THSH What's On Guide December 2009 & January 2010

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

Lesley Garrett Wednesday 9 December, 7.30pm Symphony Hall

Supported by

WH

AT’S

ON

AT T

OW

N H

ALL

AN

D S

YMP

HO

NY

HA

LLD

ECEM

BER

200

9 -

JAN

UA

RY

2010

Box Office 0121 780 3333 or visit www.thsh.co.uk 4Box Office 0121 780 3333 or visit www.thsh.co.uk 4

CONTENTS

3 Highlights

4-23 December Events

23-34 January Events

35 Coming Soon

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

37 Children’s Events

38 Public Tours

39 Education/Community

40 Booking Information

41 Seating Plans

42 Accessibility

43 Dining, Drinking & Shopping

44 Supporting Town Hall and Symphony Hall

45 How to Reach Us

46 Concerts at a Glance

C Schubert from Bostridge and Pappano p30 Barenboim plays Beethoven p33

The New York Voices with the BBC Big Band p16Glenn Miller Orchestra p24

Ray Davies in Concert p11David Gray p13

Kate Rusby at Christmas p9Tom Paxton p32

A Christmas Carol p7Ringside p26

Johann Strauss Gala p23Anton & Erin – Steppin’ Out p27

The Gruffalo p19 Children’s Events p37

HIGHLIGHTS

J

FOLKSPOKEN WORD

DFAMILY

ROCK & POP

Supported by Town Hall renovation also funded by

WELCOME tO YOuR guIDE tO thE ShOWS At tOWN hALL AND SYMPhONY hALL IN DECEMBER AND JANuARY

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

In 2009, Town Hall marks its milestone 175TH anniversary with a special series of events including concerts, talks, dances, films and more. The 175TH anniversary celebrates Town Hall’s unique and continuing heritage with eighteen events from traditional to contemporary,

reflecting the wide range of performance the Hall has always presented. www.thsh.co.uk/175th

Box Office 0121 780 3333 or visit www.thsh.co.uk4 DEC 5

MIdLaNdS HOSpITaLS’ CHOIr CHrISTMaS CONCErTSFrIday 4 dECEMbEr, 3pM & 7.15pM

David Lawrence conductorTenors Un LimitedGemini Brass

The Midlands Hospitals’ Choir gives annual Christmas Concerts to raise funds for CLIC Sargent, the largest charity helping children with cancer. The concert includes arrangements of favourite and newer carols, some sung by candlelight.

£10, £16, £22Discounts available, please check when booking.

CapSuLE 10TH bIrTHday CONCErTWEdNESday 2 dECEMbEr, 7.30pM

TunngSix Organs of AdmittanceLightning DustBela Emerson

Capsule, crafting extraordinary events for adventurous audiences for the past 10 years, celebrate with special guests Tunng, who mix skewed electronica with pastoral English folk, Six Organs of Admittance, hippie jams updated for the kids of today, complemented by the bewitching Bela Emerson, a prolific performer of electric cello, and Canadian band Lightning Dust.

£12.50

HaydN 200: THE CrEaTIONTHurSday 3 dECEMbEr, 7.30pM

City of Birmingham Symphony OrchestraAndris Nelsons conductorAilish Tynan sopranoJoel Prieto tenorVuyani Mlinde bassCBSO Chorus

Haydn The Creation 109’(sung in English)

Celebrate the 200th anniversary of Haydn’s death with his great oratorio The Creation - one of the freshest and happiest pieces of religious music ever written. Tonight’s concert is supported by the Tolkien Trust.

6.15pm Free pre-concert talk.

£9.50, £13.50, £17, £20.50, £23.50, £28, £32, £37, £39.50Discounts available, please check when booking.

HaNdEL’S MESSIaHSH FrIday 4 dECEMbEr, 7pMTH TuESday 8 dECEMbEr, 7pM

City of Birmingham ChoirAdrian Lucas conductorCity of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra Alison Roddy sopranoSusanna Spicer contraltoEd Lyon tenorGeorge Humphreys bassThomas Trotter harpsichord

The City of Birmingham Choir’s Messiah performances will be extra special this year as they celebrate 25 years with Thomas Trotter at the harpsichord and Handel’s 250th anniversary, in Town Hall’s 175th year. A long standing Birmingham tradition, these concerts come highly recommended and feature regularly in the UK’s “Top Ten Messiahs”.

SH 4 December £11, £16, £21, £26, £31, £36TH 8 December £12, £16, £24, £28Discounts available, please check when booking.

CHILdrEN’S EvENT: CarNIvaL OF THE aNIMaLSSaTurday 5 dECEMbEr, 11aM

For details see page 37

GrEaT rOMaNTICSWEdNESday 2 dECEMbEr, 2.15pM

City of Birmingham Symphony OrchestraAndris Nelsons conductorNikolai Lugansky piano

Liadov The Enchanted Lake 7’Rachmaninov Piano Concerto No 3 44’Dvorák Symphony No 8 36’

Forget the New World, Dvorák’s Eighth Symphony celebrates the old world with lilting tunes and utterly irresistible charm. Andris Nelsons sets the mood with another Slavic fairytale, Liadov’s ravishing Enchanted Lake, before being joined by pianist Nikolai Lugansky for Rachmaninov’s epic Third Concerto.

£9.50, £14, £18, £22, £25, £29, £34Discounts available, please check when booking.

ˇ

ˇ

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

6 Box Office 0121 780 3333 or visit www.thsh.co.uk 7DECDEC Box Office 0121 780 3333 or visit www.thsh.co.uk

THE LONdON WELSH MaLE vOICE CHOIr CHarITy GaLa CONCErTSaTurday 5 dECEMbEr, 7.30pM

Haydn James conductorGaynor Keeble mezzo sopranoAndrew Forbes organist

Join us for a special gala charity concert from the internationally acclaimed London Welsh Male Voice Choir, in aid of the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign and THSH Education & Community programme.

The choir performs an uplifting selection of Christmas favourites alongside opera choruses, spirituals, folk songs and hits from the musicals, including The Impossible Dream, Myfawny, You Raise Me Up, Soldiers’ Chorus, Working Man, Yr Anthem Geltaidd, Rachie and many more.

£15, £19.50, £25Supported by the Patrick Trust.

brITISH pOLICE SyMpHONy OrCHESTra prOMS NIGHT SpECTaCuLar!SaTurday 5 dECEMbEr, 7.30pM

The British Police Symphony Orchestra returns once again for the annual Proms Night Spectacular! The first half features Rachmaninov’s Second Piano Concerto before launching into a traditional Last Night celebration. Come and be part of one of the region’s most popular seasonal concerts.


LuNCHTIME CHrISTMaS MuSICMONday 7 dECEMbEr, 1pM

Choir of St John’s College CambridgeAndrew Nethsingha directorThomas Trotter organGraham Walker cello

A feast of Christmas music and carols sung by a choir that remains one of the greatest exponents of the English choral tradition. Featuring beautiful music by Vaughan Williams, Darke, Howells and Birmingham’s John Joubert, plus audience carols.

£8 Reserved seating.Discounts available, please check when booking.

a CHrISTMaS CarOL by CHarLES dICkENSMONday 7 dECEMbEr, 7.30pM

Performed by Clive Francis

In December 1853, Dickens chose A Christmas Carol for his first ever public reading, in Town Hall. Despite “the inclemency of the weather, nearly 2,000 persons had assembled.” Clive Francis recreates the occasion, filling the stage with an entire Dickensian landscape.

“Clive Francis as Scrooge is spellbinding” Sunday Times

£15Discounts available, please check when booking.In association with Marc Sinden Productions. PERFORMANCES BIRMINGHAM

WaLSaLL MuSIC SErvICESuNday 6 dECEMbEr, 2.30pM aNd 7.30pM

Walsall Music Service has formed a choir of over 600 young voices to sing exciting and well-loved seasonal music at these concerts. Also featured will be the winner of the West Midlands’ Pop Stars Competition; ballet, modern dance and music theatre groups; The Beacon Symphonic Wind Band and Walsall Youth Jazz.

