thsh what's on guide august & september 2009

Supported by

WHAT’S ONAugust - September 2009

LATiN Fever, 6-8 August, 7.30pm

Symphony Hall

HOW TO reACH USSymphony Hall is part of the International Convention Centre on Broad Street, Birmingham, B1 2EA. On entering the Convention Centre through the main entrance on Centenary Square, Symphony Hall foyers are on the left. Town Hall is located in Victoria Square, Birmingham, B3 3DQ.

BY CAR - Car parking for Symphony Hall is available at Brindleyplace, beneath the National Indoor Arena (NIA) and Brindley Drive car parks. Car parking for Town Hall is available at Brindley Drive and Brunel Street car parks. For more information contact The Highways Agency on 08457 504030 or visit their website www.highways.gov.uk/roads or visit Midlands Traffic Information’s website www.help2travel.co.uk

BY RAIL - For rail information contact National Rail Enquiries on 08457 484950 or visit their website www.nationalrail.co.uk There are fast and frequent rail services with free parking at many Centro stations. The Centro Hotline 0121 200 2700 (open 7.30am–10.30pm every day) can help you plan your journey.

For further information visit www.thsh.co.uk/page/planning-your-visit

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Camden Street

Sheepcote Street

Berkley StreetGranville Street

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Town Hall

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Centenary Square

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Box Office 0121 780 3333 or visit www.thsh.co.uk Box Office 0121 780 3333 or visit www.thsh.co.uk

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR FREEMAILING SERVICE To keep up-to-date with the latest information from Town Hall and Symphony Hall join our free mailing list.

Email [email protected] with details of your name, address, telephone number(s) and email address or sign up via the website www.thsh.co.uk/getconnected

To join the CBSO’s free mailing list please contact the CBSO on 0121 616 6500.

CONTENTS3 August Events

3-10 September Events

11 Children’s Event

11 Free Jazz – Rush Hour Blues & Sax in the City

12-14 Coming Soon

15 Public Tours

16-17 Booking Information

18 Dining, Drinking & Shopping

19 Seating Plans

20 Education/Community

21 Accessibility

22 Supporting Town Hall and Symphony Hall

23 Concerts at a Glance

24 How to Reach Us

WELCOME TO YOUR GUIdE TO THE SHOWS AT TOWN HALL ANd SYMpHONY HALL IN AUGUST ANd SEpTEMBER.

Town Hall renovation funded by

For full details of all our upcoming events please contact Box Office on 0121 780 3333 or visit www.thsh.co.uk

AT A GLANCEAugust SympHONy HALL TOWN HALL

Thu 6 Latin Fever

Fri 7 Latin Fever

Sat 8 Latin Fever National Youth Wind Orchestra

September

Thu 3 We’ll Meet Again

Sat 5 Engelbert Humperdinck Children’s Event: Bollywood and Bhangra Celebration

Mon 7 Tori Amos

Wed 9 CBSO The Perfect Fifth

Thu 10 CBSO The Perfect Fifth

Fri 11 Rush Hour Blues Extended ArtsFest Special ArtsFest: BBC Big Band

Sat 12 157th British Open Brass Band Championships ArtsFest: A Taste of Town Hall

Sun 13 Brass Gala Concert ArtsFest: A Taste of Town Hall

Wed 16 Lisa Williams: Message from Beyond Alela Diane and special guests

Thu 17 Soweto Gospel Choir

Fri 18 Boogie Pete Live!

CBSO Benevolent Fund Concert: The Organ Symphony

Fascinating Aïda

Sat 19 Excell 3

Tue 22 Jimmy Carr - Rapier Wit

Thu 24 CBSO Symphonic Dances I

Sat 26 CBSO Seascapes Tim Minchin: Ready for This?

Sun 27 Rhod Gilbert

Mon 28 I’m Sorry I Haven’t a Clue An Appointment with Dr Christian Jessen

Tue 29 Curtis Stigers

Wed 30 CBSO Elgar’s Falstaff An Audience with Trisha Goddard

TOWN HALL ASSOCIATE ARTISTS

Soweto Kinch Thomas Trotter

THE RESIDENT ORCHESTRA OF SYMPHONY HALL

23Box Office 0121 780 3333 or visit www.thsh.co.uk


THURSDAY 6, FRIDAY 7 & SATURDAY 8 AUGUST, 7.30PM

LATIn FeveR

Take an exhilarating journey into the colourful world of Latin American dance with sparkling stars Darren Bennett and Lilia Kopylova in a special run of performances this summer.

The dazzling partnership from the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing will be joined by four top Latin American dancing couples and a nine-piece Latin Band for their breathtaking voyage, which takes them from the streets of Brazil to the bullrings of Spain by way of a vibrant mix of dance styles including the tango, rumba, cha cha cha, jitterbug and paso doblè.

£15, £18.50, £23.50, £28.50, £32.50

GROUP DISCOUnTS

10% OFF FOR 10 OR MORe, 15% OFF FOR 20 OR MORe,

OR 20% OFF FOR 50 OR MORe On TOP 3 PRICeSPresented in association with Raymond Gubbay and Sadler’s Wells

£12, £15

UnDeR 16s, FULL-TIMe STUDenTS £5

SATURDAY 8 AUGUST, 7.30PM

nATIOnAL YOUTH WInD ORCHeSTRA

Glenn Price conductor David Campbell clarinet

Kenneth Hesketh MasqueHolst HammersmithMalcolm Arnold Solitaireedward Gregson Sword and the CrownWoolfenden GallimaufreyTurnbull African Dances Philip Sparke Year of the Dragon

THURSDAY 3 SePTeMBeR, 7.30PM

We’LL MeeT AGAIn

A Salute to the War Years Introduced by June Whitfield

60 years on, these commemorative classics remember the World War II years - In the Mood, A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square, Dam Busters March, Sing, Sing, Sing, One O’Clock Jump, Moonlight Serenade, The White Cliffs of Dover, Goodnight Sweetheart, Pack Up Your Troubles, It’s a Long Way to Tipperary, Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy, When I’m Cleaning Windows and We’ll Meet Again. Plus a special Radio Days Medley featuring a traditional sing-a-long to forties’ favourites Hang out the Washing on the Siegfried Line, Underneath the Arches and Run Rabbit Run.

