson* Presenter
  Times: 11:30 AM and 1:30 PM
  

• CBSO - Benedetti Plays Bruch  

  Tue 26 Jun Symphony Hall

  The CBSO close their season in style with a popular programme in the company of two of this country's finest young musicians. Nicola Benedetti has already embarked on an international career in the three years since winning the BBC Young Musicians competition and for her CBSO debut she plays the piece which has topped the Classic FM Hall of Fame almost every year. The CBSO complete their survey of Dvor�k's last three symphonies with the most relaxed and genial of the trilogy and dynamic young conductor Joseph Wolfe also gives us the Suite from Tchaikovsky's greatest ballet score.
  *City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra* *Joseph Wolfe* Conductor *Nicola Benedetti* Violin
  *Tchaikovsky* Sleeping Beauty Suite 22' *Bruch* Violin Concerto No 1 26' *Dvor�k* Symphony No 8 36'
  

• Sci-Fi Symphony II CBSO Summer Concert 

  Fri 31 Aug Symphony Hall

  Symphony Hall: The Final Frontier. Back by popular demand, Carl Davis takes the CBSO on a fantastic journey through the greatest music ever inspired by space, science-fiction and fantasy. From John Williams' unforgettable themes for _ET_ and _Star Wars_ to highlights from Holst's spectacular odyssey through _The Planets_, and whether by Thunderbird or TARDIS, it's an out-of-this-world programme. Begin the count-down, engage warp-drive, and beam on board as Carl and the CBSO boldly go where no orchestra has gone before! (Please note: this concert is not part of the 2006/2007 CBSO Season, therefore tickets cannot be bought as part of a concert package or other promotion.) *PERFORMANCE REPEATED ON TUESDAY 11TH SEPTEMBER*
  *Carl Davis* Conductor
  Sci-Fi Symphony II
  

• Centre Stage CBSO Players 

  Tue 24 Feb 2009 Book through our ticket office for CBSO Centre

  CBSO Players Rossini: String Sonatas Nos. 1, 3 and 4 Barrière: Sonate à Deux
  
  
  

• CBSO Summer Concert - CBSO Youth Orchestra Academy  

  Sun 10 Aug Town Hall

  When the CBSO Youth Orchestra Academy, the virtuoso chamber orchestra drawn from the CBSO’s acclaimed Youth Orchestra, gave its first concert last September, the critics were unanimous. “Rapture was really the only natural response,” declared The Birmingham Post, going on to describe the Academy as “this jaw-droppingly brilliant group”. Now it steps onto a bigger stage: past meets present, as the stars of tomorrow raise the roof in Birmingham’s most historic music venue.
  *Michael Seal* Conductor *Morgan Szymanski* Guitar
  *Part* Cantus in Memoriam Benjamin Britten *Ligeti* Concert Romanesc *Rodrigo* Concierto de Aranjuez *Beethoven* Symphony No.7
  

• Sakari Oramo violin and CBSO Players Lunchtime concerts at the CBSO Centre 

  Fri 14 Dec Book through our ticket office for CBSO Centre

  
  
  R. Strauss: Capriccio sextet Tchaikovsky: Souvenir de Florence
  

• Alina Pogostkina violin and CBSO Players Lunchtime concerts at the CBSO Centre 

  Fri 11 Jan 2008 Book through our ticket office for CBSO Centre

  
  
  Brahms: String Quintet No. 2
  

• Centre Stage CBSO Players 

  Wed 21 Jan 2009 Book through our ticket office for CBSO Centre

  CBSO Players Boccherini: Quintet in C Op. 28 No. 4 Glazunov: String Quintet
  
  
  

• Festive Favourites With Presenter Aled Jones  

  Thu 20 Dec Symphony Hall

  Join the CBSO for its traditional festive fun and frolics, hosted by broadcaster and performer Aled Jones, who will present a selection of his chosen Christmas stories and readings, and sing a couple of his seasonal favourites. Featuring the CBSO and its massed choirs, and packed with Christmas music plus plenty of audience participation, these concerts are a perfect way to kick-start your Christmas holidays and put you in the festive spirit. NB Christmas concert prices apply to these five performances. Following each of these concerts, there will be a Christmas collection for a different local charity, as voted for by CBSO employees. To be considered for inclusion, please contact Rachel Blackman on 0121 616 6511 or email rblackman@cbso.co.uk
  *Simon Halsey* Conductor *Aled Jones* Presenter *City of Birmingham Symphony Youth Chorus* *City of Birmingham Symphony Chorus* *City of Birmingham Young Voices*
  
  

• Festive Favourites With Presenter Aled Jones  

  Fri 21 Dec Symphony Hall

  Join the CBSO for its traditional festive fun and frolics, hosted by broadcaster and performer Aled Jones, who will present a selection of his chosen Christmas stories and readings, and sing a couple of his seasonal favourites. Featuring the CBSO and its massed choirs, and packed with Christmas music plus plenty of audience participation, these concerts are a perfect way to kick-start your Christmas holidays and put you in the festive spirit. NB Christmas concert prices apply to these five performances. Following each of these concerts, there will be a Christmas collection for a different local charity, as voted for by CBSO employees. To be considered for inclusion, please contact Rachel Blackman on 0121 616 6511 or email rblackman@cbso.co.uk
  *Simon Halsey* Conductor *Aled Jones* Presenter *City of Birmingham Symphony Youth Chorus* *City of Birmingham Symphony Chorus* *City of Birmingham Young Voices*
  
  

• Festive Favourites With Presenter Aled Jones  

  Sat 22 Dec Symphony Hall

  Join the CBSO for its traditional festive fun and frolics, hosted by broadcaster and performer Aled Jones, who will present a selection of his chosen Christmas stories and readings, and sing a couple of his seasonal favourites. Featuring the CBSO and its massed choirs, and packed with Christmas music plus plenty of audience participation, these concerts are a perfect way to kick-start your Christmas holidays and put you in the festive spirit. NB Christmas concert prices apply to these five performances. Following each of these concerts, there will be a Christmas collection for a different local charity, as voted for by CBSO employees. To be considered for inclusion, please contact Rachel Blackman on 0121 616 6511 or email rblackman@cbso.co.uk
  *Simon Halsey* Conductor *Aled Jones* Presenter *City of Birmingham Symphony Youth Chorus* *City of Birmingham Symphony Chorus* *City of Birmingham Young Voices*
  
  

• CBSO Season 2006-07  

  1 Sep 06 - 31 July 07 Symphony Hall

  
  
  
  

• Festive Favourites With Presenter Aled Jones (Matinee) 

  Sat 22 Dec Symphony Hall

  Join the CBSO for its traditional festive fun and frolics, hosted by broadcaster and performer Aled Jones, who will present a selection of his chosen Christmas stories and readings, and sing a couple of his seasonal favourites. Featuring the CBSO and its massed choirs, and packed with Christmas music plus plenty of audience participation, these concerts are a perfect way to kick-start your Christmas holidays and put you in the festive spirit. NB Christmas concert prices apply to these five performances. Following each of these concerts, there will be a Christmas collection for a different local charity, as voted for by CBSO employees. To be considered for inclusion, please contact Rachel Blackman on 0121 616 6511 or email rblackman@cbso.co.uk
  *Simon Halsey* Conductor *Aled Jones* Presenter *City of Birmingham Symphony Youth Chorus* *City of Birmingham Symphony Chorus* *City of Birmingham Young Voices*
  
  