£6Tickets go on sale from 3 November.

Box Office 0121 780 3333 or visit www.thsh.co.uk8 DEC Box Office 0121 780 3333 or visit www.thsh.co.uk 9DEC

SIr WILLard WHITE: rObESON rE-ExpLOrEdWEdNESday 9 dECEMbEr, 7.30pM

Sir Willard WhitePavão String QuartetGuy Barker trumpetNeal Thornton piano and arrangementsGeoff Gascoyne bassRichard Bolton guitarMark Doffman drumsTown Hall Gospel Choir

A celebration of Paul Robeson’s four appearances at Town Hall. Sir Willard White, his band, and the Town Hall Gospel Choir explore his life story with an evening of the songs he made immortal, including, of course, the legendary Ol’ Man River.

6.15pm Free pre-concert talk: Paul Robeson remembered.

Sold out, returns only.

£5, £6.50, £13.50, £18.50, £25Choir Benches not available. Discounts available, please check when booking.

LESLEy GarrETT CHrISTMaS GaLa CONCErTWEdNESday 9 dECEMbEr, 7.30pM

Philip Ellis conductorThe English Chamber Orchestra

Britain’s most popular soprano presents a gala evening of her favourite carols and seasonal songs alongside opera and classical arias from her recent album Amazing Grace. Accompanied by The English Chamber Orchestra, the concert features music by composers such as Mozart, Vivaldi, Puccini, John Rutter, Karl Jenkins, Bach and Verdi.

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

kaTE ruSby aT CHrISTMaSTHurSday 10 dECEMbEr, 7.30pM

Kate Rusby is one of Britain’s foremost folk artists, whether performing traditional songs or her own intuitive material. This special evening takes in Rusby classics, old favourites and a showcase of South Yorkshire village carols, complete with brass quintet. A chance to hear new variations of familiar carols, in a rousing Christmas celebration.

£20No support.

HaNdEL’S MESSIaHTuESday 8 dECEMbEr, 7pM

City of Birmingham ChoirFor details see page 5

ONLy MEN aLOud!TuESday 8 dECEMbEr, 7.30pM

After a critically acclaimed sell out tour, Only Men Aloud!, winners of the BBC One hit show Last Choir Standing, return with a very special Christmas concert. The show features a festive Christmas repertoire, songs from their first and second albums plus a few firm favourites.

£20, £26, £29.50

Sponsored by


FrIday NIGHT CLaSSICS: WINTEr WONdErLaNdFrIday 11 dECEMbEr, 7.30pM

City of Birmingham Symphony OrchestraGareth Hudson conductorAnnalene Beechey vocalistGlyn Kerslake vocalist

Take a sleigh ride into the CBSO’s very own winter wonderland with songs including:

Prokofiev’s Troika, Drivin’ Home for Christmas, Little Drummer Boy, Baby it’s Cold Outside, Mistletoe and Wine, Santa Baby, Winter Wonderland, Let It Snow, A Winter’s Tale, White Christmas, Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, When a Child Is Born, Mary’s Boy Child and more!

£9.50, £16.50, £23, £28.50, £33, £37, £39.50Discounts available, please check when booking.

LaTIN aMErICaN CHrISTMaSSaTurday 12 dECEMbEr, 7.30pM

Ex Cathedra Choir & Baroque EnsembleEx Cathedra Academy of Vocal MusicAndrew Fletcher organJeffrey Skidmore conductor

Vibrant and joyous, this concert is filled with indigenous references and hidden Christian messages. Ex Cathedra’s performances of Baroque music from Latin America have been nationally and internationally acclaimed. What better way to get into the Christmas spirit?

£5, £15, £22.50, £30Ex Cathedra is a Town Hall Associate Artist.

ray davIES IN CONCErTSaTurday 12 dECEMbEr, 8pM

Hard on the heels of his latest album release The Kinks Choral Collection, Ray Davies returns to Symphony Hall. One of the most successful and influential songwriters of the ‘60s British Invasion, his string of international hits began with You Really Got Me, followed by All Day and All of The Night, and many, many others.

£36.50

SyMpHONIC daNCES: IITHurSday 10 dECEMbEr, 7.30pM

City of Birmingham Symphony OrchestraKristjan Järvi conductorTim Garland saxophoneEduardo Vassallo cello

Ginastera Estancia 14’Garland Double Concerto (world premiere) 25’Bernstein West Side Story - Symphonic Dances 24’Ravel Daphnis and Chloé - Suite No 2 18’

Kristjan Järvi presents a programme intoxicated by dance rhythms including Ravel’s sensual ballet and Bernstein’s New York take on Romeo and Juliet. Ginastera’s ballet is also a riot of Argentine colour, and an appropriate prelude to leading jazz composer and Acoustic Triangle member Tim Garland’s new Latin-influenced concerto.

6.15pm Free pre-concert talk.


SCOTT MaTTHEWS & baNd FrIday 11 dECEMbEr, 8pM

Plus support Jo Hamilton

The Midlands’ own Scott Matthews makes his first visit to Town Hall for a one-off Christmas show. His celebrated performance on Later with Jools Holland had Damon Albarn, amongst others, singing his praises. Scott has recently toured with Robert Plant, Alison Krauss, Rufus Wainwright, Bert Jansch and The Foo Fighters. He received the Ivor Novello Award for Elusive, and released his second album Elsewhere to great acclaim in 2009.

“The most promising home-grown singer-songwriter to emerge in years” Q magazine

£14


bIrMINGHaM COMMuNITy FOuNdaTION CHrISTMaS prOMTuESday 15 dECEMbEr, 8pM

Birmingham Philharmonic OrchestraRichard Laing conductor Adrian Goldberg compere

Held in aid of the Birmingham Community Foundation, the Birmingham Philharmonic Orchestra performs a rich and inspiring classical repertoire including carols such as Deck the Halls, Once in Royal David’s City combined with traditional classical favourites such as Jerusalem and Pomp and Circumstance.

£15, £20

davId GrayTuESday 15 dECEMbEr, 7.30pM

David Gray visits Symphony Hall to mark the release of Draw the Line, a new collection of songs showing the artist in a new revitalised light, hungry for more feeling. Highlights are aplenty including the new single Fugitive. Don’t miss the chance to see him bring his songs to life in person.

£29.50

bIrMINGHaM MuSIC SErvICE CHrISTMaS CONCErTSuNday 13 dECEMbEr, 6pM

Birmingham Music Service’s annual Christmas concert featuring the talented young musicians of the city.

£10Discounts available, please check when booking. Tickets are on sale from Monday 9 November.

SING CarOLS WITH THE CITy OrGaNISTMONday 14 dECEMbEr, 1pM

Thomas Trotter organCambrian BrassJeremy Nicholas compere

An annual favourite, this is a truly festive occasion in which you have the chance to sing your heart out with favourite carols, led by Thomas Trotter and Cambrian Brass.

£8Reserved seating. Discounts available, please check when booking.

SaLvaTION arMy - ‘rEjOICE’ CHrISTMaS CarOL CONCErTSuNday 13 dECEMbEr, 2.30pM & 6pM

Christmas carols, music and drama with the Salvation Army. The concert features vocal soloist Susanne Dymott, guest speaker Commissioner John Matear and festive music from the Salvation Army brass bands, choirs, timbrels and children. Let the Salvation Army remind you of the true meaning of Christmas.