£15.50, £19.50, £23.50, £26.50, £29.50, £32.50

London Concert OrchestraGavin Sutherland conductorMark Walsh ukulele Flight Lieutenant Matt Little guest singerA tribute to the Andrews Sisters with The Swing Cats World Champion Dancers Chris Marques & Jaclyn Spencer

SATURDAY 5 SePTeMBeR, 11AM

CHILDRen’S evenT: BOLLYWOOD AnD BHAnGRA CeLeBRATIOnFor details see page 11.

AUG/SEPT


SATURDAY 5 SePTeMBeR, 7.30PM

enGeLBeRT HUMPeRDInCK

Engelbert’s music has transcended time. It was just over four decades ago that music’s King Of Romance emerged as one of the foremost entertainers in the world. He remains the consummate global performer with unequalled style and sophistication. He continues to perform for his millions of fans, his popularity crossing every generation and gender. Engelbert Humperdinck is a true icon.

£30, £32.50, £35

MOnDAY 7 SePTeMBeR, 7.30PM

TORI AMOS

Tori Amos visits Symphony Hall for the first time to mark the release of her stunning new album Abnormally Attracted To Sin. Like all Tori’s albums since Boys For Pele, it was recorded in Cornwall. The centre of the album is Amos’s voice and her Bösendorfer piano, locking in with her touring and recording band of the past five years: guitarist Mac Aladdin, bassist Jon Evans and her long-time drummer and rhythmic foil, Matt Chamberlain.

Tori Amos is known for her emotionally charged hits including Crucify, Silent All These Years, Cornflake Girl, Spark, and A Sorta Fairytale.

£30, £32.50

FRIDAY 11 SePTeMBeR, 5.30PM –7.30PMRUSH HOUR BLUeS exTenDeD ARTSFeST SPeCIAL!

Double bill with Tim Amann’s X-Tet and Zappajazz. In this special event, Rush Hour Blues moves from the foyer onto the main stage in Symphony Hall for ArtsFest.

ADMISSIOn FRee, JUST COMe ALOnG On THe DAY Presented by Birmingham Jazz and Symphony Hall

FRIDAY 11 SePTeMBeR, 8PM – 9.30PM

BBC BIG BAnD

Britain’s finest big band is joined on stage by singing star Matthew Ford for a night of swing classics. The BBC Big Band is probably best known for its regular Monday night radio show, Big Band Special on BBC Radio 2, as well as on BBC Radio 3’s Jazz Line Up.

ADMISSIOn FRee, JUST COMe ALOnG On THe DAY

SATURDAY 12 SePTeMBeR, 12nOOn – 7PM

A TASTe OF TOWn HALL

Across the ArtsFest weekend, we’re offering FREE showcase performances from the Town Hall Associate Artists and more.

12pm - 12.45pm Bollywood Workshop. Put on your dancing shoes and take part in a Bollywood dance workshop - no experience necessary, just enthusiasm and a willingness to have fun. 1.30pm - 2.15pm Orchestra of the Swan (string ensemble). Join this acclaimed ensemble of youthful classical musicians who have a passion to bring classical music to new audiences in an imaginative, friendly and informal way. 3pm - 3.45pm Ex Cathedra and its Academy of Vocal Music. Town Hall’s associate choir and Early Music ensemble showcases its beautiful and uplifting singing. 4.30pm - 5.15pm Organ Demonstration. Andrew Fletcher shows off the versatility and range of the Town Hall organ, one of England’s finest historical instruments. 6pm - 6.45pm Soweto Kinch. Jazz saxophonist and hip-hop MC Soweto Kinch is one of the most exciting and versatile young musicians to hit the British music scene in recent years.


SUnDAY 13 SePTeMBeR, 1PM – 7PM

A TASTe OF TOWn HALL

1pm - 1.45pm Black Voices & Town Hall Gospel Choir. Birmingham’s premier a cappella female vocal quintet and Town Hall’s Gospel Choir. 2.15pm – 7pm Town Hall will be hosting a variety of community artists who will be performing throughout Sunday afternoon, please check www.thsh.co.uk nearer the time for the confirmed line-up!


5Box Office 0121 780 3333 or visit www.thsh.co.ukSEPT

WeDneSDAY 9 SePTeMBeR, 7.30PM & THURSDAY 10 SePTeMBeR, 2.15PM

THe PeRFeCT FIFTH

Andris Nelsons launches the CBSO’s 2009-10 season in grand style. Beginning with the majestic prelude to Wagner’s sunniest opera, and finishing with the most famous symphony ever written, this is a concert to set pulses racing – and if you only know the first four notes of Beethoven’s perfect Fifth Symphony, trust us: you’re in for a wonderful surprise!

FREE pre-concert talk 6.15PM (9 SEPT) and 1.15PM (10 SEPT)

9 SePT: £9.50, £13.50, £17, £20.50, £23.50, £28, £32, £37, £39.50

10 SePT: £9.50, £14, £18, £22, £25, £29, £34

City of Birmingham Symphony OrchestraAndris nelsons conductorArcadi volodos piano

Wagner The Mastersingers, Prelude 9’Brahms Piano Concerto No 2 44’Beethoven Symphony No 5 36’

SEPT

ArTSfEST WEEKEND

6Box Office 0121 780 3333 or visit www.thsh.co.uk JANSEPT


157TH BRITISH OPen BRASS BAnD CHAMPIOnSHIPS

Championship bands from England, Scotland and Wales compete for the coveted British Open Trophy by performing the specially selected test piece, Hermann Pallhuber’s Titan’s Progress, based on themes from Mahler’s first symphony.