• Bruckner's Ninth  

  Thu 17 Jan 2008 Symphony Hall

  Canadian conductor Yannick Nézet-Séguin made a thrilling CBSO debut in 2006 with an all-French programme. For his return visit to the CBSO he turns to the last of Bruckner’s symphonies, a mighty torso which, like Mozart’s Requiem or Schubert’s Eighth Symphony, remained unfinished yet is complete in itself. The final slow movement, like that of Mahler’s Ninth, seems to be an extended farewell to life, in music of glowing sincerity. Beethoven’s Third Piano Concerto is also concerned with profound thoughts at times, though it also offers many opportunities for virtuosic display, and today we are joined by one of the most brilliant of the new generation of pianists, making his CBSO debut.
  Yannick Nézet-Séguin conductor Jonathan Biss piano
  Beethoven: Piano Concerto No. 3 Bruckner: Symphony No. 9
  

• Bruckner's Ninth  

  Sat 19 Jan 2008 Symphony Hall

  Canadian conductor Yannick Nézet-Séguin made a thrilling CBSO debut in 2006 with an all-French programme. For his return visit to the CBSO he turns to the last of Bruckner’s symphonies, a mighty torso which, like Mozart’s Requiem or Schubert’s Eighth Symphony, remained unfinished yet is complete in itself. The final slow movement, like that of Mahler’s Ninth, seems to be an extended farewell to life, in music of glowing sincerity. Beethoven’s Third Piano Concerto is also concerned with profound thoughts at times, though it also offers many opportunities for virtuosic display, and today we are joined by one of the most brilliant of the new generation of pianists, making his CBSO debut.
  Yannick Nézet-Séguin conductor Jonathan Biss piano
  Beethoven: Piano Concerto No. 3 Bruckner: Symphony No. 9
  

• Centre Stage CBSO Players 

  Wed 18 Mar 2009 Book through our ticket office for CBSO Centre

  CBSO Players Mozart: String Quintet in C, K.515
  
  
  

• CBSO Cellos Lunchtime concerts at the CBSO Centre 

  Thu 10 Apr 2008 Book through our ticket office for CBSO Centre

  
  
  Lollipops for Cello Quartet including Pachelbel’s Canon, Albinoni’s Adagio, and Rachmaninov’s Vocalise.
  

• Friday Night Classics: Music for Champions  

  Fri 6 Jun Symphony Hall

  As Euro 2008 prepares to kick off, the CBSO announces the squad for its own big match. Our premier team of musicians, captained by the inimitable Carl Davis, tackles some of the all-time champion sporting themes. From fans’ favourites like Nessun Dorma, Boléro and We Are the Champions to TV and movie classics, including Chariots of Fire, Rocky and Superman, it’s a line-up to have you cheering from the terraces! Get behind Davis and the CBSO as they play for Birmingham in the stunning acoustic of Symphony Hall, our very own field of dreams!
  *Carl Davis* Conductor *Jon Christos* Tenor
  
  

• Centre Stage Simon Trpceski and CBSO players 

  Thu 25 Sep Book through our ticket office for CBSO Centre

  Simon Trpceski and CBSO players Brahms: Horn Trio Prokofiev: Overture on Hebrew Themes
  
  
  

• Notelets Fairytales 11am 

  Sun 29 Mar 2009 Book through our ticket office for CBSO Centre

  Fairytales - a mini concert for 3-5 year olds and their families at CBSO Centre
  
  
  

• Elgar's 150th: The Violin Concerto CBSO 

  Wed 2 May Symphony Hall

  "Herein is enshrined the soul of�". The dedication on the score of Elgar's Violin Concerto, like his Enigma Variations, is a riddle through which this most complex and passionate of characters tried to hide his true feelings behind a bluff, typically 'English' exterior. Unlocking the secrets of this most moving of violin concertos will be an acclaimed young virtuoso and former prot�g� of Yehudi Menuhin, the work's most famous interpreter. Wagner's Tannh�user is also concerned with unattainable love, while Brahms's most graceful symphony completes the programme. The concert on 3 May is followed by a Members' Afternoon Tea with CBSO Music Director Sakari Oramo as guest speaker, in conversation with Christopher Morley of The Birmingham Post. For information on how to support the CBSO through one of its membership schemes, please contact Gill Powell on 0121 616 6514, or email gpowell@cbso.co.uk PLEASE NOTE this concert is being performed on Wednesday 2 May, 7.30pm and Thursday 3 May, 2.15pm
  Sakari Oramo Conductor Daniel Hope Violin
  Wagner Tannh�user Overture 14' Elgar Violin Concerto 45' Brahms Symphony No 2 42'
  

• Singalong with the CBSO: Mozart's Requiem  

  Sun 5 Apr 2009 Symphony Hall

  Join the CBSO with its world-renowned chorus director, Simon Halsey, and young professional soloists to sing Mozart’s Requiem, which he was famously still working upon at his untimely death. If you enjoy singing, the unique experience of performing such a powerful work in Birmingham’s magnificent Symphony Hall, with over 1000 singers, is surely not to be missed.
  Simon Halsey - conductor City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra
  Please Note: Only Audience tickets for this event can be purchased online. Please contact the venue Box Office to purchase singer tickets on 0121 780 3333
  

• Maria João Pires Lunchtime concerts at the CBSO Centre 

  Cancelled

  Fri 18 Apr 2008 Book through our ticket office for CBSO Centre

  
  Maria João Pires piano and CBSO Players
  Programme to be announced
  

• 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*
  
  

• CBSO Players Lunchtime concerts at the CBSO Centre 

  Wed 26 Sep Book through our ticket office for CBSO Centre

  
  
  Dag Wirén: String Quartet No. 4 Sibelius: String Quartet in D minor (Voces Intimae)
  

• Elgar's 150th: The Violin Concerto (matinee) CBSO 

  Thu 3 May Symphony Hall

  "Herein is enshrined the soul of�". The dedication on the score of Elgar's Violin Concerto, like his Enigma Variations, is a riddle through which this most complex and passionate of characters tried to hide his true feelings behind a bluff, typically 'English' exterior. Unlocking the secrets of this most moving of violin concertos will be an acclaimed young virtuoso and former prot�g� of Yehudi Menuhin, the work's most famous interpreter. Wagner's Tannh�user is also concerned with unattainable love, while Brahms's most graceful symphony completes the programme. The concert on 3 May is followed by a Members' Afternoon Tea with CBSO Music Director Sakari Oramo as guest speaker, in conversation with Christopher Morley of The Birmingham Post. For information on how to support the CBSO through one of its membership schemes, please contact Gill Powell on 0121 616 6514, or email gpowell@cbso.co.uk PLEASE NOTE this concert is being performed on Wednesday 2 May, 7.30pm and Thursday 3 May, 2.15pm
  Sakari Oramo Conductor Daniel Hope Violin
  Wagner Tannh�user Overture 14' Elgar Violin Concerto 45' Brahms Symphony No 2 42'
  

• CBSO Players Lunchtime concerts at the CBSO Centre 

  Thu 8 Nov Book through our ticket office for CBSO Centre

  
  
  Hummel: Quintet in E flat, Op. 87 Schubert: Quintet in A (The Trout)
  

• Notelets: Global Grooves Afternoon 

  Sun 22 Jun 2008 Book through our ticket office for CBSO Centre

  Discover music from around the globe in this fun-packed and interactive performance, devised specially for 3-5 year olds and their families, and featuring musicians from the CBSO. Join us for craft workshops one hour before each show, and enjoy post-performance music workshops.
  