Symphony Hall 200919 November - 22 DecemberJewellery and Silverware by West Midlands contemporary designerswww.centrepiece-jewellery.co.ukDaily, from 10.30am till late


brITTEN SINFONIa aT LuNCHTHurSday 17 dECEMbEr, 1pM

Jacqueline Shave, Miranda Dale violinMartin Outram violaCaroline Dearnley celloJaime Martin fluteJoy Farrall clarinetHuw Watkins pianoHelen Yates percussion

Britten Sinfonia’s concert focuses on the chamber music of pioneering composer Harrison Birtwistle. Much of Birtwistle’s music has been influenced by Medieval and Renaissance masters. In today’s performance you can hear the contrast of the contemporary against a work by either Bach or a composer of the Middle Ages.

£7.50Discounts available, please check when booking.

THE ukuLELE OrCHESTra OF GrEaT brITaIN CHrISTMaS SpECIaL THurSday 17 dECEMbEr, 8pM

The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain, seen and heard across the globe, is simultaneously provocative, entertaining and inspiring. Their shows combine music, humour and intelligence with silliness.

£18.50(This event is now sold out but you can catch the Orchestra at Ukulelescope, Saturday 5 June 2010, Town Hall, 8pm, £18.50. This is a screening of silent film footage with musical accompaniment, in conjunction with the BFI).

Machaut Hoquetus DavidHarrison Birtwistle Double HocketJS Bach Art of Fugue Contrapunctus VII, XII and XVIIHarrison Birtwistle LiedHarrison Birtwistle VersesChristian Mason New Work (world premiere tour)Ockeghem Ut heremita solus

IMELda May WEdNESday 16 dECEMbEr, 8pM

Plus support

Dublin-born Imelda May has the rare kind of raw talent and timeless glamour that truly illuminates the stage. You don’t just watch Imelda perform, you experience it. The rockabilly/blues singer has recently toured with Jeff Beck, appeared at Glastonbury and received acclaim for album Love Tattoo.

£15 stalls standing. £17 reserved circle seating.

bISS pLayS MOzarTWEdNESday 16 dECEMbEr, 7.30pM

City of Birmingham Symphony OrchestraRobert Spano conductorJonathan Biss piano

Tiensuu False Memories (UK premiere) 16’Mozart Piano Concerto No 9, K271 31’Sibelius Symphony No 2 42’

Sibelius’s sweeping, passionate symphony has long been a Birmingham favourite, and Spano also introduces a work by one of the finest of the current amazing generation of Finnish composers. Between the two, Jonathan Biss performs a miraculous product of the 21-year- old Mozart.


HErE COME THE GIrLSTHurSday 17 dECEMbEr, 7.45pM

Lulu, Chaka Khan and Anastacia

Here Comes the Girls is centred on the three superstar voices - Lulu, Anastacia and Chaka Khan - each with their own unique sense of style, humour and musical heritage. Celebrating all that it means to be a woman, the show mixes great music, laughter, tears, glamour, joy – and a bit of mischief for good measure.

£25, £30, £40


CELEbraTE CHrISTMaS WITH THOMaS SpENCEr-WOrTLEyMONday 21 dECEMbEr, 7.30pM

Special guests All Angels

Classical crossover tenor, Thomas Spencer-Wortley, is joined by Classical Brit-nominated All Angels, Irish soprano Mairead Carlin, West End guests, and all-female string quartet Midnight. With popular classics, songs from the shows and festive favourites, there’s something for everyone.

“The solo version of Il Divo” Sunday Express

£27.50, £29.50Discounts available, please check when booking.

WHITE CHrISTMaSFrIday 18 dECEMbEr, 7.30pM

London Concert OrchestraJohn Rigby conductorCapital Voices

May your Christmas celebrations be magical, merry and bright with this wonderful show of nostalgic all-time favourites, including: Merry Christmas, It’s The Most Wonderful Time of the Year, Let it Snow, Santa Baby, A Winter’s Tale, Nativity Carol, Jingle Bell Rock, White Christmas, The Christmas Song, Baby It’s Cold Outside, I Wish it Could be Christmas Everyday, The Twelve Days of Christmas, Santa Claus is Coming to Town, Sleigh Ride and The Holly and the Ivy.

£11, £15.50, £21, £24.50, £28, £33

bLaCk vOICES CHrISTMaS CONCErTSaTurday 19 dECEMbEr, 7.30pM

With special guests Town Hall Gospel Choir

Carol Pemberton music directorColin Anderson choir director

The UK’s foremost female unaccompanied group entertain and inspire with their brilliant renditions of gospel, spirituals, traditional Caribbean and African music, jazz and blues. They’re joined by special guests Town Hall Gospel Choir, to sing an uplifting selection of Christmas music.

£15Discounts available, please check when booking.Black Voices is a Town Hall Associate Artist.

CarOLS by CaNdLELIGHTSaTurday 19 dECEMbEr, 7.30pM

Mozart Festival Orchestra in full 18th Century costume

Gareth Hancock conductorGail Pearson sopranoCanzonetta choir

Carols and seasonal classics, performed by the UK’s most elegant ensemble in full period costume in a candle-lit style setting. Carols include O Little Town of Bethlehem, Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, The First Nowell, O Come, All Ye Faithful, While Shepherds Watched and O Come, O Come Emmanuel.

£11, £15.50, £21, £24.50, £28, £33

CHrISTMaS CELEbraTIONSSuNday 20 dECEMbEr, 2.30pM

City of Birmingham ChoirAdrian Lucas conductorHeart of England Brass

Celebrate Christmas with the City of Birmingham Choir. A fabulously festive concert to get you in the Christmas spirit - brass band, children’s choir and carols to enjoy and sing-along-with.

£10, £12, £16, £22Discounts available, please check when booking.

Programme includes:Corelli Allegro and Pastorale from Christmas ConcertoBach Air on the G StringMozart Alleluia from Exultate JubilatePearsall In dulci jubiloCullen Joy to the WorldHandel Let the bright Seraphim, Zadok the Priest, Christmas sequence from Messiah

THE NEW yOrk vOICES WITH THE bbC bIG baNdFrIday 18 dECEMbEr, 7.30pM

The Grammy-winning quartet makes an exclusive UK appearance with the BBC Big Band. Expect the best in vocal jazz including Sing Sing Sing, Ain’t Nobody Here But Us Chickens, Orange Coloured Sky and seasonal favourites as We Wish You a Merry Christmas!

£12.50, £16.50, £19.50Concert to be recorded for BBC Radio 2’s Big Band Special www.bbc.co.uk/radio2/shows/bigbandBBC Big Band is a Town Hall Associate Artist.


THE GruFFaLOWEdNESday 23 dECEMbEr – SuNday 3 jaNuary

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!

Recommended for ages 3–7. Performance lasts just under 1 hour and there is no interval.

£10.50 Groups of 10 or more - £8.50 (for groups please call 0800 358 7070).

Wednesday 23 december, 1.30pm & 3.30pmThursday 24 december, 11am & 1.30pmSunday 27 december, 11am, 1.30pm, 3.30pmMonday 28 december, 11am & 1.30pmTuesday 29 december, 11am & 1.30pmWednesday 30 december, 11am & 1.30pmThursday 31 december, 11am & 1.30pmSaturday 2 january*, 11am, 1.30pm, 3.30pmSunday 3 january, 11am, 1.30pm, 3.30pm

* Children’s Event The Great Gruffalo Grrrr Day, free to ticketholders for performances on this day. For details see p37.

FESTIvE FavOurITES WITH aLaN TITCHMarSHSuNday 20 dECEMbEr, 3pM & 7.30pMMONday 21 dECEMbEr, 7.30pMTuESday 22 dECEMbEr, 3pM & 7.30pM

City of Birmingham Symphony OrchestraSimon Halsey conductorAlan Titchmarsh presenterCBSO Chorus & CBSO Youth ChorusCBSO Young VoicesCBSO Boys’ ChoirCBSO Children’s Chorus

Join the CBSO for its traditional Christmas concerts, hosted by British treasure Alan Titchmarsh. There will be lots of festive music, carols to sing along to, plus Alan shares Christmas readings from his seasonal anthology Fill My Stocking.