£8, £11, £14, £17, £19

The British Open Brass Band Championships is sponsored by Besson

SUnDAY 13 SePTeMBeR, 2.30PM

BRASS GALA COnCeRT

Black Dyke BandCory BandGrimethorpe Colliery Band

Black Dyke Band is the most successful contesting band in the world, having won the British Open no fewer than 29 times and the National Championships 21 times. Cory Band visits Symphony Hall fresh from its win at the European Championships under the baton of Dr Robert Childs. Grimethorpe Colliery Band is best known for the soundtrack to Brassed Off – which incidently includes scenes filmed in Town Hall.

£12.50, £14.50, £16.50, £19.50, CHOIR £8.50

FRIDAY 18 SePTeMBeR, 7.30PM

FASCInATInG AÏDA

Happy Birthday Fascinating Aïda! Britain’s top female comedy trio is 25 years old. Well, actually, it’s older than that (Dillie Keane formed FA in 1983), but the girls have decided their Silver Jubilee can be celebrated for a few more years at least. Dillie, Adele and Liza look forward to entertaining you with some new songs. Thrill to the beauty of the harmonies, marvel at the intricate rhymes and, if you’re one of their older fans, remember to switch your hearing aid to the hall’s loop system to avoid unpleasant whistling.

£17.50

Box Office 0121 780 3333 or visit www.thsh.co.uk7

WeDneSDAY 16 SePTeMBeR, 7.30PM

ALeLA DIAne AnD SPeCIAL GUeSTS

Californian singer/songwriter Alela Diane grew up singing with her musician parents. In 2003 Alela began to write her own music and teach herself to play guitar and before long her incredible talent emerged. Her songs blend tense, trance-like arpeggios with warm, thick vocals and meditative lyrics about family and nature. Her debut album The Pirate’s Gospel won the Rough Trade shops album of 2007, and 2009 saw the release of her acclaimed second album To Be Still.

£11


LISA WILLIAMS: MeSSAGeS FROM BeYOnD

Television’s favourite psychic from Sky Real Lives and Lifetime Television, Lisa Williams is an internationally acclaimed medium and clairvoyant. With a remarkable ability to communicate with loved ones and friends who have passed over to the other side, in her first UK tour, Lisa combines personal readings with Reiki and Crystal healing.

£22.50, £25, £27.50

FRIDAY 18 SePTeMBeR, 7.30PM

CBSO BenevOLenT FUnD COnCeRT: THe ORGAn SYMPHOnY

Elgar’s In the South opens with a glorious burst of sound. Mozart’s most famous horn concerto fairly bubbles over with high spirits. And Saint-Saëns’ popular Organ Symphony ends in a blaze of glory, as the mighty Symphony Organ joins the full CBSO to raise the roof. With all proceeds going to the CBSO Benevolent Fund*.

£9.50, £13.50, £17, £20.50, £23.50, £28, £32, £37, £39.50

*Reg. Friendly Society 735F

City of Birmingham Symphony OrchestraMichael Seal conductorThomas Trotter organelspeth Dutch horn

elgar In the South 19’Mozart Horn Concerto No 4 K495 16’Widor Toccata from Organ Symphony No 5 6’Saint-Saëns Symphony No 3 (Organ) 34’

FRIDAY 18 SePTeMBeR, 11AM

BOOGIe PeTe LIve!

With Peter Hillier from the BAFTA award-winning BBC show Boogie Beebies.

Are you ready to boogie with Pete from CBeebie’s Boogie Beebies? Join Pete as he shows you some moves, some magic and some silliness in this fun packed show! Come and join in with all your favourite songs and dances; Go, Go Mango, Hey Monkey, Ocean Motion and many, many more.

£7.50

UnDeR 16s £6.50


SOWeTO GOSPeL CHOIR

Two-time Grammy Award winners, Soweto Gospel Choir return with a programme featuring choir and audience favourites from the past six years. Expect earthy rhythms, rich harmonies, energetic percussion and a touch of humour. Add dynamic dancing and vibrant, colourful costumes, and the mix is explosive.

£15, £18, £22, £24

Presented in association with The Drum


SATURDAY 19 SePTeMBeR, 7PM

exCeLL3

This event marks the tenth anniversary of Excell3, a national educational charity responsible for the National Black Boys Can Association and the Wise programmes.

£8

UnDeR 18s £5


SYMPHOnIC DAnCeS: I

Rachmaninov’s orchestral showpiece is bursting with energy and great melodies. Ravel was also fascinated by recreating dance forms in his orchestral music, and his 1920 ballet La Valse is the most extreme example, the point at which the old Viennese waltz implodes. Berlioz’s beautiful song-cycle completes the programme.

Sung in French, with English surtitles.£9.50, £13.50, £17, £20.50, £23.50, £28, £32, £37, £39.50

City of Birmingham Symphony OrchestraAndris nelsons conductorCharlotte Hellekant mezzo soprano

Ravel La Valse 13’Berlioz Les Nuits d’Été 32’Rachmaninov Symphonic Dances 36’

SATURDAY 26 SePTeMBeR, 7.30PM

TIM MInCHIn: ReADY FOR THIS?

After a sold out UK tour last autumn, uberminstrel Tim Minchin lugs his piano back out on the road to give those poor souls who missed out another chance to see his biting and brilliant show. Back from a massive Australian tour, Tim wants to know if you are Ready For This?, without really specifying what this is.