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• Schools Concert: The Planets  

  Fri 1 Feb 2008 Symphony Hall

  Head for the stars in this concert with some of the best moments from Holst’s The Planets Suite, including Mars: The Bringer of War, Jupiter: The Bringer of Jollity and Mercury: The Winged Messenger. Today’s performances are devised especially to introduce Key Stage 2 students (years 5 and 6) to the spectacular sights and sounds of a symphony orchestra. For information on pre-concert support packages for schools, please contact the CBSO’s Education Department by email (education@cbso.co.uk) or telephone (0121 616 6500). Teachers are also invited to contact the CBSO for details of other opportunities for schools available under our Education and Community programme.
  Michael Seal conductor Tommy Pearson presenter
  
  

• Schools Concert: The Planets  

  Fri 1 Feb 2008 Symphony Hall

  Head for the stars in this concert with some of the best moments from Holst’s The Planets Suite, including Mars: The Bringer of War, Jupiter: The Bringer of Jollity and Mercury: The Winged Messenger. Today’s performances are devised especially to introduce Key Stage 2 students (years 5 and 6) to the spectacular sights and sounds of a symphony orchestra. For information on pre-concert support packages for schools, please contact the CBSO’s Education Department by email (education@cbso.co.uk) or telephone (0121 616 6500). Teachers are also invited to contact the CBSO for details of other opportunities for schools available under our Education and Community programme.
  Michael Seal conductor Tommy Pearson presenter
  
  

• Arabian Nights  

  Sat 12 Apr 2008 Symphony Hall

  American conductor Robert Spano, Music Director of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, makes a welcome return visit to the CBSO for a programme of colourful showpieces. He marks the centenary this year of Rimsky-Korsakov’s death with a performance of the composer’s most famous work, a ravishing suite based on the Arabian Nights. Ravel was an equally accomplished orchestrator of his own and others’ music, and the concert begins with a set of waltzes which began life as piano pieces. As centrepiece of the concert, the CBSO’s outstanding Flute Section Leader makes her first solo appearance with the Orchestra in the tuneful concerto by French composer Jacques Ibert. Sponsored by Birmingham City University This concert is supported by the Friends of the CBSO. For information on supporting the CBSO through one of our Membership schemes, please call Gill Powell on 0121 616 6514 or email gpowell@cbso.co.uk
  Robert Spano conductor Marie-Christine Zupancic flute
  Ravel: Valses Nobles et Sentimentales 18' Ibert: Flute Concerto 20' Rimsky-Korsakov: Scheherazade 47'
  

• Centre Stage Lunchtime concerts at the CBSO Centre 

  Wed 26 Sep Book through our ticket office for CBSO Centre

  Devised and performed by the musicians of the CBSO, Centre Stage provides a series of intimate chamber concerts designed to complement the music being performed at Symphony Hall. With a ‘close enough to touch’ atmosphere, these concerts put the talents of our musicians in the spotlight, and provide the perfect setting in which to get near to the performers and the music they’ve chosen. All Centre Stage events are held at CBSO Centre, a landmark building in the heart of Birmingham between The Mailbox and Symphony Hall. Centre Stage events start at 1.10pm and normally last about 50 minutes. Snacks and a licenced bar are available before every performance.
  
  
  

• Schools Concert: Pictures At An Exhibition  

  Thu 26 Jun 2008 Symphony Hall

  Mussorgsky’s epic tour through a Russian picture gallery provides the inspiration for this introduction to the symphony orchestra, specially devised for Key Stage 2 students (years 3 and 4). From old castles and catacombs, through farm carts and bustling markets, to the Great Gate of Kiev, this colourful music should set young imaginations on fire. For information on pre-concert support packages for schools, please contact the CBSO’s Education Department by emai(education@cbso.co.uk) or telephone (0121 616 6500). Teachers are also invited to contact the CBSO for details of other opportunities available to schools under our Education and Community programme.
  Xian Zhang conductor Tommy Pearson presenter
  
  

• Schools Concert: Pictures At An Exhibition  

  Thu 26 Jun 2008 Symphony Hall

  Mussorgsky’s epic tour through a Russian picture gallery provides the inspiration for this introduction to the symphony orchestra, specially devised for Key Stage 2 students (years 3 and 4). From old castles and catacombs, through farm carts and bustling markets, to the Great Gate of Kiev, this colourful music should set young imaginations on fire. For information on pre-concert support packages for schools, please contact the CBSO’s Education Department by emai(education@cbso.co.uk) or telephone (0121 616 6500). Teachers are also invited to contact the CBSO for details of other opportunities available to schools under our Education and Community programme.
  Xian Zhang conductor Tommy Pearson presenter
  
  

• CBSO - Elgar's 150th The Apostles 

  Sat 2 Jun Symphony Hall

  Elgar devoted the best years of his career to one tremendous project, nothing less than setting the entire New Testament to music. 150 years to the day after Elgar's birth in 1857, Sakari Oramo continues the anniversary celebrations with The Apostles, the first part of Elgar's epic but incomplete New Testament Trilogy. Premiered in Birmingham in 1903, it's a sweeping spiritual drama set in the days of the early Church and filled with some of Elgar's noblest and most deeply-felt music. *Pre-Concert Talk at 5.45pm* Elgar: Plotting Gigantic Worx by Michael Foster This concert is supported by the Friends of the CBSO. For information on supporting the CBSO through one of its Membership schemes, please contact Gill Powell on 0121 616 6514, or email gpowell@cbso.co.uk
  *City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra* *Sakari Oramo* Conductor *Claire Rutter* Soprano *Jane Irwin* Mezzo-soprano *John Daszak* Tenor *Clive Bayley* Bass *Stephen Gadd* Baritone *James Rutherford* Bass *City of Birmingham Symphony Chorus*
  *Elgar* The Apostles 130'
  

• Notelets: Music To Dance To Morning 

  Sat 23 Feb 2008 Book through our ticket office for CBSO Centre

  A fun-packed and interactive concert for 3-5 year olds and their families, featuring musicians from the CBSO. This captivating journey through the world of dance will showcase lots of music to inspire little feet! In addition there will be craft workshops one hour before each show, followed by post-performance music workshops
  
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• Notelets: Music To Dance To Afternoon 

  Sat 23 Feb 2008 Book through our ticket office for CBSO Centre

  A fun-packed and interactive concert for 3-5 year olds and their families, featuring musicians from the CBSO. This captivating journey through the world of dance will showcase lots of music to inspire little feet! In addition there will be craft workshops one hour before each show, followed by post-performance music workshops
  
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• CBSO Summer Concert - Benevolent Fund Concert  

  Fri 18 Jul Symphony Hall

  Carl Davis treats you to his favourite selection of popular classics for the CBSO Benevolent Fund’s annual fundraising event. Join the CBSO’s musicians for a wonderful evening of much-loved music including Mendelssohn’s Hebrides Overture, Beethoven’s Romance in F for violin, Debussy’s Clair de Lune, Fauré’s Pavane and Grainger’s arrangement of Danny Boy. The music for the BBC’s hugely successful period-drama Cranford was composed by Carl Davis, and you can enjoy a sparkling performance of this Suite in Symphony Hall tonight.
  *Carl Davis* Conductor *Laurence Jackson* Violin
  
  

• Guillemots with CBSO  

  Thu 11 Oct Town Hall

  Nominated for the 2006 Mercury Music Prize for their debut album _Through The Windowpane_, and the 2007 Brits Best British Live Act, Guillemots are pioneering the future, inspired by the vision and voice of their lead singer, Birmingham-born Fyfe Dangerfield. This unique event features the Guillemots working live with CBSO. It includes the world premiere of a specially commissioned piece by Fyfe, alongside songs for the band with orchestra and music chosen by Fyfe as influential upon him. Commission supported by the John Feeney Charitable Trust.
  *Guillemots* *City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra* *Nick Ingman* Conductor
  
  