£9.50, £17.50, £24, £29.50, £34.50, £37.50, £39.50Discounts available, please check when booking.

a CHrISTMaS FaNTaSIaTuESday 22 dECEMbEr, 7pM

Canoldir Male ChoirJames Llewelyn Jones musical directorPhilip Lloyd Holtam (Welsh National Opera) tenor Choirs of Edgbaston High School for Girls

Join Canoldir and guests for a seasonal selection of choral and vocal music ranging from favourite Christmas carols and light hearted songs to classical chorus and oratorio.

£12, £15Choir seats not available.

CHrISTMaS CarOL SINGaLONGWEdNESday 23 dECEMbEr, 7.30pM

London Concert OrchestraJonathan Cohen compereSophie-Louise Dann special guest singerBirmingham Festival Choral Society

Irrepressible showman Jonathan Cohen leads you on a Christmas romp through your favourite carols and songs - Silent Night, God Rest You Merry Gentlemen, The Twelve Days of Christmas, Sleigh Ride, Good King Wenceslas, Winter Wonderland, Let it Snow, Away in a Manger, Santa Claus is Coming to Town, Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, The First Nowell, I Saw Three Ships, Frosty the Snowman and O Little Town of Bethlehem.

£11, £15.50, £21, £24.50, £28, £33


Christmas EvE ClassiCsthursday 24 dECEmbEr, 3pm

London Concert OrchestraDavid Hill conductorJames Edwards tenorCrispian Steele-Perkins trumpetBirmingham Choral UnionStaffordshire Children’s Choir

This concert of joyous seasonal and traditional music for all the family perfectly captures the true spirit of Christmas. Plus carols for all - The First Nowell, O Come, All Ye Faithful, Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, It Came Upon the Midnight Clear.

£11, £15.50, £21, £24, £26.50, £30

last Night of thE Christmas promssuNday 27 dECEmbEr, 7.30pm

London Concert OrchestraStephen Bell conductorPhilip O’Brien tenorOwen Gilhooly baritone

A riotous celebration in true Proms tradition with classic after classic after classic - Rule Britannia!, Jerusalem, Nessun Dorma, The Dam Busters March, Those Magnificent Men in Their Flying Machines and a rousing flag-waving finale.

£11, £15.50, £21, £24.50, £28, £33

thE rEal dEal ComEdy Jam Christmas spECialmoNday 28 dECEmbEr, 7.30pm

A night of urban stand-up comedy, music and dance from the Real Deal Comedy Jam Variety Show. End the year with a surprise twist in a variety show destined to end your 2009 with jovial festivity. Showcasing some of the UK’s world-renowned comedians, dancers and artists, this is a show not to be missed.

£25, £27.50

simply gErshwiNmoNday 28 dECEmbEr, 7.30pm

Dancing from three time world champions Chris Marques and Jaclyn Spencer

London Concert OrchestraGavin Sutherland piano/conductorDouglas Mills tap dancerNicola Hughes, Edward Baruwa special guest vocalists

Broadway glamour and toe-tapping tunes in a new all-Gershwin programme of song and dance - Rhapsody in Blue, S’Wonderful, Lady Be Good, Strike Up the Band, The Man I Love, Fascinatin’ Rhythm, I’ve Got a Crush on You, A Foggy Day in London Town, Walking the Dog, Someone to Watch Over Me and excerpts from Porgy and Bess.

£11, £15.50, £21, £24.50, £28, £33

Bach Jesu, Joy Of Man’s DesiringHandel Zadok the PriestFranck Panis AngelicusRutter The Angels’ CarolVivaldi GloriaAdam O Holy Night

Schubert Ave MariaBerlioz Shepherds’ FarewellAdams The Holy City

Ravel BoleroVerdi Force of Destiny Overture, La Donna È MobileTchaikovsky The Sleeping Beauty WaltzBizet Duet from The Pearl FishersSousa Stars and Stripes ForeverDelibes Prelude and Mazurka from CoppéliaOffenbach Orpheus in the Underworld Overture

Box Office 0121 780 3333 or visit www.thsh.co.uk22 DEC Box Office 0121 780 3333 or visit www.thsh.co.uk 23DEC/JAN

The Sound of MuSicalSWedneSday 30 deceMber, 7.30pM

Special guest star Ruthie Henshall

London Concert OrchestraRichard Balcombe conductor

Show-stopping numbers from the greatest Broadway and West End musicals with glittering soloists from London’s West End, Deborah Myers, Tim Howar and James Graeme. Including Chicago, Kiss Me Kate, Mamma Mia, My Fair Lady, High Society, Les Miserables, Crazy For You, Guys And Dolls, West Side Story, The Sound Of Music and The Phantom of The Opera.

£11.50, £16, £22.50, £26, £29.50, £35

neW year’S eve GalaThurSday 31 deceMber, 5pM & 9.30pM

Special guests Kit and the Widow

London Concert OrchestraAnthony Inglis conductor Claire Wild soprano

Dvorák Carnival OvertureGrieg Morning and In The Hall of the Mountain KingSibelius FinlandiaPuccini O Mio Babbino CaroTchaikovsky Capriccio ItalienStrauss Radetzky MarchFucik Entrance of the GladiatorsMozart Queen of the Night from The Magic Flute

Rousing classics and all your Proms favourites - Rule, Britannia!, 633 Squadron, Land of Hope and Glory and Nessun Dorma. Special guests Kit and the Widow take a fond look back at the year.

Come along to the matinee for the perfect start to your New Year’s Eve celebrations.

5pm £10.50, £14.50, £19.50, £24.50, £29.50, £359.30pm Returns only £17.50 £23.50 £28.50, £33.50, £38.50, £42.50

a niGhT aT The operaTueSday 29 deceMber, 7.30pM

London Concert OrchestraAndrew Greenwood conductorLinda Richardson soprano

Fanfare Trumpeters Of The Band Of The Welsh Guards Rossini Barber of Seville OvertureVerdi Brindisi, Sempre Libera from La Traviata, La Donna È Mobile from Rigoletto, Miserere From Il Trovatore, Va Pensiero from Nabucco, Grand March from AidaTchaikovsky Lensky’s Aria from Eugene OneginGounod Soldiers’ Chorus, Jewel Song from FaustOffenbach The Legend Of Kleinzack, Barcarolle from Tales Of HoffmanCatalani Ebben? Ne Andrò Lontano from La WallyPuccini Vissi D’arte from Tosca, Intermezzo from Manon Lescaut, Love Duet from La Bohème

Jennie Bond hosts a royal tour of glorious arias and timeless music from the world’s best-loved operas.

£11, £15.50, £21, £24.50, £28, £33

Johann STrauSS Galafriday 1 January, 3pM

Johann Strauss OrchestraCaroline MacPhie soprano Johann Strauss Dancers in beautiful costumes of the periodChristopher Hampson choreography and stagingDavid Juritz directs from the violin in the traditional Viennese manner

Waltz back in time to the glittering ballrooms of 19th century Vienna with a magical mix of music, song and dance from the Strauss Family and friends - The Blue Danube Waltz, Tritsch Tratsch Polka, The Laughing Song from Die Fledermaus, Radetzky March, Thunder and Lightning Polka, Pizzicato Polka, Wiener Blut, Perpetuum Mobile and Die Fledermaus Overture.

£11, £15.50, £19.50, £24, £29, £34

ˇ

Rafael Rojas tenorJennie Bond compereLeicester Philharmonic Choir

Box Office 0121 780 3333 or visit www.thsh.co.uk24 JAN Box Office 0121 780 3333 or visit www.thsh.co.uk 25JAN

Glenn Miller orcheSTraSaTurday 2 January, 3pM

Join legendary band leader Ray McVay and the UK’s greatest big band with classic hits and wartime chart toppers including American Patrol, Perfidia, Kalamazoo, Moonlight Serenade, In the Mood, Chattanooga Choo Choo and more. Featuring Jan Messeder, Colin Anthony, The Uptown Hall Gang, The Moonlight Serenades and forces’ sweethearts, Irresistible.