“Next big thing in musical comedy” Time Out

“The best musical comedian since Bill Bailey” The Times

£17.50 OveR 16s OnLY

SOlD OUT, rETUrNS ONly. ADDiTiONAl DATE ADDED: SATUrDAy 31 OcTObEr, 7.30Pm, SymPhONy hAll

SATURDAY 26 SePTeMBeR, 7PM

SeASCAPeS

Few composers have captured the power and ever changing mystery of the oceans better than Debussy and Britten. Mark-Anthony Turnage wrote his trumpet concerto for the brilliant Swedish virtuoso Håkan Hardenberger, and the CBSO is delighted to welcome him back to Birmingham for this outstanding work and his only UK performance of Haydn’s popular concerto in the composer’s bicentenary year.

FREE pre-concert talk 5.45pm£9.50, £13.50, £17, £20.50, £23.50, £28, £32, £37, £39.50

SUnDAY 27 SePTeMBeR, 8PM

RHOD GILBeRT

Rhod Gilbert & The Cat That Looked Like nicholas Lyndhurst

Following last year’s sell-out tour and sensational performances on The Royal Variety Performance, Live at the Apollo, and Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow, the Welsh Wonder is back on the road with a brand new show. Last year, he punched a shop assistant over the duvet tog-rating system and went berserk over a mince pie. This year Gilbert’s given his show a ridiculous title just to annoy someone in Canterbury. Is he, as he believes, a visionary in a sea of closed minds, or has he, as everyone else believes, got anger-management problems?

£15


An APPOInTMenT WITH DR CHRISTIAn JeSSen

Book yourself an appointment and spend the evening with Dr Christian Jessen. He will bust the myths behind health and fitness nonsense, frighten you over sexual health and teach you how to self diagnose. Dr Christian Jessen is the charismatic and popular host of Channel 4’s groundbreaking television shows Embarrassing Illnesses, Supersize Vs Superskinny and BAFTA award-winning Embarrassing Bodies.

£19.50

60PLUS, FULL-TIMe AnD PART-TIMe STUDenTS £17

OveR 16s OnLY, COnTAInS SOMe nUDITY


I’M SORRY I HAven’T A CLUe

Following two sell-out tours in 2007 and 2008, BBC Radio’s multi award-winning antidote to panel games starts an all-new touring stage show for 2009. Join Barry Cryer, Graeme Garden, Tim Brooke-Taylor, Jeremy Hardy and special guest host Jack Dee for an unmissable evening of inspired nonsense, recorded for broadcast on Radio 4.

£23.50, £25.50


TUeSDAY 22 SePTeMBeR, 8PM

JIMMY CARR - RAPIeR WIT

A heady mix of artistic integrity, loyalty and greed has put Jimmy back on the road. If you only see one comedy show this year… What’s the matter with you? Get out more.‘Rapier wit’ is defined as clever, quick, intelligent humour. Please note, Jimmy Carr doesn’t have ‘the long sword of a gentleman’ and even if you like him, ‘clever, quick and intelligent’ is a bit of a stretch.

£22.50

OveR 16s OnLY

SEPT SEPT

City of Birmingham Symphony OrchestraAndris nelsons conductorHåkan Hardenberger trumpet

Britten Peter Grimes, Four Sea Interludes & Passacaglia 23’ Turnage From the Wreckage 15’Haydn Trumpet Concerto in E flat 13’Debussy La mer 23’

Box Office 0121 780 3333 or visit www.thsh.co.uk10


eLGAR’S FALSTAFF

Falstaff is one of Shakespeare’s most lovable rogues, and Elgar’s affectionate portrait also tells us a great deal about the composer’s own private world in music of great character and good humour. Britten’s 1939 Canadian Carnival is a swaggering celebration of a more out-of-doors kind, and provides an ideal welcome for the return to Birmingham of the Canadian-born virtuoso Leila Josefowicz.

FREE pre-concert talk 6.15pm

£9.50, £13.50, £17, £20.50, £23.50, £28, £32, £37, £39.50

City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra Oliver Knussen conductorLeila Josefowicz violin

Britten Canadian Carnival 14’Matthews Violin Concerto (world premiere) 24’elgar Falstaff 36’


An AUDIenCe WITH TRISHA GODDARD

Join Trisha for an evening of stories about her journey to fame. Hear about her time in a girl band, as an air hostess, Australian TV primetime presenter and enjoy the chance to ask Trisha questions. No stranger to adversity, her ‘can do’ approach and sense of humour has helped her get through the tough times.

Her books The Family Survival Guide, her autobiography and the updated paperback version, will be on sale and signed by Trisha at the end of the performance.

£16 STALLS OnLY

60PLUS, GROUPS OF 10 OR MORe £14

SEPT

FRIDAYS 5.30PM TO 7.30PM

SUMMeR JAzz In BRInDLeYPLACe

7 August Oozells Square DeL CAMInO 14 August City Inn Cafe CHRIS BOWDen and the TOMORROW BAnD 21 August Oozells Square MOISeS and MAnGO ROOTS 28 August City Inn Cafe CHRIS ALDRIDGe & BeeBePresented with support from Brindleyplace

RUSH HOUR BLUeS

free jazz in Symphony hall’s level 3 bar on friday evenings at 5.30pm

After a long week at work come along and unwind in the intimate, relaxing atmosphere of Symphony Hall’s Level 3 Bar and let the sensational sounds of Rush Hour Blues help you find that Friday feeling. It’s all free – and you deserve it!

“It’s free and it really is the place to be.” Birmingham Post

Presented in association with Birmingham Jazz

18 September eSTHeR MILLeR & BAnD 25 September MIKe WILLIAMS QUARTeT

SATURDAY 5 SePTeMBeR, 12.30PM-3.30PM

SAx In THe CITY

featuring Andy hamilton and The blue Notesfree event in Symphony hall’s level 3 bar

Relax with Birmingham jazz legend Andy Hamilton as he brings you the finest in jazz together with his band The Blue Notes.