• Peter Donohoe piano and CBSO Players Lunchtime concerts at the CBSO Centre 

  Thu 21 Feb 2008 Book through our ticket office for CBSO Centre

  
  
  Bartók: Contrasts Bridge: Piano Quintet
  

• Centre Stage CBSO Players 

  Fri 6 Mar 2009 Book through our ticket office for CBSO Centre

  CBSO Players Schubert: String Quartet in G, D.887
  
  
  

• Four Last Songs  

  Sat 9 Feb Symphony Hall

  Vassily Sinaisky’s interpretations of large-scale masterpieces have been a welcome feature of recent CBSO seasons, and tonight he brings us his thoughts on Elgar, a composer he has championed in the UK and abroad. Elgar’s Second Symphony featured in the CBSO’s very first concert in 1920, and the work’s rich mix of Edwardian swagger and anxious introspection perfectly captures the state of the world, and of the composer’s mind, at its 1911 premiere. Strauss’s Four Last Songs also have a deeply nostalgic feel, and they are sung for us by the wonderful Swedish soprano who thrilled CBSO audiences with her Wagner two seasons ago.
  Vassily Sinaisky conductor Kirsten Blanck soprano
  Weber: Der Freischütz Overture Strauss: Four Last Songs Elgar: Symphony No. 2
  

• Four Last Songs  

  Wed 6 Feb Symphony Hall

  Vassily Sinaisky’s interpretations of large-scale masterpieces have been a welcome feature of recent CBSO seasons, and tonight he brings us his thoughts on Elgar, a composer he has championed in the UK and abroad. Elgar’s Second Symphony featured in the CBSO’s very first concert in 1920, and the work’s rich mix of Edwardian swagger and anxious introspection perfectly captures the state of the world, and of the composer’s mind, at its 1911 premiere. Strauss’s Four Last Songs also have a deeply nostalgic feel, and they are sung for us by the wonderful Swedish soprano who thrilled CBSO audiences with her Wagner two seasons ago.
  Vassily Sinaisky conductor Kirsten Blanck soprano
  Weber: Der Freischütz Overture Strauss: Four Last Songs Elgar: Symphony No. 2
  

• Birmingham’s Brightest  

  Sat 11 Oct Symphony Hall

  Everyone knows that Birmingham has the brightest and most vibrant youth music scene in the UK; hear why in this jam-packed gala concert! Feel the sheer visceral thrill of the famous Birmingham Schools’ Azaad Dhol Ensemble, before the acclaimed CBSO Youth Orchestra Academy makes its Symphony Hall debut in Ligeti’s flamboyant Concert Romanesc. Two show-stopping young choirs raise the roof before the CBSO proper takes the stage alongside one of Britain’s best-loved young soloists • teenager clarinettist Julian Bliss • in Malcolm Arnold’s irresistibly jazzy concerto. Throw in a couple of John Williams’ blockbuster movie soundtracks including music from Star Wars, with the CBSO, and you’ve got a concert that celebrates both the young - and the young at heart! This concert coincides with the National Association of Music Educators Conference at the ICC.
  Michael Seal - conductor Tommy Pearson - presenter Julian Bliss - clarinet CBSO Youth Orchestra Academy City of Birmingham Young Voices Birmingham Schools’ Azaad Dhol Ensemble Sing For All Massed Choir
  
  

• A Christmas Carol  

  Sat 20 Dec Symphony Hall

  It simply wouldn’t be Christmas without the CBSO’s celebrations, hosted this year by presenter Carol Smillie and featuring the CBSO and its massed choirs. Packed with festive music and your favourite carols, plus stories, readings and plenty of audience participation, these concerts are the perfect way to kick-start your Christmas holidays and put you in the festive spirit.
  Simon Halsey - conductor Carol Smillie - presenter City of Birmingham Symphony Chorus & Youth Chorus City of Birmingham Young Voices City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra Pre-concert performance by CBSO Boys Choir on Level 3 Foyer at 2.30pm
  
  

• CBSO Players Lunchtime concerts at the CBSO Centre 

  Tue 1 Apr 2008 Book through our ticket office for CBSO Centre

  
  
  Walton: String Quartet Beethoven: String Quartet in C minor, Op. 18, No. 4
  

• CBSO Players Lunchtime concerts at the CBSO Centre 

  Thu 8 May 2008 Book through our ticket office for CBSO Centre

  
  
  Haydn: String Quartet in D minor, Op. 42 Brahms: String Quartet No. 1
  

• A Palm Court Christmas Party! Lunchtime concerts at the CBSO Centre 

  Fri 21 Dec Book through our ticket office for CBSO Centre

  
  
  The Berkley Salon Ensemble & City of Birmingham Symphony Youth Chorus (Seniors)
  

• CBSO - Totally Tchaikovsky  

  6 July 2007 Symphony Hall

  No composer beats Tchaikovsky for drama, emotion and unforgettable tunes. The CBSO is thrilled to welcome young Chinese conductor Xian Zhang, making her Birmingham debut with a whole eveing devoted to the Russian master. From the sunny sparkle of Capriccio Italien, to the heady romantic sweep of the Fifth Symphony - with a guest appearance from the young British cellist Paul Watkins in the deliciously witty Rococo Variations - this'll be a concert to remember.
  *City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra* *Xian Zhang* Conductor *Paul Watkins* Cello
  *Tchaikovsky* Capriccio Italien 16' *Tchaikovsky* Rococo Variations 18' *Tchaikovsky* Symphony No5 47'
  

• CBSO - Weller conducts Tchaikovsky's Fourth  

  Tue 12 Jun Symphony Hall

  Walter Weller has enjoyed the longest relationship with the CBSO of any of this year's conductors and he will be assured of a warm welcome back in this programme of 19th-century favourites. Tchaikovsky's Fourth is one of the composer's greatest works and its emotional journey reflects its origins, the tragic, desperate first movement dates from the time of the almost immediate break-up of his marriage, while the lighter later movements were composed while he recovered from this crushing experience. Brahms had an equally unsuccessful love life and his Violin Concerto, completed in the same year, 1878 and played for you tonight by a German violinist who has thrilled CBSO audiences with her Khachaturian and Bruch, is equally romantic. PLEASE NOTE this concert is being performed on Tuesday 12 June, 7.30pm and Wednesday 13 June, 7.30pm
  *City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra* *Walter Weller* Conductor *Arabella Steinbacher* Violin
  *Beethoven* The Creatures of Prometheus Overture 5' *Brahms* Violin Concerto 36' *Tchaikovsky* Symphony No 4 44'
  

• CBSO - Weller conducts Tchaikovsky's Fourth  

  Wed 13 Jun Symphony Hall

  Walter Weller has enjoyed the longest relationship with the CBSO of any of this year's conductors and he will be assured of a warm welcome back in this programme of 19th-century favourites. Tchaikovsky's Fourth is one of the composer's greatest works and its emotional journey reflects its origins, the tragic, desperate first movement dates from the time of the almost immediate break-up of his marriage, while the lighter later movements were composed while he recovered from this crushing experience. Brahms had an equally unsuccessful love life and his Violin Concerto, completed in the same year, 1878 and played for you tonight by a German violinist who has thrilled CBSO audiences with her Khachaturian and Bruch, is equally romantic. PLEASE NOTE this concert is being performed on Tuesday 12 June, 7.30pm and Wednesday 13 June, 7.30pm
  *City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra* *Walter Weller* Conductor *Arabella Steinbacher* Violin
  *Beethoven* The Creatures of Prometheus Overture 5' *Brahms* Violin Concerto 36' *Tchaikovsky* Symphony No 4 44'
  