£14.50, £19.50, £23.50, £26.50

Sunday afTernoon aT The SyMphonySunday 3 January, 3pM

Manchester Concert OrchestraJohn Pryce-Jones conductorJonathan Scott organ

Rossini William Tell OvertureSaint-Saens Symphony No 3, Organ Bizet Carmen SuiteMascagni Intermezzo from Cavelleria RusticanaElgar Chanson de MatinStrauss Blue Danube WaltzTchaikovsky Capriccio Italien

After the hectic whirl of Christmas and the New Year, relax and enjoy a charming afternoon of perfect classics.

£11, £15.50, £21, £24, £27.50, £31.50

neW year froM viennaSaTurday 9 January, 3pM & 7pM

City of Birmingham Symphony OrchestraBarry Wordsworth conductorElizabeth Atherton soprano

Tap your toes into 2010 with the CBSO’s effervescent New Year celebrations in traditional Viennese style, featuring waltzes and polkas including Strauss’s Die Fledermaus - Overture & Czardas, Tritsch Tratsch Polka, Champagne Polka, Emperor Waltz, Egyptian March, Voices of Spring, Cuckoo Polka, Pizzicato-Polka, Thunder and Lightning Polka, The Blue Danube and Lehár’s Gold & Silver Waltz and The Merry Widow (Vilja Song).

£9.50, £16.50, £23, £28.50, £33, £37, £39.50Discounts available, please check when booking.

brahMS and SibeliuSWedneSday 13 January, 2.15pM & ThurSday 14 January, 7.30pMCity of Birmingham Symphony OrchestraVassily Sinaisky conductorLaurence Jackson violinUlrich Heinen cello

Brahms Academic Festival Overture 10’ Double Concerto 31’Sibelius The Swan of Tuonela - Legend No 2 10’ Symphony No 5 31’

Brahms’s Academic Festival Overture is a hilarious one-in-the-eye for those who think of Brahms as stuffy – and so is his gorgeous Double Concerto. The Swan of Tuonela is a darkly beautiful meditation on mortality; the mighty Fifth Symphony, meanwhile, is one of the 20th century’s most dynamic masterpieces.

1.15pm (13 Jan only) Free pre-concert talk.

Wednesday 13 January: £9.50, £14, £18, £22, £25, £29, £34Thursday 14 January: £9.50, £13.50, £17, £20.50, £23.50, £28, £32, £37, £39.50Discounts available, please check when booking.

belcea QuarTeTMonday 11 January, 7.30pM

Beethoven String Quartet, Op 59, No 1, Razumovsky 40’Schubert String Quartet Death and the Maiden 37’

The Belcea Quartet has earned an international reputation for some of the most polished performances you will hear today. At Town Hall they play two masterpieces: Schubert’s Death and the Maiden Quartet and Beethoven’s epic first Razumovsky Quartet.

£5, £6.50, £10, £15, £20Discounts available, please check when booking.

lunchTiMe orGan concerTMonday 11 January, 1pM

Thomas Trotter organ

Bonnet Variations de Concert 7’DeGrigny 3 Pieces from Organ Mass 10’Bonnal Paysages Euskariens 18’Alain Postlude pour l’office de complies 4’ Litaize Prélude et Danse Fuguée 7’

£6Unreserved seating. Discounts available, please check when booking.


MeM MorriSon preSenTS RingsideThurSday 14 January, 7.45pMfriday 15 January, 7.45pM

Mem Morrison requests the pleasure of your company at Town Hall Birmingham. Take a front row seat, join the family and meet the many potential brides at his long overdue wedding reception.

From behind the big hair and a seven-tier wedding cake a flicker of hope peers; an intimate attempt to belong to a culture, to a family and to someone.

Mem Morrison’s new production Ringside draws on a lifetime of remembered Turkish Cypriot family weddings, testing traditional values by breaking the silence and changing history forever. Will it be Mem’s turn next?

£10Tickets must be booked through The REP Box Office on 0121 236 4455. Wheelchair spaces can only be booked by phone.In association with Birmingham Repertory Theatre, Fierce! and Town Hall Birmingham. Produced by Artsadmin. Supported by the National Lottery through Arts Council England.

anTon & erin – STeppin’ ouTSaTurday 16 January, 3pM & 7.30pM

Step out with Anton Du Beke and Erin Boag in a sensational all-new show. From the BBC‘s Strictly Come Dancing, Anton and Erin will charm you with the glamour of ballroom. They are joined by a dance ensemble, special guest vocalist and a dazzling live orchestra celebrating music, song and dance including Cole Porter, Irving Berlin and Gershwin.

£15, £19.50, £27.50, £31.50,

£36, £39.50

recreaTio!SaTurday 16 January, 7.30pM

New English Orchestra and Singers Nigel Swinford director

Programme includes:Telemann Concerto for Three Trumpets Vivaldi Concerto for Two ViolinsBeethoven Hallelujah chorus

A kaleidoscope of music to refresh and inspire, from an ensemble specialising in spiritual music. This varied concert includes music from different genres and around the world including Scottish fiddle music and spirituals.

£10, £15, £20, £25


briTTen Sinfonia aT lunchThurSday 21 January, 1pM

Thomas Gould, Miranda Dale violinMartin Outram violaCaroline Dearnley celloJoy Farrall clarinetHuw Watkins piano

Gibbons arr. Muhly This Is the Record of John Hosanna to the Son of David O Lord in Thy WrathHowells Rhapsodic QuintetNico Muhly New Work (world premiere tour)Copland Sextet

Young firebrand composer, Nico Muhly has devised this programme. His influences are wide-ranging with early English choral music a particular interest. Here are his new arrangements of three songs by Jacobean composer, Orlando Gibbons plus a new work by Muhly himself.

£7.50 stalls onlyDiscounts available, please check when booking.

elGar’S eniGMaWedneSday 20 January, 7.30pMSaTurday 23 January, 7pM

City of Birmingham Symphony OrchestraEdward Gardner conductorAlison Balsom trumpetChristopher Yates viola

Vaughan Williams Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis 15’Macmillan Epiclesis 25’Britten Lachrymae 15’Elgar Enigma Variations 29’

This concert of superb British music begins with an English jewel. Britten’s late work for viola and strings also draws on older English music, while James Macmillan’s striking trumpet concerto is a prayer inspired by the composer’s Christian faith. The concert ends with Elgar’s brilliant tribute to his friends.

6.15pm (20 Jan) 5.45pm (23 Jan) Free pre-concert talk.




Mozart Fantasia for a Musical Clock K608 10’Bach Two Preludes from the “18” Chorales (BWV 664 & 658) 11’Haydn Five Clock Pieces 6’Anderson The Syncopated Clock 3’Vierne Toccata – Clair de Lune – Carillon de Westminster 15’


Sunday MorninG coffee concerTSunday 17 January, 11aM

ECHO Rising Stars Series 15th Season

Emil Jonason clarinet Peter Friis Johansson piano

Debussy Première Rhapsodie Anders Hillborg Tampere RawBrahms Sonata No 1 in F minor Op 120

In this latest Rising Stars concert these young artists, nominated by the Concert Hall in Stockholm, offer two of the finest and most popular works in the clarinet repertoire, Debussy’s Rhapsody No 1 and the first of Brahms’s two Sonatas, as well as a modern piece by their distinguished countryman Anders Hillborg.

