What's On — All events

Bach's Brandenburg Concer... Birmingham International Concert Season 2010/11
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Tue 26 Oct 7:30pm Town Hall

Bach’s Six _Brandenburg_ Concertos are overflowing with music of supreme energy, tunefulness, good humour and invention. For nearly forty years the Academy of Ancient Music has been at the forefront of Baroque performance, playing 'always with a scholar’s attention to accuracy and a rock musician’s joyous zeal' (Fort Worth Star-Telegram). Classic FM’s Anne-Marie Minhall, says of tonight’s recommended concert: “The Brandenburg Concertos were so named for an ungrateful Marquis who didn’t particularly care for them. Perhaps the minor royal was having a bad day because each of these jewels has something exceptional to offer the listener.” 6.15pm Pre-concert talk: Richard Egarr in conversation with Lyndon Jenkins.
"*Academy of Ancient Music*":http://www.aam.co.uk/ *Richard Egarr* _director/harpsichord_
*J S Bach* The Six Brandenburg Concertos 96’ There will be one interval and the concert will end at approximately 9:30pm.
Tango Pasión: Ulti...
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Wed 27 Oct 7:30pm Town Hall

Two decades after the Broadway success of _Tango Argentino_, creators reignited the passion of Tango with a brand-new live spectacle, combining virtuosity with sensuality - the result _Tango Pasiόn_, has since taken the international stage by storm, enthralling audiences with its charm and zeal. Experience the energy, zest and fervour of pure Argentinean Tango, music and song in this magnificent, captivating performance, presented by 12 of Buenos Aires finest Tango dancers, seamlessly choreographed by Hector Zaraspe - former tutor to Rudolf Nureyev and Dame Margot Fonteyn - accompanied by the salient sounds of the live six-piece orchestra, _Tango Pasión Sexteto_, directed by Juan Carlos Zunini. "Click here to visit the Tango Pasión website":http://www.tangopasion.com/
Robert Plant and Band of ... Plus special guests
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Wed 27 Oct 7:30pm Symphony Hall

Former Led Zeppelin lead singer Robert Plant has crafted a spectacular solo career that has seen him win two Grammys and record classic albums like 1988's triple platinum _Now and Zen_ and 2007's acclaimed collaboration with Allison Kraus, _Raising Sand_. A revelation live, hear Robert Plant's amazing voice as he sings blues, folk and rock.
*Robert Plant* Band of Joy: *Buddy Miller* _guitar and vocals_ *Darrell Scott* _vocals, mandolin, guitar, accordion, pedal, lap steel and banjo_ *Patty Griffin* _vocals and guitar_ *Byron House* _bass_ *Marco Giovino* _percussion_
Children under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult.
The RAF In Concert 70th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain
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Thu 28 Oct 7:30pm Symphony Hall

This year's prestigious Royal Air Force in Concert Tour officially commemorates the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Britain with an exciting and nostalgic programme of music that will conjure up the atmosphere surrounding Britain's 'finest hour'. The varied programme ranges from the _Battle of Britain March_ by Goodwin and the _Fighter Command March_ by Alwyn to Gershwin’s _A Foggy Day in London Town_ and _Rhapsody in Blue_. Sing along to _Underneath the Arches_ and _Blue Birds Over the White Cliffs of Dover_. Enjoy the Big Band swing sound of the RAF Squadronaires as they perform a Glenn Miller tribute and the trumpet classic _Tico Tico_. Flight Lieutenant Matthew Little will again delight audiences with his vocal talents, performing under the baton of the RAF's Principal Director of Music, Wing Commander Duncan Stubbs. A wonderful trip down memory lane, this flag-waving, musical tribute to the men and women who took part in the Battle of Britain is not to be missed!
*Alan Dedicoat* (Radio 2) _compere_
Nils Lofgren Acoustic Duo... with no support and no interval
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Thu 28 Oct 8:00pm Town Hall