• Saregama & the CBSO present Rafi Resurrected with Sonu Niigaam  

  Tue 15 Jul Symphony Hall

  *A Tribute to Mohammad Rafi* Sonu Niigaam, the most popular playback singer in India today, and famous as the presenter of hit talent show _SaReGaMa_, teams up with Birmingham’s world-renowned orchestra, to perform 18 legendary hits by Mohammad Rafi, the radiant and nostalgic voice of Bollywood’s golden era. Songs performed will include tracks from the forthcoming _Rafi Resurrected album_, plus several extra tracks specially arranged for the spectacular sounds of a 75-piece orchestra amplified by state of the art audio equipment. Presented by SaReGaMa in association with the CBSO. VIP tickets available from SaReGaMa on 020 8961 3344. Please note that the concert starts promptly at 7.45pm.
  *City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra*
  
  

• CBSO Youth Orchestra  

  Sun 17 Feb 2008 Symphony Hall

  Martyn Brabbins regularly wows Birmingham audiences with his interpretations of British and contemporary music; tonight he makes his first appearance with the CBSO Youth Orchestra in a powerful 20th-century programme. Former BBC Young Musician of the Year Guy Johnston is the soloist in Shostakovich’s punchy First Cello Concerto, but first the Youth Orchestra brings all its zest and freshness to Britten’s bracing suite of seascapes. And then Martyn Brabbins leads them through one of the great modern orchestral showpieces Bartók’s Concerto for Orchestra. Part life-and-death drama, part flamboyant musical firework display, it’ll be a gripping challenge for this outstanding young orchestra. “There can be no higher compliment you can pay to the CBSO Youth Orchestra than that they can be listened to like an orchestra of professionals; no allowances made for youth or inexperience.” The Birmingham Post, February 2007
  Martyn Brabbins conductor Guy Johnston cello
  Britten: Four Sea Interludes from Peter Grimes Shostakovich: Cello Concerto No. 1 Bartók: Concerto for Orchestra
  

• CBSO Players Lunchtime concerts at the CBSO Centre 

  Fri 19 Oct Book through our ticket office for CBSO Centre

  
  
  Mozart: Flute Quartet No. 1, K. 285 Debussy: Sonata for flute, viola and harp Ravel: Introduction and Allegro
  

• CBSO - Seduction and the Sea  

  Tue 15 May Symphony Hall

  The sea has always aroused powerful emotions; and tonight finds the CBSO taking a fantastic voyage with three very different composers. Britten's enchanted song-cycle is performed by the outstanding young British tenor Toby Spence, before the whole orchestra plunges into Sibelius' wave-tossed portrait of a legendary seducer from Finnish myth. But we begin on dry land in the sensuous dream-world of Debussy's famous Faun and finish all at sea, with Debussy's gorgeous impressionist seascape. Young French conductor Ludovic Morlot has an impressive track-record in Debussy, so this is a perfect programme for his CBSO debut. *Pre-Concert Talk @ 6.15pm* Roderic Dunnett of The Independent shares his enthusiasm for Britten's extraordinary song-cycle.
  *Ludovic Morlot* Conductor *Toby Spence* Tenor
  *Debussy* Prélude á l'aprés-midi d'un faune 10' *Britten* Nocturne for Tenor and Chamber Orchestra 27' *Sibelius* Lemminkainen and the Maidens on the Island (opus 22 no1 16' *Debussy* La Mer 25'
  

• Schools Concert: New World Symphony 11.30am and 1.30pm 

  Fri 13 Feb 2009 Symphony Hall

  Set sail for America with the CBSO, to hear the New World as the Czech Antonín Dvorˇák experienced it in 1893 - full of promise and new sounds. The slow movement of this most popular of symphonies is renowned for featuring on the Hovis advertisement, and today’s performances - devised especially for Key Stage 2 children (years 5 & 6) - make this a perfect introduction to the sights and sounds of symphony orchestra. “I might be able to play as good as you, if I keep practising.” Child at The Planets Schools Concert, February 2008 Special prices apply: £4 per ticket for children and teachers, and home-schooling* children and parents. To book please call Group Bookings on 0800 358 7070. For information on pre-concert support packages and other opportunities available for schools with the CBSO, please contact the CBSO’s Education Department by email (education@cbso.co.uk) or telephone (0121 616 6530). *proof of eligibility, eg registration with your Local Authority, will be required.
  Michael Seal - conductor Tommy Pearson - presenter City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra
  
  

• Centre Stage Elspeth Dutch (horn) and CBSO colleagues 

  Fri 24 Oct Book through our ticket office for CBSO Centre

  Elspeth Dutch (horn) and CBSO colleagues Beethoven: Sextet for two horns and strings Ireland: Sextet for horn, clarinet and strings
  
  
  

• Mahler’s Resurrection  

  Sun 31 May 2009 Symphony Hall

  Andris Nelsons is the latest CBSO music director to bring us his interpretation of Mahler’s huge, all-embracing Resurrection symphony, long a CBSO speciality. Featuring a gigantic orchestra - on and offstage - as well as vocalists and chorus, this is one of the biggest statements in late-romantic art. Mahler’s emotional intensity, his echoing trumpet calls and his way of dividing the orchestra into different groups all find a contemporary echo in a recent work by leading German composer Jörg Widmann.
  Andris Nelsons - conductor Sarah Fox - soprano Mihoko Fujimura - mezzo-soprano City of Birmingham Symphony Chorus City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra
  Mahler: Symphony No. 2 (Resurrection) 77’
  

• CBSO Youth Orchestra Academy Conductor Michael Seal - Mathias, Shchedrin, Beethoven 

  Sat 1 Sep Book through our ticket office for CBSO Centre

  Be there at the start of something special - the inaugural concert of the CBSO Youth Orchestra Academy, a virtuoso chamber orchestra drawn from the membership of the CBSO's acclaimed Youth Orchestra. The Youth Orchestra's brass show their mettle in a modern Welsh showpiece, before CBSO Assistant Conductor Michael Seal leads our young players through Shchedrin's hilarious, very Russian re-imagining of Bizet's opera. Beethoven's most brilliant symphony brings the evening to a flying finish. www.cbsoyouthorchestra.com *TICKETS FOR THIS EVENT NOW AVAILABLE ON THE DOOR ONLY*
  Michael Seal conductor
  *Programme to include:* *Mathias* Summer Dances *Shchedrin* Carmen Suite *Beethoven* Symphony No. 4
  

• CBSO - Prokofiev & Shostakovich  

  Thu 21 Jun Symphony Hall

  Two of today's most exciting artists return to the CBSO for a programme with a distinctly Russian flavour. Shostakovich's Tenth Symphony is one of the composer's finest works and offers the composer's personal response to the deaths on the same day in 1953 of his great friend Prokofiev, also represented tonight by his superb Second Piano Concerto and his greatest enemy, Josef Stalin. One gets a deeply-felt elegy, the other a vicious scherzo � no prizes for guessing which! Copland's 1920s classic starts the evening in energetic style. PLEASE NOTE this concert is being performed on 21 June @ 7.30pm and 23 June @ 7pm
  *City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra* *Ilan Volkov* Conductor *Nikolai Lugansky* Piano
  *Copland* Dance Symphony 18' *Prokofiev* Piano Concerto No 2 31' *Shostakovich* Symphony No 10 48'
  