£7.50 stalls onlyDiscounts available, please check when booking.Ticket includes a cup of coffee or tea, or a glass of sherry, orange juice or water.

cbSo SchoolS’ concerT – eniGMa variaTionSThurSday 21 January, 11.30aM and 1.30pM

City of Birmingham Symphony OrchestraEdward Gardner conductor

Elgar Enigma Variations

11.30am: specially devised for Key Stage 2 (years 5 and 6)1.30pm: for Key Stages 3 and 4

£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 ([email protected]) or telephone (0121 616 6546).

* Proof of eligibility, e.g. registration with your Local Authority is required. Please note that this replaces the previously advertised schools’ concerts on 15 April 2010.

Box Office 0121 780 3333 or visit www.thsh.co.uk 31JAN30 JAN



Bach Prelude & Fugue in G BWV 541 7’Franck Prière 12’Best Variations on God save the Queen 8’Harris Four Short Pieces 10’Wagner Overture to Die Meistersinger 10’


SchuberT froM boSTridGe and pappanofriday 22 January, 7.30pM

Ian Bostridge tenorAntonio Pappano piano

Schubert Widerschein, Der Winterabend, Die Sterne 13’ Schwanengesang 53’

“A performance as intense and intriguing as it was timeless,” wrote The Scotsman after Ian Bostridge and Antonio Pappano, Music Director of the Royal Opera House, performed Schwanengesang (Swansong) at the 2008 Edinburgh Festival. These unforgettable songs are the last that Schubert completed – audacious, economical and deeply expressive.

£5, £6.50, £13.50, £18.50, £25Choir benches not available.Please note there is no interval.Discounts available, please check when booking.

reach concerT - The people chariTy SaTurday 23 January, 7.30pM

Richard Atlas singer

Richard Atlas is an opera-trained singer who has performed in theatre musicals. In this concert he will perform uplifting musical numbers accompanied by a 6-piece band.

£7.50All proceeds go towards supporting an orphanage in India.

SinG live - SinG The claSSicS and claSSical rockSunday 24 January, 7.30pM

Sing Live Central brings classical and rock together in one concert. Featuring time honoured favourites from Mozart and Handel, including the beautiful Ave Verum Corpus, and rock hits from U2, Bon Jovi, Queen, and more. Sing Live are accompanied by The National Festival Orchestra and a rock band.

£15, £17.50, £19.50, £21.50

holocauST MeMorial day Sunday 24 January, 2pM

This year marks the 65th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau. The theme is Legacy of Hope. Survivors tell how they’ve passed a message of hope and resilience to the next generation.

Free event

The iMaGined villaGeThurSday 21 January, 7.30pM

The Imagined Village is a stunning project spearheaded by Grammy Award-winning musician and producer Simon Emmerson. An outstanding line-up includes Martin Carthy, Eliza Carthy, and Chris Wood backed by a band featuring Simon Emmerson, Johnny Kalsi, Ali Friend, Andy Gangadeen, Simon Richmond, Sheema Mukherjee and Barney Morse Brown. Traditional instruments are interwoven with the sounds of today. Fiddles and squeezebox sit alongside electronica and ambient effect, and Simon is joined by members of world beat troupe Transglobal Underground and live electronic band, The Bays.

£16.50Supported by Moseley Folk Festival.



barenboiM playS beeThovenSaTurday 30 January, 7.30pM

Staatskapelle BerlinDaniel Barenboim conductor/piano

Schoenberg Verklärte Nacht 20’Beethoven Piano Concerto No 5, Emperor 38’

Few names are more prestigious in music today than that of Daniel Barenboim. A musical colossus and legend in his own lifetime, he is one of the world’s leading pianists and conductors, with barely a corner of musical life that he has not touched in some way. Steeped in Beethoven’s music, Barenboim’s performance of the Emperor Concerto with the Staatskapelle Berlin is eagerly anticipated.

£5, £17.50, £25, £32.50, £40, £50, £60Discounts available, please check when booking.

ToM paxTonMonday 25 January, 7.30pM

Perennial US folk music legend Tom Paxton returns to Town Hall in his incredible sixth decade as a live performer. He has delighted generations with unforgettable classics including Ramblin’ Boy, Always on My Mind and Bottle of Wine.

He has a quite magical charisma on stage, combining subtly acerbic wit with dignity, humanity and unique charm in abundance. No-one walks away from a Tom Paxton show without a big smile and a warm feeling. An absolute one-off.

£20

No Support.

an alpine SyMphonyThurSday 28 January, 7.30pMTueSday 2 february, 7.30pM

City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra Andris Nelsons conductorMartin Helmchen piano

Mozart Symphony No 33 19’ Piano Concerto No 24, K491 31’Strauss An Alpine Symphony 51’

Strauss’s Alpine Symphony is vast, with everything from a trickling mountain stream to a mighty glacier painted in music of dazzling colour and breathtaking power. Mozart was Strauss’s favourite composer, so Mozart’s spirited works performed tonight make the perfect musical hors d’oeuvre.

6.15pm (both dates) Free pre-concert talk.


Box Office 0121 780 3333 or visit www.thsh.co.uk34 JAN Box Office 0121 780 3333 or visit www.thsh.co.uk 35

coMinG Soon Jan Garbarek Group friday 29 January, 7.30pM£18.50, £22.50, £25

noel fieldinG TueSday 2 & WedneSday 3 february, 8pM£22.50

black dyke bandSunday 7 february, 3pM£12.50

Judy collinS pluS SupporTSunday 7 february, 7.30pM£20

rhod GilberTMonday 8 february, 8pM£16.50

cbSo: filM MuSic for loverS friday 12 february, 7.30pM£9.50, £16.50, £23, £28.50, £33, £37, £39.50

TiM vinefriday 19 february, 8pM£16

STeve reich’S druMMinGSaTurday 20 february, 7pM£5, £6.50, £10, £14.50, £17.50

chriS reaTueSday 9 & WedneSday 10 March, 7.30pM£29.50

SGT. pepper’S lonely hearTS club ShoWThurSday 11 March, 7.30pM£24.50

The dublinerSWedneSday 17 March, 8pM£20

an eveninG WiTh barbara dickSonWedneSday 24 March, 8pM£22.50, £24.50

don Mclean in concerT pluS SupporT

Monday 3 May, 8pM

£27.50, £32.50

xl – in 40 parTSSunday 31 January, 4pM

Ex Cathedra ChoirJeffrey Skidmore conductor

Tallis Spem in aliumStriggio Ecce beatam lucemGabriel Jackson Santum est verum lucem (2005)Alec Roth A new work (2010)Tallis Sing and Glorify

In Ex Cathedra’s 40th year, a concert of music written in 40 parts, including two works specially written for the choir itself and the iconic model – the soaring, uplifting, truly monumental Spem in alium!

£5, £15, £22.50, £30Ex Cathedra is a Town Hall Associate Artist.

The hairy bikerS’ biG niGhT ouTSaTurday 30 January, 8pM

Join The Hairy Bikers for an evening of cooking, chatting and laughs. As well as cooking, Dave recently won BBC’s Celebrity Mastermind, while Si took second place in The Weakest Link. 2009 has been busy with a 30-part BBC2 series, The Hairy Bikers’ Food Tour of Britain. Now they are embarking upon a national tour, bikes and pans at the ready.

£19.50

Box Office 0121 780 3333 or visit www.thsh.co.uk36

children’S evenTS

September - October 09

ChilDREN’S EvENTS carnival of The aniMalSSaTurday 5 deceMber, 11aM, ToWn hall

Dress in your animal outfit or bring along your animal mask for the Carnival! Bring your decorated home-made instrument and your singing voices for the nursery rhymes. Let Orchestra of the Swan and Clive Dennis Cole take you on a magical musical tour like no other.

Jambi the Tiger and Gracie the Giraffe from DZG will be joining in the fun! Children can have their faces painted to become their favourite animal!

For children under 7 and their families.