Supported by Arts Council England


BOLLYWOOD AnD BHAnGRA CeLeBRATIOn

With nachda Sansaar and Dance Sansaar

Join us for a celebration of all things Bollywood and Bhangra. This loud and vibrant dance workshop and energetic performance will give you the chance to try your hand (or feet) at some Bhangra and Bollywood steps.

ADULTS £5

60PLUS £4.50, UnDeR 16S £2.50

FAMILY TICKeT

(4 PeOPLe, MInIMUM 1 ADULT AnD 1 CHILD) £12

11Box Office 0121 780 3333 or visit www.thsh.co.uk SEPT

TUeSDAY 29 SePTeMBeR, 8PM

CURTIS STIGeRS

Curtis Stigers has one of the most distinctive voices in music. The singer/saxophonist/songwriter pushes the boundaries of conventional jazz performers, expanding the repertoire and creating modern jazz standards.

Curtis Stigers has been called “one of the best male jazz singers of his generation” by JazzTimes. His refusal to stand still, and his consistent desire to grow and evolve musically, has earned him admiration and recognition… and kept critics guessing.

Please note there is no support.

£24

frEE JAZZ

chilDrEN’S EVENT


THURSDAY 1 OCTOBeR, 7.30PM

An evenInG WITH JOAn BAez £37.50

THURSDAY 8 OCTOBeR, 7.30PM

ORQUeSTA BUenA vISTA SOCIAL CLUB £29.50

FRIDAY 9 OCTOBeR, 7.30PM

FRIDAY nIGHT CLASSICS: THe BeST OF THe WeST enD£9.50, £16.50, £23, £28.50, £33, £37, £39.50

SUnDAY 11 OCTOBeR, 3PM

An AFTeRnOOn WITH PAM AYReS£16.50

WeDneSDAY 14 OCTOBeR, 7.30PM THURSDAY 15 OCTOBeR, 7.30PM

GeRGIev, MARIInSKY AnD THe CBSO£5, £10, £14, £19, £24, £29, £34, £39, £44, £48


MAxIMUM RHYTHM n’ BLUeS: A nIGHT AT THe FLAMInGO£21.50


LADYSMITH BLACK MAMBAzO£26

SATURDAY 17 OCTOBeR, 8PM

MARY BLACK£25

MOnDAY 26 OCTOBeR, 7.30PM

THe PROCLAIMeRS£22.50

FRIDAY 30 OCTOBeR, 8PM

WISHBOne ASH WITH SPeCIAL GUeSTS THe HAMSTeRS£17.50

FRIDAY 6 nOveMBeR, 8PM

SALSA CeLTICA£16

SATURDAY 7 nOveMBeR, 8PM

eLKIe BROOKS – LIve In COnCeRT£21.50

THURSDAY 12 nOveMBeR, 8PM

SHOW OF HAnDS WITH MIRAnDA SYKeS, SPeCIAL GUeST FLOSSIe MALAvIALLe£17.50


BILL WYMAn’S RHYTHM KInGS£26.50

WeDneSDAY 18 nOveMBeR, 7.30PM

BRYn TeRFeL £19.50, £25.50, £29.50, £40, £50, £65

THURSDAY 19 nOveMBeR, 8PM

eD BYRne: DIFFeRenT CLASS£17.50

WeDneSDAY 25 nOveMBeR, 8PM

STeWART Lee: IF YOU PReFeR A MILDeR COMeDIAn, PLeASe ASK FOR One£15

THURSDAY 26 nOveMBeR, 7.30PM

RAYMOnD FROGGATT: BLUe AnD GOLD TOUR£18.50

WeDneSDAY 9 DeCeMBeR, 7.30PM

LeSLeY GARReTT£11.50, £15.50, £21.50, £26.50, £33.50, £37.50

THURSDAY 10 DeCeMBeR, 7.30PM

KATe RUSBY AT CHRISTMAS£20

COMInG SOOn


A SeRIeS OF evenTS CeLeBRATInG TOWn HALL’S HeRITAGe

FRIDAY 1 OCTOBeR, 11.30AM & 3PM

TOWn HALL 175TH BIRTHDAY TeA DAnCeS £7.50

SATURDAY 3 OCTOBeR, 7PM

TOWn HALL 175TH BIRTHDAY COnCeRT: HAnDeL’S MeSSIAHThe Sixteen Choir & Orchestra

£5, £6.50, £15, £27.50, £40

SUnDAY 4 OCTOBeR, 11AM

175 TODAY! BIRTHDAY CARnIvAL OPen DAY


175TH BIRTHDAY ORGAn COnCeRT: THOMAS TROTTeR£5, £6.50, £10, £15, £20

SUnDAY 11 OCTOBeR, 7PM

THe OLD DAnCe SCHOOL, THe TOY HeARTS AnD THe DeSTROYeRS£10 standing, £12 seated


A HALL FOR ALL SeASOnS: 175 YeARS OF CLASSICAL MUSICA talk by Lyndon Jenkins and Beresford King-Smith

£10, price includes complimentary tea or coffee

WeDneSDAY 21 OCTOBeR, 7.30PM

A HAnSOM BUILDInG: TOWn HALL, AnCIenT AnD MODeRn A talk by Barry Adams, Project Architect and Anthony Peers, Project Historian

£10

SATURDAY 24 OCTOBeR, 7PM-2AM

175TH BIRTHDAY SALSA BALL: GRUPO x ALL-STARS In A TRIBUTe TO TITO PUenTe£18.50

SATURDAY 31 OCTOBeR, 7.30PM

HALLOWeen SILenT MOvIe SPeCIAL: PHAnTOM OF THe OPeRA (1925) PG£15

MOnDAY 2 nOveMBeR, 2.30PM & 6.30PM

TOWn HALL, BIRMInGHAM, & WORLD WAR IIProfessor Carl Chinn presents a talk with live music from Garry Allcock’s All-Stars