• CBSO - Prokofiev & Shostakovich  

  Sat 23 Jun Symphony Hall

  Two of today's most exciting artists return to the CBSO for a programme with a distinctly Russian flavour. Shostakovich's Tenth Symphony is one of the composer's finest works and offers the composer's personal response to the deaths on the same day in 1953 of his great friend Prokofiev, also represented tonight by his superb Second Piano Concerto and his greatest enemy, Josef Stalin. One gets a deeply-felt elegy, the other a vicious scherzo � no prizes for guessing which! Copland's 1920s classic starts the evening in energetic style. PLEASE NOTE this concert is being performed on 21 June @ 7.30pm and 23 June @ 7pm
  *City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra* *Ilan Volkov* Conductor *Nikolai Lugansky* Piano
  *Copland* Dance Symphony 18' *Prokofiev* Piano Concerto No 2 31' *Shostakovich* Symphony No 10 48'
  

• The Wand of Youth CBSO 

  Wed 4 Apr Symphony Hall

  Why is it that some composers take many years to master their craft, while some are able to produce fully-formed works of genius before they are out of their teens? Tonight's programme gives pride of place to some of music's most talented teenagers. Bizet's effervescent Symphony is a work of great high spirits and the same delightful lyricism that he brought to his mature works such as _Carmen_. Mendelssohn's _Concerto for Two Pianos_ was composed for him to play with his sister Fanny and is performed for you tonight by a husband-and-wife team. The CBSO continue their celebration of Elgar's 150th Anniversary year with the two suites he orchestrated in his fifties from the delightful character pieces he had composed as a child. Pre Concert Talk @ 6.15pm Conductor Nicholas McGegan and husband and wife soloists Robert Levin and Ya-Fei Chuang talk to CBSO Events Officer Richard Bratby about this youthful programme.
  Robert Levin Piano Ya-Fei Chuang Piano
  Elgar The Wand of Youth, Suite No 1 17' Mendelssohn Concerto in A flat for Two Pianos 28' Elgar Wand of Youth, Suite No 2 16' Bizet Symphony in C 30'
  

• CBSO Youth Orchestra  

  Fri 31 Oct Symphony Hall

  Even by Mahler’s own standards, his Seventh Symphony is extraordinary. He called it a “song of the night”, though it ends in roof-raising jubilation. But first comes a fantastic journey through a world of dreams, nightmares, moonlit lovesongs and romance. It’s a whole new musical world - so who better to play it than our renowned Youth Orchestra, under the brilliant Dutch maestro Jac van Steen? If you heard the CBSO Youth Orchestra’s stunning performances of Nielsen and Bartók last season, you’ll know to expect an unforgettable evening as our superb young players tackle their most challenging programme yet. bq.These committed and gifted youngsters produced performances which would put many professional bodies to shame, with crisp articulation, impressively accurate intonation, but, above all, a depth of tone and confidence of phrasing which really denotes an ensemble of the highest class.bq. Musical Opinion
  Jac van Steen - conductor
  Mahler: Symphony No. 7 80’
  

• Singalong with the CBSO: Orff's Carmina Burana  

  Sun 3 Feb 2008 Symphony Hall

  Join the CBSO and Choruses, with its world-renowned Chorus Director Simon Halsey, and young professional soloists to sing Orff’s Carmina Burana. The chance to perform this famous and powerful work (used in contexts as varied as Old Spice adverts, The X Factor and The Omen), with over a thousand singers in Birmingham’s world-beating Symphony Hall, surely makes today unmissable for all those who enjoy singing. Information for Singers: Rehearsals for the event start at 1.30pm; further details will be sent with singer tickets. We will be using the SATB Vocal Score of Carmina Burana. Scores containing Simon Halsey’s rehearsal markings will be available to hire for £5 on the day from 12.30pm.
  Simon Halsey conductor City of Birmingham Symphony Chorus City of Birmingham Youth Chorus
  
  

• Russian Masters  

  Tue 29 Jan Symphony Hall

  Great tunes, grand passions, an epic scale • Rachmaninov’s Third Piano Concerto has quite rightly become one of the best-loved pieces in the classical repertoire. Tonight it is played for us by an outstanding young Russian-Israeli pianist, making his CBSO debut. CBSO Assistant Conductor Michael Seal frames the concerto with two other Russian works that have stood the test of time. Shchedrin’s Naughty Limericks is a subversive, riotously entertaining work that shocked the Soviet authorities at its premiere in 1963, while Shostakovich’s exuberant First Symphony, composed when he was still in his teens, has a darker, sardonic humour that is entirely typical of this composer. 6.15pm pre-concert talk
  Michael Seal conductor Boris Giltburg piano
  Shchedrin: Concerto for Orchestra No. 1 (Naughty Limericks) Rachmaninov: Piano Concerto No. 3 Shostakovich: Symphony No. 1
  

• Centre Stage Baiba Skride (violin) and CBSO Players 

  Thu 27 Nov Book through our ticket office for CBSO Centre

  Baiba Skride (violin) and CBSO Players Brahms: Clarinet Quintet
  
  
  

• The Final of the Robert William & Florence Amy Brant International Pianoforte Competition 2008  

  Sat 12 Jul Town Hall

  With an illustrious list of former winners, including Mark Bebbington and Roger Owens, and a first prize of £3000, this prestigious international piano competition provides young pianists with the opportunity to further their careers and perform in world-class venues. In tonight’s concert three finalists, selected at the end of the semi-final stage, will each perform a varied programme of no more than 40 minutes’ duration consisting of their own choice of works by three different composers. £10, 60 plus/full-time students/under 16s/ unwaged £7.50 (unreserved seating) Entry details and more information can be found at www.thsh.co.uk/brantcompetition. The preliminary round and semi-final of the competition will take place at the CBSO Centre (Berkley Street, Birmingham, B1 2LF) on Saturday 5 & Sunday 6 July 2008. Please follow the link below for further details: "CBSO Website":http://cbso.co.uk
  
  
  

• Centre Stage Sakari Oramo (violin) and CBSO Players 

  Tue 9 Dec Book through our ticket office for CBSO Centre

  Sakari Oramo (violin) and CBSO Players Mozart: Horn Quintet K.407 Bruckner: String Quintet
  
  
  

• CBSO Friday Night Classics Film and TV Classics 

  Fri 8 Jun Symphony Hall

  Sit back and enjoy music from _Philadelphia_, _A Room with a View_ and _Fantasia_, along with much-loved tunes from musicals _Porgy and Bess_, _West Side Story_ and _My Fair Lady_. You'll recognise ads including Hamlet Cigars and TV themes from the Ashes ( _Jerusalem_ ), the Grand National and Torvill and Dean's signature skating tune, _Bolero_. Sposored by IMI.
  *City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra* *Carl Davis* Conductor *Claire Rutter* Soprano
  
  

• Mahler's First  

  Wed 21 Nov Symphony Hall

  Mahler may have gone on to write nine more symphonies, but it’s all there in his First: a complete musical world that veers from triumph to tragedy and back again, expressed through the supercharged sounds of a gigantic orchestra at full tilt. The Orchestra is directed by an outstanding British conductor in this titan of a symphony, and for Tchaikovsky’s equally emotional concerto he’s joined by a superb violinist making a welcome return to Birmingham. Beethoven’s fiery overture completes a dramatic programme. Free Pre-Concert Talk 21st November 1.15pm The concert is followed by a Members’ Afternoon Tea with conductor Edward Gardner as guest speaker, in conversation with Christopher Morley of The Birmingham Post. For information on how to support the CBSO through one of our membership schemes, please contact Gill Powell on 0121 616 6514, or email gpowell@cbso.co.uk
  *Edward Gardner* Conductor *Christian Tetzlaff* Violin
  *Beethoven*: Overture, Coriolan *Tchaikovsky*: Violin Concerto *Mahler*: Symphony No. 1
  