Adults £5, 60plus £4.50, Under 16s £2.50, Family Ticket £12 (4 people, minimum 1 adult)

37Box Office 0121 780 3333 or visit www.thsh.co.uk

feaTurinG andy haMilTon and The blue noTeS

Free event in Symphony hall’s level 3 Bar

SaTurday 19 deceMber 12.30 – 3.30pM

SaTurday 9 January 12.30 – 3.30pM

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

“Sumptuous, sensuous, gifted … Hamilton’s sound is irresistible” The Guardian

Supported by Arts Council England.

Sax in The ciTyruSh hour blueS5.30pm, Symphony hall, level 3 Bar

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.

4 deceMber

Sid peacock & SurGe

11 deceMber

andy derrick Jazz QuarTeT

18 deceMber

The Sub enSeMble

8 January

bryan corbeTT QuarTeT

15 January

edGar MaciaS laTin Jazz QuinTeT

22 January

adrian liTvinoff & inTerplay

29 January

delano MillS TribuTe To Grover WaShinGTon

The GreaT Gruffalo Grrrr daySaTurday 2 January, 10.30aM – 3.30pM, ToWn hall

Join us for this fun packed day of all things Gruffalo! Wild stories and crazy crafts, face painting and lots more in Town Hall’s foyers. Come along for a magical day for all the family.

The foyer events are free to those with Gruffalo tickets. If you would like to book tickets to see The Gruffalo show please see page 19 for details.

Box Office 0121 780 3333 or visit www.thsh.co.uk38 39Box Office 0121 780 3333 or visit www.thsh.co.uk

public TourS SyMphony hallTueSday 1 deceMber, 11aM

friday 11 deceMber, 11aM

friday 8 January, 11aM

ThurSday 14 January, 11aM

Join our guides on an exciting tour around Symphony Hall, discovering the world-famous acoustics, stunning auditorium, dressing rooms and the magnificent Symphony Organ. Lasts approximately 1½ hours.

ToWn hallTueSday 8 deceMber, 11aM

SaTurday 12 deceMber, 11aM

TueSday 12 January, 11aM

Monday 18 January, 2.30pM

Come and discover this Grade 1 listed landmark, learn about performers past and present, find out about the history and how Town Hall has been painstakingly renovated. Lasts approximately 1 hour.

To book call the Box Office on 0121 780 3333.

Adults £660plus, 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. To book a British Sign Language interpreted Public Tour or for more information, please email the THSH Education & Community Department [email protected]

becoMe our friend

As 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 evenTS

Town Hall and Symphony Hall welcome bookings for private and corporate events. Our two spectacular venues can provide the perfect and unique backdrop for your event. For more information please visit: www.thsh.co.uk/corporate email: [email protected] or call us on 0121 644 6053.

educaTion & coMMuniTy THSH Education & Community department offers a wide range of creative opportunities, inspired by the magnificence of our world-class venues. People of all ages are invited to engage with our buildings and artistic programme through participatory projects and events.

We invite, engage and inspire over 10,000 people a year through monthly children’s events, projects in family, school & community settings, venue and exhibition tours and the Patrick Music and Multimedia Studio.

The Education & Community programme is developed and delivered in partnership with various organisations and through consultation with participants. Project Managers have a particular focus on children and young people, community engagement and disability and inclusion and use their expertise to develop high quality programmes of work.

SpoTliGhT on… Soundbounce

SoundBounce is a successful music and dance project for under-fives, taking inspiration from the shapes and sounds of the Pipe Organ. The project also aims to engage children and families with Town Hall & Symphony Hall and its programme.

THSH has been working in partnership with Ladywood Children’s Centre for a number of years, with further SoundBounce sessions running from November. Children and families work with an early years music specialist, dance artist and organist, to explore sounds, shapes and make their own music. SoundBounce introduces children and families to the organ, making it exciting and accessible, playing nursery rhymes and favourite songs.

SoundBounce families are also invited to Symphony Hall for a session of celebration and sharing. Here, children and parents are able to bounce and dance their way around the hall and have a go on the magnificent organ – much to their delight!

Box Office 0121 780 3333 or visit www.thsh.co.uk40 Box Office 0121 780 3333 or visit www.thsh.co.uk 41Box Office 0121 780 3333 or visit www.thsh.co.uk40

bookinG inforMaTionhoW To book

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

online

www.thsh.co.uk

by phone

0121 780 3333.

in perSon

Symphony Hall Box Office, in the ICC, is open 10am–6pm (Monday - Saturday) and 12pm–4pm (Sunday).

Town Hall Box Office is open 11am–5pm (Monday - Saturday) and 12pm–4pm (Sunday).

Opening hours may be extended on concert days.

diScounTS

Discounts vary from concert to concert and are subject to availability. For selected concerts discounts are available for students and under 25s, families, over 60s, benefit recipients, wheelchair users and disabled patrons, concert package bookers and through the Birmingham Passport to Leisure scheme. Please check our website or ask for details when booking.

You can book some discounted tickets online. If you require other reduced price tickets, please contact the Box Office on 0121 780 3333.

GroupS

Discounts 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.

loST TickeTS

A charge may be made for printing duplicate tickets.

concerTS by coach

These 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 proTecTion

Once 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.)

diSclaiMer

Information 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), Marco Borggreve (Andris Nelsons), BBC (Sir Willard White), Simon Fowler – Decca Records (Lesley Garrett), Lawrence Watson (Ray Davies), J Henry Fair (Jonathan Biss), Sheila Rock – EMI Classics (Belcea Quartet), Sussie Ahlburg under licence to EMI Classics ( Ian Bostridge and Antonio Pappano), Monika Rittershaus (Daniel Barenboim). Design by Cogent Elliott.

SeaTinG planS

Box Office 0121 780 3333 or visit www.thsh.co.uk42 Box Office 0121 780 3333 or visit www.thsh.co.uk 43

cuSToMerS WiTh MobiliTy difficulTieS:

ToWn hall

Please 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 hall

All 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 hall

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

SyMphony hall

The 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 hall

Guide 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 hall

There 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 hall

Accompanied 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.

acceSSibiliTy

This 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] Facilities for Disabled Patrons 0121 780 4949 Minicom Line 0121 644 6140

SyMphony hall

Cafe Vite is situated in the ICC Mall, open 7 days a week. Opening hours may vary.

Foyer Bars are open an hour before a concert, for the interval and post-concert on Level 3.

ToWn hall

The Coffee Bar is situated in the main foyer open 7 days a week. Opening hours may vary. Free Wi-Fi at Town Hall with any purchase from the Coffee Bar.

Foyer Bars open an hour before a concert, for the interval and post-concert on the Lower and Circle Levels.

e opSituated in the ICC Mall, THe SHop offers an exceptional range of music and gifts, open 11am to 6pm (Mon – Sat) and late on concert nights. For more information call 0121 200 2382.

dininG, drinkinG & ShoppinG

Box Office 0121 780 3333 or visit www.thsh.co.uk44 Box Office 0121 780 3333 or visit www.thsh.co.uk 45

Performances 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.

donorS

Alan WoodfieldAnn CopseyBig Sky BannersBirmingham Decorative & Fine Arts SocietyBlackwell Charitable Trust The Chatwin TrustCoutts Charitable TrustDMC McDonald Foundation, facilitated by the IAO The Garfield Weston FoundationThe George Cadbury TrustThe GNC TrustThe Golsoncott FoundationGrantham Yorke TrustGrimmitt TrustLimoges Trust The 29th May 1961 Charitable Trust The Owen Family TrustThe Patrick TrustPeter & Jane How TrustRedman Fisher EngineeringRotary International in Great Britain and IrelandTanner Charitable TrustWolfson FoundationOur supporters, volunteers and Friends.