The legendary American songwriter, virtuoso guitarist and pianist, is back in the UK for a rare tour. He's famed for his appearance on Neil Young's seminal album _After The Goldrush_, as a long-time member of Bruce Springsteen's E-Street band and as a superb front-man himself, both with Grin and under his own name. Nils's latest album _Sacred Weapon_ features contributions from legends Willie Nelson, David Crosby and Graham Nash, along with a duet with old Grin bandmate Bob Berberich. Expect classic Lofgren tunes like _Take You To The Movies_, _Back It Up_, _Keith Don't Go_ and many others from his vast back catalogue. A superb evening in store.
CBSO Friday Night Classic...
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Fri 29 Oct 7:30pm Symphony Hall

Whether you love or hate the Halloween silly-season, some great music has been written for horror films. Escape the trick-or-treaters, and let the CBSO scare you silly with music from _Frankenstein_, _Psycho_, _The Omen_ and lots more terrifying favourites. There may not be any nightmare nasties to be seen in Symphony Hall, but with music this creepy and the dramatic sound effects that a full symphony orchestra can throw at you, your imagination will do the rest. We’re sure you’ll have a great evening, but it might leave you wanting to sleep with the lights on... 6.15pm Pre-concert talk. Film music fanatic Tommy Pearson talks to conductor Michael Seal.
*Michael Seal* _conductor_ *Tommy Pearson* _presenter_ *CBSO Chorus*
Featuring music from: _Psycho_, _Poltergeist_, _Frankenstein_, _The Witches of Eastwick_, _Hannibal_, _The Omen_, _Bride of Frankenstein_, _Halloween H2O_, _Edward Scissorhands_, _Jurassic Park_, _The Devil Rides Out_
Maximum Rhythm N' Blues With the manfreds and special guests alan price and cliff bennett
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Fri 29 Oct 8:00pm Town Hall

Maximum Rhythm N’ Blues is back once again boasting some of the finest quality talent ever assembled on one stage. This all-star line up features The Manfreds with original members Paul Jones, Mike D’Abo, Tom McGuinness and Mike Hugg and their special guests Alan Price and Cliff Bennett. These artists learned their craft by playing the exciting London club circuit in such famous clubs of the time as ‘The Flamingo’, ‘Klooks Kleeks’, ‘Ricky Ticks’, ‘Eel Pie Island’, and ‘Ronnie Scotts’ and ‘The 101 Club’ creating the birth of British Rhythm N Blues, which rapidly spread across the nation. After the successful reunion of The Manfreds in 1991, the band injects all of the enthusiasm back into their timeless anthems _Do Wah Diddy Diddy_, _5-4-3-2-1_ and _Mighty Quinn_. Alan Price brings his own quintessential style to the bill with his classics _I Put A Spell On You_, _Simon Smith And His Amazing Bear_ and _The House That Jack Built_. Rebel Rouser Cliff Bennett completes the bill bringing with him hits _One Way Live_, _I’ll Take You Home_ and _Got To Get You into My Life_.
English Schools Orchestra Annual Concert
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Sat 30 Oct 3:30pm Symphony Hall

The "English Schools’ Orchestra":http://esoc.gb.com returns to Symphony Hall to perform two monumental works in this ideal setting. Fine young orchestral musicians from around the country join the wonderful City of Birmingham Choir and four outstanding soloists for this spectacular event.
*Robert Pepper MBE* _conductor_ *Sara Hartley* _soprano_ *Lisa Byrnes* _mezzo-soprano_ *Octavio dos Santos Neto* _tenor_ *Gerard Delrez* _bass-baritone_
*Respighi* _The Pines of Rome_ 25' *Verdi* Requiem 90'
Seth Lakeman Plus support
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Sat 30 Oct 8:00pm Town Hall