£10

SUnDAY 15 nOveMBeR, 3PM

CeLeBRATInG DARWIn: IS HUMAn evOLUTIOn OveR? Talk by Professor Steve Jones

£10

SATURDAY 21 nOveMBeR, 7.30PM

ALAAP, HeeRA & MOnA: 175TH BIRTHDAY BHAnGRA BASH £16.50

UnDeR 16s, £8.50


STeeLeYe SPAn – 40TH AnnIveRSARY TOUR£14.50, £16, £18.50

SATURDAY 28 nOveMBeR, 7.30PM SUnDAY 29 nOveMBeR, 4PM

eLGAR’S DReAM OF GeROnTIUS ex Cathedra xL Anniversary Choir

£5, £6.50, £15, £27.50, £40


CAPSULe 10TH BIRTHDAY COnCeRT£12.50

MOnDAY 7 DeCeMBeR, 7.30PM

A CHRISTMAS CAROL BY CHARLeS DICKenSPerformed by Clive Francis

£15

UnDeR 16s, £7.50


SIR WILLARD WHITe: ROBeSOn Re-exPLOReD£5, £6.50, £13.50, £18.50, £25



FRIDAY 18 DeCeMBeR, 7.30PM

WHITe CHRISTMAS

SATURDAY 19 DeCeMBeR, 7.30PM

CAROLS BY CAnDLeLIGHT


CHRISTMAS CAROL SInGALOnG

THURSDAY 24 DeCeMBeR, 3PM

CHRISTMAS eve CLASSICS

SUnDAY 27 DeCeMBeR, 7.30PM

LAST nIGHT OF THe CHRISTMAS PROMS

MOnDAY 28 DeCeMBeR, 7.30PM

SIMPLY GeRSHWIn

TUeSDAY 29 DeCeMBeR, 7.30PM

A nIGHT AT THe OPeRA


THe SOUnD OF MUSICALS

THURSDAY 31 DeCeMBeR, 5PM & 9.30PM

neW YeAR’S eve GALA

CHRISTMAS 2009All concerts will be on sale

from Monday 22 June

SYMPHOnY HALL

PUBLIC TOURS SYMPHOnY HALL

SATURDAY 29 AUGUST, 11AM & MOnDAY 31 AUGUST, 11AM

TUeSDAY 1 SePTeMBeR, 11AM & FRIDAY 4 SePTeMBeR, 11AM

Join our tour guides on an exciting journey around Symphony Hall. Discover the world-famous acoustics within the stunning auditorium. You’ll have the chance to see where the stars relax by visiting a dressing room, learning about the history of the venue and finding out about the magnificent Symphony Organ.

Tours last approximately an hour and a half.

TOWn HALLMOnDAY 3 AUGUST, 11AM & FRIDAY 7 AUGUST, 11AM

SATURDAY 5 SePTeMBeR, 2.30PM & MOnDAY 28 SePTeMBeR, 11AM

Acclaimed at its opening in 1834 as the finest music hall in the country, this Grade 1 listed landmark has been lovingly and painstakingly renovated by a dedicated team of conservation and construction professionals. Come and discover the Town Hall, learn about performers past and present, find out about the history and heritage and discover its transformation since its closure in 1996.

Tours last approximately an hour. To book tours please call the box Office on 0121 780 3333

ADULTS £6

60PLUS, FULL-TIMe STUDenTS, UnDeR 16s, UnWAGeD, DISABLeD PATROnS £5

Please advise the Box Office at the time of the booking if any member of your group will be in a wheelchair or has difficulty walking. Town Hall and Symphony Hall now offer British Sign Language interpreted Public Tours. To book a BSL Public Tour or for more information, please email the THSH Education/Community Department – [email protected]

BeCOMe OUR FRIenDAs a Friend of Town Hall and Symphony Hall you will receive exclusive benefits.

With newsletters, invitations to events, ticket offers, and a Friends Booking Line, this is the perfect opportunity to find out more about our great venues. Your membership also supports the important work undertaken by Town Hall and Symphony Hall, bringing great arts experiences to everyone in our community.

Friends membership can also make the perfect gift for birthdays, anniversaries or to say thank you! For further information on being our Friend please contact us on 0121 644 5072, or email [email protected]

CORPORATe AnD PRIvATe HIRe evenTSTown Hall and Symphony Hall welcome bookings for private and corporate hires. If you are looking for a unique space to entertain clients, impress peers or celebrate a special occasion, then our two spectacular venues can provide the perfect backdrop for your event. For more information please visit www.thsh.co.uk/corporate

To enquire about hiring our venues please contact: [email protected] or call us on: 0121 644 6053.

WeDneSDAY 23 DeCeMBeR – SUnDAY 3 JAnUARY*

THe GRUFFALO LIve On STAGe!

This big scary monster is heading to Town Hall this Christmas! Join Mouse on an adventurous journey through the deep dark wood in this magical, musical adaptation of the award-winning picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler (“a modern classic” The Observer). Mouse can scare hungry animals away with tall stories of the terrifying Gruffalo, but what happens when he comes face to face with the very creature he imagined? Songs, laughs and scary fun for children aged three and up, and their adults… Let your imagination run wild!

£10.50 Recommended for age 3+ *no shows on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and new Year’s Day

FRIDAY 1 JAnUARY, 3PM

JOHAnn STRAUSS GALA

SATURDAY 2 JAnUARY, 3PM

GLenn MILLeR ORCHeSTRA

SUnDAY 3 JAnUARY, 3PM

2010 SUnDAY AFTeRnOOn CLASSICS


BOOKInG InFORMATIOnLOST TICKETSA charge may be made for printing duplicate tickets.