• Andris Nelsons with the CBSO  

  Wed 5 Mar 2008 Symphony Hall

  The CBSO is joined for the first official concert in the 2007/2008 Season by Andris Nelsons, who will take over from Sakari Oramo as Music Director in 2008, for an exciting concert which offers pieces engaged in a dialogue with the past. Throughout musical history composers have always been fascinated by the music that came before them. Strauss's best-loved opera is an affectionate love letter to the Viennese waltz, while a new concerto by one of today's leading Austrian composers, Olga Neuwirth - especially composed for trumpet virtuoso Håkan Hardenberger - offers a kaleidoscope of Handel, jazz and memories of other music. Arvo Pärt's timeless classic looks back to the spirituality of medieval music. Nelsons finishes the programme in style with Shostakovich's exuberant pre-war symphony. 6.15pm pre-concert talk
  Andris Nelsons conductor Håkan Hardenberger trumpet
  Strauss: Der Rosenkavalier Suite 22' Neuwirth: “…miramondo multiplo…” (UK premiere) 18' Pärt: Fratres 10' Shostakovich: Symphony No. 6 32'
  

• No Place Like Home  

  Tue 30 Jun 2009 Symphony Hall

  The brilliant young Danish conductor Thomas Søndergård, making his second visit to the CBSO, brings with him the charming Flute Concerto by his compatriot Carl Nielsen, for which he will be joined by the CBSO’s outstanding flute section leader. The light-hearted side of the Danish character which Nielsen portrays here finds a good match in a tuneful suite by his contemporary Sibelius, drawn from the same patriotic pageant that also produced Finlandia. Dvorák was just as concerned as these two composers with reflecting national character through music, and his stirring Seventh Symphony is reckoned by many to be his finest orchestral work. 6.15pm Pre-concert talk - The Player’s Perspective • Dvorák’s Seventh Introduced by David Gregory - CBSO violinist.
  Thomas Søndergård - conductor Marie-Christine Zupancic - flute City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra
  Sibelius: Scènes historiques - Suite No. 1 20’ Nielsen: Flute Concerto 20’ Dvorák: Symphony No. 7 38’
  

• Family Concert: Pirate Party  

  Sun 4 Nov Symphony Hall

  Set sail with the CBSO for a swashbuckling adventure, as we fly the skull and cross-bones to go in search of treasure chests, shiny pieces of eight and faraway lands. A fun-packed maritime-themed concert including music from _Pirates of the Caribbean_ is in store, but keep watch - climbing the crows’ nest and walking the plank could be just over the horizon! Please feel free to come dressed up in your favourite sea-faring finery. FREE CREATIVE WORKSHOPS AND MUSIC in the foyers from 1.30pm
  *Michael Seal* conductor *Alasdair Malloy* presenter *City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra*
  
  

• Mahler’s Resurrection  

  Wed 27 May 2009 Symphony Hall

  Andris Nelsons is the latest CBSO music director to bring us his interpretation of Mahler’s huge, all-embracing Resurrection symphony, long a CBSO speciality. Featuring a gigantic orchestra - on and offstage - as well as vocalists and chorus, this is one of the biggest statements in late-romantic art. Mahler’s emotional intensity, his echoing trumpet calls and his way of dividing the orchestra into different groups all find a contemporary echo in a recent work by leading German composer Jörg Widmann. 6.15pm Pre-concert talk - Premiere! - Jorg Widmann Eminent German composer Jörg Widmann talks to Stephen Maddock about his Antiphon - which receives its UK premiere tonight.
  Andris Nelsons - conductor Sarah Fox - soprano Mihoko Fujimura - mezzo-soprano City of Birmingham Symphony Chorus City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra
  Widmann: Antiphon (UK premiere) 15’ Mahler: Symphony No. 2 (Resurrection) 77’
  

• CBSO - Viennese Masterpieces  

  Thu 24 May Symphony Hall

  The CBSO are delighted to welcome back one of the world's greatest violinists for a programme of Viennese classics. Beethoven's Fourth is one of his wittiest creations and there is also plenty of humour in this Haydn symphony, one of a set of six composed to please the elegant tastes of Parisian audiences. The last of Mozart's five Violin Concertos is full of dazzling display for the soloist, not least in the ever-surprising finale with its 'Turkish' episodes. Today's programme offers music of elegance, charm and sophistication in abundance! Please Note this concert is being performed on Wednesday 23 May, 2.15pm and Thursday 24 May, 7.30pm *Pre-Concert Talk* Wednesday 23 May, 1.15pm & Thursday 24 May, 6.15pm Beethoven's brightest symphony - as seen from inside the orchestra by violinist David Gregory.
  *City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra* *Leonidas Kavakos* Conductor/Violin
  *Haydn* Symphony No 82, The Bear 26' *Mozart* Violin Concerto No 5 31' *Beethoven* Symphony No 4 34'
  

• CBSO Family Concert Classics for Kids 

  Sun 29 Apr Symphony Hall

  BBC Midlands Today presenter Michael Collie will guide you through this special concert, designed to introduce kids, parents and grandparents to the classics. FREE CREATIVE WORKSHOPS in foyer areas from 1.30pm.
  Michael Seal, Conductor Michael Collie, Presenter City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra
  Features Prokofiev's Peter and the Wolf, Mozart's Marriage of Figaro Overture, the Star Wars theme, and many more.
  

• CBSO - Viennese Masterpieces (matinee)  

  Wed 23 May Symphony Hall

  The CBSO are delighted to welcome back one of the world's greatest violinists for a programme of Viennese classics. Beethoven's Fourth is one of his wittiest creations and there is also plenty of humour in this Haydn symphony, one of a set of six composed to please the elegant tastes of Parisian audiences. The last of Mozart's five Violin Concertos is full of dazzling display for the soloist, not least in the ever-surprising finale with its 'Turkish' episodes. Today's programme offers music of elegance, charm and sophistication in abundance! Please Note this concert is being performed on Wednesday 23 May, 2.15pm and Thursday 24 May, 7.30pm Pre-Concert Talk Wednesday 23 May, 1.15pm & Thursday 24 May, 6.15pm Beethoven's brightest symphony - as seen from inside the orchestra by violinist David Gregory.
  *City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra* *Leonidas Kavakos* Conductor/Violin
  *Haydn* Symphony No 82, The Bear 26' *Mozart* Violin Concerto No 5 31' *Beethoven* Symphony No 4 34'
  

• Best of British CBSO 

  Sat 21 Apr Symphony Hall

  Tonight�s all-British programme gives a great opportunity for Birmingham audiences to experience the work of a leading Scottish composer-conductor whose music is played all around the world to huge acclaim. As well as conducting seminal, dramatic masterpieces by two 20th-century greats, James MacMillan gives the first Birmingham performance of his choral work Quickening, premiered at the 1999 Proms. This evocative setting of poems by Michael Symmons Roberts on the subject of new life and childbirth features the vocal talents of the Hilliard Ensemble, as well as the CBSO�s own Choruses, in a haunting work of great emotional power. *Pre-concert talk @ 5.45pm* James MacMillan discusses his work Quickening, in conversation with Stephen Maddock.
  *James MacMillan* Conductor The Hilliard Ensemble City of Birmingham Symphony Chorus City of Birmingham Symphony Youth Chorus
  *Britten* Four Sea Interludes from Peter Grimes 16� *Vaughan Williams* Symphony No 4 34� *MacMillan* Quickening 48�
  

• Fantastic Symphony  

  Sat 20 Sep Symphony Hall

  A new conductor, a new era - three youthful orchestral showpieces launch Andris Nelsons’ first concert as music director of the CBSO. And they couldn’t be more appropriate. Like Andris Nelsons himself, Berlioz was still in his twenties when he wrote his outrageous symphony, and the young Wagner actually wrote his Rienzi overture in Nelsons’ home city of Riga! Bartók’s thrilling ballet score comes from the composer’s mid-thirties. The CBSO’s new music director has already won widespread praise for his exciting performances with the Orchestra, and tonight’s programme has plenty to set pulses racing so make sure you don’t miss the start of something really special! The concert on 17 September is sponsored by Mitchells and Butlers 6.15pm Pre-concert talk - Welcome to the Season Meet Andris Nelsons, as he prepares to conduct his first concerts as music director of the CBSO. In conversation with Stephen Maddock.
  Andris Nelsons - conductor City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra
  Wagner: Overture, Rienzi 13’ Bartók: Miraculous Mandarin Suite 21’ Berlioz: Symphonie fantastique 55’
  

• Family Concert: Action Stations!  