Seth's live show, as with everything else he does, takes the established folk orthodoxy and turns it on its head. The spirit of the rock band meets the timeless and heartfelt subject matter of the folk tale in a blur of fiddle, acoustic guitar and foot-stomping rhythms, with Seth's unmistakable vocals riding the wave. *'The musical equivalent of the bodice-ripping blockbuster'* The Guardian "Click here to visit Seth Lakeman's website":http://www.sethlakeman.co.uk "Click here to visit Seth Lakeman's myspace page":http://www.myspace.com/sethlakeman
CBSO The Birmingham Mahle...
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Sun 31 Oct 7:00pm Symphony Hall

History lessons were never meant to be this exciting. Shostakovich’s 11th Symphony isn’t just a musical re-telling of the failed Revolution of 1905; it’s an epic drama - a vast, teeming panorama of a great nation on the brink of chaos. It’s been compared to a film score, but, this being Shostakovich, it’s also a powerful and emotionally-charged musical tragedy, shot through with coded messages. It’ll be a thrilling challenge for our world-class Youth Orchestra - and who better to harness all that youthful energy than veteran Russian maestro Vassily Sinaisky? First, though, comes Mahler’s ravishing Rückert Lieder - part of this season’s Birmingham Mahler Cycle - and Wagner’s barnstorming overture, a heady mix of solemn grandeur and raw, untamed passion. Sounds perfect for our young players! A Bequest Patrons’ Reception will take place before this concert. For information about leaving a legacy, contact Eve Smith on 0121 616 6533. Part of "The Birmingham Mahler Cycle":http://www.thsh.co.uk/the-birmingham-mahler-cycle
*Vassily Sinaisky* _conductor_ *Katarina Karnéus* _mezzo_
*Wagner* _Tannhäuser_ - Overture 14’ *Mahler* _Rückert Lieder_ 18’ *Shostakovich* Symphony No.11 (_The Year 1905_) 65’
The Hunchback of Notre Da... Halloween Silent Movie Special
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Sun 31 Oct 7:30pm Town Hall

In this silent classic, master of horror Lon Chaney gives what is widely regarded as one of his finest performances. Chaney plays deformed bellringer Quasimodo, who is one of many to fall for the beautiful gypsy Esmeralda. This dramatic tale of murder, kidnap, romance and peasant revolt on the streets of Paris is brought to life by renowned cinema organist Nigel Ogden, who will improvise a stunning accompaniment on Town Hall’s monumental 1834 organ.
Improvised organ accompaniment by *Nigel Ogden*
Please note: This is the original 1923 movie starring Lon Cheney.
Lunchtime Organ Concert Thomas Trotter
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Mon 1 Nov 1:00pm Town Hall

*Wagner* Pilgrim’s Chorus (arr. Lemare) *Pachelbel* Chorale-Partita _Was Gott tut, das ist wohlgetan_ *Morandi* Bell-Rondo (arr. Best) *Liszt* Variations on _Weinen, Klagen, Sorgen, Zagen_ *Vierne* _Final_ from Symphony No 6
Nigel Kennedy plays Vival...
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Mon 1 Nov 7:30pm Symphony Hall

For over 25 years, Nigel Kennedy has been acknowledged as one of the world's leading violin virtuosos and is, without doubt, one of the most important violinists Britain has ever produced. The best selling classical violinist of all time returns to Symphony Hall with his new orchestra, the Orchestra of Life, for an evening of Vivaldi, including his legendary interpretation of The Four Seasons. Nigel says "I am so happy to be bringing my new orchestra to the UK for these dates and playing Vivaldi and the Four Seasons - they are amazingly brilliant young players at the top of their form."

*Vivaldi* Violin Concerto in A Minor, RV356 *Vivaldi* Concerto for Violin and Oboe, in B flat *Vivaldi* Concerto for Two Violins *Vivaldi* Violin Concertos, _The Four Seasons_
Ralph McTell Please note there is no support and no interval
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Mon 1 Nov 8:00pm Town Hall

Described by Billy Connolly as ʻBritain's best singer/songwriterʼ, Ralph McTell is one of the UK's most consummate entertainers. He has won The Ivor Novello Award and a BBC Lifetime Achievement Award for his songwriting. Ralph takes the audience on a ninety-minute journey along the musical path he has followed for over four decades. Ralph's astute observation and wry take on life shine through his songs and anecdotes. His rich baritone voice and his virtuosity on guitar promise a very special evening. *'A big man with a big heart and a big, big talent.'* Willy Russell *'McTell hits the spot by telling your personal story: yours and everyone's.'* The Guardian