CONCERTS BY COACHThese coach schemes are organised by regular concert–goers.

Telford & Newport: The Newport Music Coach, Anita Davies 01952 813340

Shropshire & mid Wales: The Concerts Coach, Frank North 01743 790400

South Shropshire: Ludlow & District Theatre & Arts Group, Bronwen Coldwell 01584 831323

Droitwich & bromsgrove: Bromsgrove Music Tours, Jennie McGregor Smith 01527 872422

leominster & hereford: Mary Seldon, 01885 482543. Email: [email protected]

DATA PROTECTIONOnce you have booked tickets for Town Hall or Symphony Hall your contact details will be held and processed on our Box Office database. From time to time we and the artists/performers may send you information about forthcoming events (including the artists’/performers’ events at other venues) using any one of the contact methods you have provided. Other arts organisations and companies carefully selected by Performances Birmingham may also be interested in sending you information on events and products they think will be of interest. If you do not want your details to be passed to another organisation please tell us at the time of booking. (Data Protection Act (1998). Registration No X3281 12 8.)

DISCLAIMERInformation and prices in this guide were correct at the time of going to press – please check prior to booking. Unforeseen circumstances, however, may result in changes to the published programme or named artists. The timings given for each piece are for guidance and may vary in performance.

Performances Birmingham Limited – a company controlled by Birmingham City Council – is a Registered Charity No. 1053937. Registered in England No. 3169600. Registered Office: Symphony Hall, Broad Street, Birmingham, UK B1 2EA.

Photography: Adrian Burrows (Symphony Hall, Thomas Trotter, Andris Nelsons), Mike Gutteridge (Symphony Hall, Town Hall), Jonathan Lee (Education). Design by Cogent Elliott.


HOW TO BOOKA £2 fee per transaction will be charged on all bookings except purchases made in person at the Box Office.

OnLInewww.thsh.co.uk for full price and some discounted tickets. If you require any other reduced price tickets, contact the Box Office on 0121 780 3333.

BY PHOneCall our Box Office on 0121 780 3333.

In PeRSOnTown Hall and Symphony Hall Box Office at Town Hall in Victoria Square or Symphony Hall on Broad Street.

Symphony Hall Box Office is open 10am–6pm Monday to Saturday & 12pm–4pm on a Sunday.

Town Hall Box Office is open 11am–5pm Monday to Saturday & 12pm–4pm on a Sunday.

Opening hours may be extended on concert days.

BY POSTSend payment to Town Hall & Symphony Hall Box Office, Symphony Hall, Broad Street, Birmingham, B1 2EA . Please do not send cash through the post.

HOW TO PAY

BY CReDIT/DeBIT CARDIf paying by post please include the expiry date (and Issue Number for Maestro cards) and the address of the registered cardholder. Tickets will be sent to this address.

BY CHeQUeCheques should be made payable to Performances Birmingham Ltd with the amount left open, but stating an upper limit in the bottom left hand corner.

DISCOUNTSDiscounts vary from concert to concert and are subject to availability.

Please check our website or ask for details when booking.

CITY OF BIRMInGHAM SYMPHOnY ORCHeSTRA SeASOn 2009/10Discounted tickets are available for concert package bookers, groups of 11 or more, families, students and young people 25 and under, benefit recipients and through the Birmingham Passport to Leisure scheme.

GROUPSDiscounts on selected concerts. For further information or to make a booking, phone our Group Booking Department on FREEPHONE 0800 358 7070, open 10am to 5pm Monday to Saturday.

All tickets are offered subject to availability. Proof of eligibility may be required when purchasing/collecting reduced price tickets. Discounts vary per concert, please check with the Box Office.



SeATInG PLAnS

SYMPHONY HALL

THe CenTRe SHOPAdjacent to the cloakroom off the ICC Mall, offering a range of gifts, souvenirs, cards, newspapers, magazines and confectionery.

CAFÉ vITeSituated in the ICC Mall, open 7 days a week offering a fantastic range of high quality food and drink. Opening times may vary, please see the Café for details.

FOYeR BARSSymphony Hall’s foyer bars open an hour before the start of a concert and stay open for the interval and post concert on Level 3, serving a variety of drinks and snacks. To pre-order interval drinks download a form from www.thsh.co.uk/page/planning-your-visit/eating-and-drinking

TOWN HALL

COFFee BARSituated in the main foyer of Town Hall and serving light snacks and refreshments. Open 10am until the end of the interval on concert evenings, until 5pm Monday to Friday, when there is no evening show, and until 4pm at weekends, when there is no evening show.

FOYeR BARSTown Hall’s foyer bars open an hour before the start of a concert and stay open for the interval and post concert on the Lower and Circle Levels, serving a variety of hot and cold drinks. To pre-order interval drinks download a form from www.thsh.co.uk/page/planning-your-visit/eating-and-drinking

FRee Wi-Fi AT TOWn HALLTown Hall Coffee Bar now provides totally free Wi-Fi access without having to subscribe to a specific provider. All you have to do is make any purchase from the Coffee Bar, and you will receive the daily password.

DInInG, DRInKInG & SHOPPInG

DOn’T FORGeT!A range of gifts and souvenirs are available from our Symphony Hall Gift Desk during concerts including our cuddly squirrel mascots, mouse mats, greeting cards and even musical fridge magnets! A limited mail order service is also available, please contact us on 0121 200 2382 for further details.

e opComplete your Town Hall and Symphony Hall experience with a visit to our shop. Situated in the ICC Mall, THe SHop offers a range of Town Hall and Symphony Hall inspired gifts and an exceptional range of music. Opening times - 11am to 6pm Monday to Saturday and until late on concert nights. For more information call 0121 200 2382.