  Sun 1 Jun Symphony Hall

  Sound the trumpets, beat the drums, and CHARGE! The CBSO swings into action with a whole concert of action and adventure. Don your armour and draw your sword, as Prokofiev’s Alexander Nevsky sends the orchestra hurtling into a thunderous battle on the ice. Duck for cover as Tchaikovsky lets fly with bells and cannons in the roof-raising 1812 Overture! And that’s just for starters. Anything could happen in this thriller of a concert. So come ready for bangs, crashes and some seriously loud musical fun. FREE CREATIVE WORKSHOPS AND MUSIC in the foyers from 1.30pm
  *Jakub Hru°sa* conductor *Tommy Pearson* presenter *City of Birmingham Symphony Chorus*
  
  

• Centre Stage CBSO Players 

  Thu 6 Nov Book through our ticket office for CBSO Centre

  
  
  
  

• A Christmas Carol  

  Sun 21 Dec Symphony Hall

  It simply wouldn’t be Christmas without the CBSO’s celebrations, hosted this year by presenter Carol Smillie and featuring the CBSO and its massed choirs. Packed with festive music and your favourite carols, plus stories, readings and plenty of audience participation, these concerts are the perfect way to kick-start your Christmas holidays and put you in the festive spirit.
  Simon Halsey - conductor Carol Smillie - presenter City of Birmingham Symphony Chorus & Youth Chorus City of Birmingham Young Voices
  
  

• Igorfest: Persephone  

  Tue 26 Feb Symphony Hall

  In his latest contribution to Birmingham’s unique IgorFest project, performances of Stravinsky’s complete works, CBSO Music Director Sakari Oramo is joined by a favourite British pianist for the Capriccio, the most brilliant and extrovert of his three works for piano and orchestra. One of several pieces Stravinsky wrote for the extraordinary actress-cum-dancer Ida Rubinstein, Perséphone, a story of the Greek Underworld, is among the most ravishing of the composer’s works, and features exquisite writing for adult and children’s choruses. 6.15pm pre-concert talk ***Please note the programme has changed***. Part of the orginal programme will be played at the CBSO Centre 1 Mar 08 at 3pm & 7pm. Original programme includes Stravinsky Pulcinella.
  *Sakari Oramo* Conductor *Peter Donohoe* Piano *Peter Wedd* Tenor *City of Birmingham Symphony Chorus & Youth Chorus*
  *Chopin (orch. Stravinsky)* Nocturne and Grand Valse Brillante 13' *Stravinsky* Capriccio for Piano & Orchestra 17' *Stravinsky* Perséphone 56'
  

• Fantastic Symphony  

  Wed 17 Sep Symphony Hall

  A new conductor, a new era - three youthful orchestral showpieces launch Andris Nelsons’ first concert as music director of the CBSO. And they couldn’t be more appropriate. Like Andris Nelsons himself, Berlioz was still in his twenties when he wrote his outrageous symphony, and the young Wagner actually wrote his Rienzi overture in Nelsons’ home city of Riga! Bartók’s thrilling ballet score comes from the composer’s mid-thirties. The CBSO’s new music director has already won widespread praise for his exciting performances with the Orchestra, and tonight’s programme has plenty to set pulses racing so make sure you don’t miss the start of something really special! The concert on 17 September is sponsored by Mitchells and Butlers 6.15pm Pre-concert talk - Welcome to the Season Meet Andris Nelsons, as he prepares to conduct his first concerts as music director of the CBSO. In conversation with Stephen Maddock.
  Andris Nelsons - conductor City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra
  Wagner: Overture, Rienzi 13’ Bartók: Miraculous Mandarin Suite 21’ Berlioz: Symphonie fantastique 55’
  

• Symphonic Spectacular!  

  Fri 19 Sep Symphony Hall

  This concert is for secondary schools, and is designed for and by students in Key Stages 3 & 4. Forget keyboards and samplers - the full symphony orchestra is the biggest, most powerful machine ever devised for making music! Get up close and see how it works in this special concert. Tommy Pearson takes the orchestra to pieces, while the CBSO’s brilliant new conductor Andris Nelsons steers the full CBSO through a showcase performance of Berlioz’ thrilling Fantastic Symphony.
  Andris Nelsons - conductor Tommy Pearson - presenter City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra
  
  

• Notelets at CBSO Centre  

  Book through our ticket office for CBSO Centre

  
  
  
  

• Bruckner's Fifth  

  Wed 10 Oct Symphony Hall

  Of all Bruckner’s symphonies, the mighty Fifth is perhaps the most perfectly planned. It’s a superbly unified work in which the ancient music he knew so well from his long years as a church organist is integrated into the massive orchestral sound that is his hallmark. Bruckner specialist Jaap van Zweden makes a welcome return to the CBSO, and precedes this superbly exciting symphony with one of Mozart's most delicate and tuneful piano concertos, played by a distinguished Mozart specialist. 6.15pm FREE pre-concert talk
  *Jaap van Zweden* conductor *Louis Lortie* piano
  Mozart: Piano Concerto No. 17, K. 453 Bruckner: Symphony No. 5
  

• A Christmas Carol  

  Sun 21 Dec Symphony Hall

  It simply wouldn’t be Christmas without the CBSO’s celebrations, hosted this year by presenter Carol Smillie and featuring the CBSO and its massed choirs. Packed with festive music and your favourite carols, plus stories, readings and plenty of audience participation, these concerts are the perfect way to kick-start your Christmas holidays and put you in the festive spirit.
  Simon Halsey - conductor Carol Smillie - presenter City of Birmingham Symphony Chorus & Youth Chorus City of Birmingham Young Voices City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra
  
  

• A Christmas Carol  

  Mon 22 Dec Symphony Hall

  It simply wouldn’t be Christmas without the CBSO’s celebrations, hosted this year by presenter Carol Smillie and featuring the CBSO and its massed choirs. Packed with festive music and your favourite carols, plus stories, readings and plenty of audience participation, these concerts are the perfect way to kick-start your Christmas holidays and put you in the festive spirit.
  Simon Halsey - conductor Carol Smillie - presenter City of Birmingham Symphony Chorus & Youth Chorus City of Birmingham Young Voices City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra
  
  

• A Christmas Carol  

  Mon 22 Dec Symphony Hall

  It simply wouldn’t be Christmas without the CBSO’s celebrations, hosted this year by presenter Carol Smillie and featuring the CBSO and its massed choirs. Packed with festive music and your favourite carols, plus stories, readings and plenty of audience participation, these concerts are the perfect way to kick-start your Christmas holidays and put you in the festive spirit.
  Simon Halsey - conductor Carol Smillie - presenter City of Birmingham Symphony Chorus & Youth Chorus City of Birmingham Young Voices City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra
  
  

• Friday Night Classics: Silent Heroes Rudolph Valentino stars in The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse 

  Fri 22 Feb 2008 Symphony Hall

  Fo