Please note there is no support and no interval. The performance is expected to finish at approximately 9.30pm.
Ruthie Henshall - Sounds ...
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Tue 2 Nov 7:30pm Symphony Hall

Step back in time to the glamorous era of the great Hollywood musicals. Performing hit songs famous by *LIZA MINNELLI*, *BARBRA STREISAND*, *JULIE ANDREWS*, *ETHEL MERMAN* and *JUDY GARLAND*, vibrantly brought to life by Olivier Award winning West End Star and Dancing on Ice Judge *Ruthie Henshall* backed by a talented cast and the *London Concert Orchestra* conducted by *Richard Balcombe*. *Ruthie Henshall*, performs live in her own incomparable style such classics as *There’s No Business Like Show Business*, *Wouldn’t It Be Loverly*, *People*, *Don’t Rain on My Parade*, *Anything You Can Do*, *I Can Do Better*,*The Man That Got Away* and *Somewhere over the Rainbow* from the Oscar winning movies *My Fair Lady*, *Funny Girl* and *A Star is Born*.
In Aid of the CBSO Benevo...
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Tue 2 Nov 7:30pm Book through our ticket office for CBSO Centre

More details to follow.
Norma Waterson & Eliz...
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Tue 2 Nov 8:00pm Town Hall

Norma Waterson and Eliza Carthy are not simply two of the country's finest exponents of traditional song. With their rich, distinctive and authentic voices, mother and daughter have effortlessly engaged new audiences and admirers across two generations. Between them, Norma and Eliza have three Mercury Prize nominations and have both been presented with BBC Folk Singer of the Year awards (Norma in 2001, Eliza in 2003), as well as innumerable other accolades. Although they have recorded together on many occasions over the years, _The Gift_ is Norma and Eliza's first, much anticipated, duo release which will be supported by a major landmark tour. Norma and Eliza will be touring as a five piece band including Martin Carthy, performing traditional classics as well as some unexpected gems. Norma Waterson and Eliza Carthy bring all these songs to life, no matter what the origin, with their wonderfully versatile and compassionate voices. This concert highlights their new record, _The Gift_, due for release in July 2010.
Mary Chapin Carpenter & special guest Tift Merritt
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Wed 3 Nov 7:30pm Town Hall

Country-folk singer-songwriter Mary Chapin became a Nashvile darling for her album _State of The Heart_, and in the twenty years since her breakthrough, her subtle, peaceful sound has won countless devoted fans and several Grammies. Tonight she performs from her new album _The Age of Miracles_. ‘Carpenter’s talents remain timeless’ Billboard
Centre Stage - Violissimo...
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Thu 4 Nov 1:10pm Book through our ticket office for CBSO Centre

Programme to include: *York Bowen* _Phantasy Quartet_ *J. S. Bach* _Chaconne in D minor_
Le Mystere des Voix Bulga...
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Thu 4 Nov 7:30pm Town Hall

Le Mystere Des Voix Bulgares is an internationally renowned vocal ensemble that blends traditional six-part a cappella repertoire with modern arrangements to create a richness of sound and otherworldly mood. The singers 'jubilate, shout, ornament, form fast and perfect glissandos, let one crazy rhythm follow another and make their voices build the most darling cords.' The appeal of the group has to do with the beauty of its sound, the character of its music and the connection of this music with universal human feelings and experiences. *'…when they open their voices out come timeless melodies and rich, strange harmonies that make every hair on your body stand on end.'* Timeout, New York *'Bulgarian music is stunningly beautiful, the voices are exceptional, the melodies are extraordinary and I think people are just stunned by it...the vocal style is just magic.'* The New York Times "Visit the website":http://themysteryofthebulgarianvoices.com