The promotion of music as a life-enhancing experience is at the heart of Performances Birmingham’s work. Symphony Hall has a long history of working with 5–18 year olds, offering many ways to participate and develop skills whilst supporting teachers and group leaders. Town Hall helps to extend this work by providing additional performance, training and lifelong learning opportunities for under 5s, families and senior citizens from all walks of life. We aim to reach more than 20,000 people every year.

We currently run five programmes of activity and for more information, especially regarding tours, please contact the Education/Community Department on 0121 644 6051 or email [email protected]

eDUCATIOn/COMMUnITY

THe SCIenCe OF SOUnD/ORGAnLooking at the acoustics, architecture, and engineering of both Symphony Hall and Town Hall and the music, materials, maths and mechanics of both organs.

SInGInGLarge-scale choral events for primary school children and choral training for teachers. We are very grateful for the support we receive from the Patrons of our Singing Programme – the Peter & Jane How Trust.

DISCOveRInG OUR HeRITAGeTelling the story of Birmingham’s social, architectural, political and musical history focusing on the contribution of both Town Hall and Symphony Hall.

InSPIRInG PeRFORMAnCeOpportunities for young people to engage and perform with professional artists, contribute to our performance programme, design and run their own events, undertake hands-on training and access courses in multi-media and music technology. We run a series of interactive family events at Town Hall on the first Saturday of each month.

TeCHnOLOGY In MUSICOur projects use technology in fun and innovative ways to inspire children and young people to explore music, the arts and their own imagination! Working within our unique concert halls and our cutting edge Patrick Musictech Studio we strive to integrate technology with artists and performances to create an inspiring musical experience for all involved.

ACCeSSIBILITYThis guide is available free of charge on audiocassette or Braille (on request) from: Lynda Shaw, Sound Services, VISTA , Margaret Rd. (off Gwendolen Rd), Leicester, LE5 5FU. Tel: 0116 249 8817

Email: [email protected] for Disabled Patrons 0121 780 4949Minicom Line 0121 644 6140

cUSTOmErS WiTh mObiliTy DificUlTiES:

TOWn HALLPlease note that there are steps up to the Stalls and Circle but a lift is available. The Stalls have flat access to all seats and generous space between rows. Patrons who need to remain in their wheelchairs during the performance can book spaces in the Stalls and the Side Circle. There are accessible toilets on all levels.

SYMPHOnY HALLAll levels are accessible by lift, but there are steps within the auditorium on all levels, including the Stalls – please ask when booking if you need flat access to your seats.

Areas for patrons who need to remain in their wheelchairs during the performance are located in the Stalls (and for classical concerts are also available in the Upper Circle). There are accessible toilets on Level 3 (Stalls) and Level 5 (Upper Circle).

DEAf AND hArD Of hEAriNG cUSTOmErS:

TOWn HALLThe auditorium is equipped with a hearing loop system. Please switch your hearing aid to the T position.

SYMPHOnY HALLThe auditorium is equipped with an infrared hearing enhancement system. You need to collect a receiver to use this system. Receivers are available free of charge – please ask a steward.

bliND AND PArTiAlly SiGhTED cUSTOmErS:

TOWn HALL & SYMPHOnY HALLGuide dogs are welcome and can remain in the auditorium or be cared for by a steward in the foyer. Please ask if you need any assistance.

PArKiNG fOr blUE bADGE hOlDErS:

TOWn HALLThere are three spaces directly outside Town Hall (accessed from Paradise Circus). These spaces must be booked in advance by calling the Stage Door on 0121 644 5039. Please have your vehicle registration number and Blue Badge number to hand when you call.

SYMPHOnY HALLAccompanied wheelchair users may be dropped off in King Alfred Place outside the front entrance to the ICC. Limited parking for disabled people driving themselves is available at the ICC, and must be pre-booked by calling the Box Office on 0121 780 4949. Requests for four or more concerts should be put in writing to THSH Box Office, Symphony Hall, Broad St, Birmingham, B1 2EA. Please allow two weeks for a reply.

If you would like more information about parking for Blue Badge holders in Birmingham please call 0121 303 6644.


THAnK YOU TO OUR SUPPORTeRSPerformances Birmingham is one of the largest regional arts charities in the country. We invite people to discover great performances at the heart of Birmingham and participate in community arts projects at our two world-famous venues. Ticket sales alone cannot sustain our programme; we rely on voluntary contributions to enable us to continue and expand our work. We aim to reach even more people within our communities and further develop our wide-ranging programme. We would like to thank all our supporters for their generous contributions to our charitable work over the last year.

DLA Piper

CORPORATe SPOnSORS CORPORATe FRIenDS

DOnORS Alan WoodfieldAnn CopseyBig Sky BannersBirmingham Decorative & Fine Arts SocietyThe Chatwin TrustCoutts Charitable TrustThe Garfield Weston FoundationThe George Cadbury Trust

The Golsoncott FoundationGrantham Yorke TrustThe Owen Family TrustThe Patrick TrustPeter & Jane How TrustRedman Fisher EngineeringRotary International in Great Britain and IrelandOur supporters, volunteers and Friends

BUSIneSS PARTneRS

BBC Music Magazine Classic FM Radio XL

If you are interested in supporting Town Hall and Symphony Hall and would like further information please take a look at our website www.thsh.co.uk/page/support-us/ or contact our Development Team on 0121 644 5010 or 0121 644 5075.

You can also make a donation online or organise your own fundraising event for Town Hall and Symphony Hall through Just Giving http://justgiving.com/performbirmingham. For volunteering enquiries, please email [email protected]

OUR PARTneRSRush Hour Blues is presented in association with

BBC Big Band concerts presented in association with

Sax in the City is supported by

thsh what's on guide august & september 2009

Documents

town hall renovation

symphony hall foyers

ussymphony hall

information visit

car car parking

taste of town hallsun

rail information

free parking