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 parTnerS

Rush Hour Blues is presented in association with

BBC Big Band concerts presented in association withCORPORATE SPONSORS

DLA Piper

CORPORATE FRIENDS BUSINESS PARTNERS

BBC Music Magazine Classic FM Radio XL

Sax in the City is supported by

Thank you To our SupporTerS

Symphony 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

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

Broad Street

Paradise Circus

Paradise Circus

Cambridge Street

Navigation Street

Edwards Road

Edward Street

Clement Stre

et

Nelso

n Stre

et

Holiday Street

Bridge Street

Newhall StreetTo Snow Hill

Station

To Jewellery Q

uarter

To F

ive W

ays S

tatio

n

Newhall Street

Gas Street

Summer Row

A457

A38

QUEENSWAY

A38

QUEENSWAY

To Moor Street Station

Walkway

Walkway

St Vince

nt Stre

et

Camden Street

Sheepcote Street

Berkley StreetGranville Street

The ICC

New Street Station

Town Hall

Symphony Hall

Centenary Square

Victoria Square

NIA

Brindl

ey P

lace

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR FREE MAILING 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.

hoW To reach uS

Dec

emb

er

T

ow

n H

all

Sym

pHo

ny

Ha

llTu

e 1

Wed

2C

apsu

le 1

0th

Bir

thda

y C

once

rtC

BSO

Gre

at R

oman

tics

Thu

3C

BSO

Hay

dn 2

00: T

he C

reat

ion

Fri 4

Mid

land

s H

ospi

tal C

hoir

Chr

istm

as C

once

rt

City

of B

irm

ingh

am C

hoir

- H

ande

l’s M

essi

ah

Mid

land

s H

ospi

tal C

hoir

Chr

istm

as C

once

rt

Sat 5

Chi

ldre

n's

Even

t - C

arni

val o

f the

Ani

mal

s

The

Lond

on W

elsh

Mal

e Vo

ice

Cho

irB

ritis

h Po

lice

Sym

phon

y O

rche

stra

-

Pro

ms

Nig

ht S

pect

acul

ar!

Sun

6W

alsa

ll M

usic

Ser

vice

Mon

7A

Chr

istm

as C

arol

by

Cha

rles

Dic

kens

Lunc

htim

e C

hris

tmas

Mus

ic

Tue

8C

ity o

f Bir

min

gham

Cho

ir -

Han

del's

Mes

siah

Onl

y M

en A

loud

!

Wed

9Si

r W

illar

d W

hite

: Rob

eson

Re-

Expl

ored

Lesl

ey G

arre

tt C

hris

tmas

Gal

a C

once

rt

Thu

10K

ate

Rus

by a

t Chr

istm

asC

BSO

Sym

phon

ic D

ance

s: II

Fri 1

1Sc

ott M

atth

ews

plus

gue

sts

CB

SO F

rida

y N

ight

Cla

ssic

s: W

inte

r W

onde

rlan

d

Sat 1

2Ex

Cat

hedr

a -

Latin

Am

eric

an C

hris

tmas

Ray

Dav

ies

in C

once

rt

Sun

13B

irm

ingh

am M

usic

Ser

vice

Salv

atio

n A

rmy

- 'R

ejoi

ce' C

hris

tmas

Car

ol C

once

rt

Mon

14

Sing

Car

ols

with

the

City

Org

anis

t

Tue

15B

irm

ingh

am C

omm

unity

Fo

unda

tion

Chr

istm

as P

rom

D

avid

Gra

y

Wed

16

Imel

da M

ay p

lus

supp

ort

CB

SO B

iss

Pla

ys M

ozar

t

Thu

17B

ritt

en S

info

nia

at L

unch

Her

e C

ome

the

Gir

ls

The

Uku

lele

Orc

hest

ra o

f Gre

at B

rita

in

Fri 1

8Th

e N

ew Y

ork

Voic

es w

ith th

e B

BC

Big

Ban

dW

hite

Chr

istm

as

Sat 1

9B

lack

Voi

ces

Chr

istm

as C

once

rtC

arol

s by

Can

dlel

ight

Sun

20C

ity o

f Bir

min

gham

Cho

ir -

Chr

istm

as C

eleb

ratio

nsC

BSO

Fes

tive

Favo

urite

s w

ith A

lan

Titc

hmar

sh

Mon

21

Cel

ebra

te C

hris

tmas

with

Th

omas

Spe

ncer

-Wor

tley

CB

SO F

estiv

e Fa

vour

ites

with

Ala

n Ti

tchm

arsh

Tue

22C

anol

dir

Cho

ir -

A C

hris

tmas

Fan

tasi

aC

BSO

Fes

tive

Favo

urite

s w

ith A

lan

Titc

hmar

sh

Wed

23

The

Gru

ffal

o (1

.30p

m &

3.3

0pm

)C

hris

tmas

Car

ol S

inga

long

Thu

24Th

e G

ruff

alo

(11a

m &

1.3

0pm

)C

hris

tmas

Eve

Cla

ssic

s

Sun

27Th

e G

ruff

alo

(11a

m, 1

.30p

m, 3

.30p

m)

Last

Nig

ht o

f the

Chr

istm

as P

rom

s

Mon

28

The

Gru

ffal

o (1

1am

& 1

.30p

m)

The

Rea

l Dea

l Com

edy

Jam

Chr

istm

as S

peci

alSi

mpl

y G

ersh

win

Tue

29Th

e G

ruff

alo

(11a

m &

1.3

0pm

)A

Nig

ht a

t the

Ope

ra

Wed

30

The

Gru

ffal

o (1

1am

& 1

.30p

m)

The

Soun

d of

Mus

ical

s

Thu

31Th

e G

ruff

alo

(11a

m &

1.3

0pm

)N

ew Y

ear'

s Ev

e G

ala

(5pm

)

Wed

28

New

Yea

r's

Eve

Gal

a (9

.30p

m)

aT a

Gla

nce

TOW

N H

ALL

ASS

OC

IATE

AR

TIST

S

Sow

eto

Kin

ch

Thom

as T

rott

er

THE

RES

IDEN

T O

RC

HES

TRA

O

F SY

MP

HO

NY

HA

LL

Jan

Ua

ry

To

wn

Ha

ll

S

ympH

on

y H

all

Fri 1

Joha

nn S

trau

ss G

ala

Sat 2

The

Gru

ffal

o (1

1am

, 1.3

0pm

, 3.3

0pm

)G

lenn

Mill

er O

rche

stra

Sun

3Th

e G

ruff

alo

(11a

m, 1

.30p

m, 3

.30p

m)

Sund

ay A

fter

noon

at t

he S

ymph

ony

Sat 9

CB

SO N

ew Y

ear

from

Vie

nna

Mon

11

Bel

cea

Qua

rtet

Lunc

htim

e O

rgan

Con

cert

Wed

13

CB

SO B

rahm

s an

d Si

beliu

s

Thu

14M

em M

orri

son

- R

ings

ide

CB

SO B

rahm

s an

d Si

beliu

s

Fri 1

5M

em M

orri

son

- R

ings

ide

Sat 1

6N

ew E

nglis

h O

rche

stra

- R

ecre

atio

!A

nton

& E

rin

- St

eppi

n' O

ut

Sun

17Su

nday

Mor

ning

Cof

fee

Con

cert

Mon

18

Lunc

htim

e O

rgan

Con

cert

Wed

20

CB

SO E

lgar

's E

nigm

a

Thu

21B

ritt

en S

info

nia

at L

unch

CB

SO S

choo

ls' C

once

rt -

Eni

gma

Vari

atio

ns

The

Imag

ined

Vill

age

Fri 2

2Sc

hube

rt fr

om B

ostr

idge

and

Pap

pano

Sat 2

3R

each

Con

cert

- T

he P

eopl

e C

hari

tyC

BSO

Elg

ar's

Eni

gma

Sun

24H

oloc

aust

Mem

oria

l Ser

vice

Sing

Liv

e -

Sing

the

Cla

ssic

s an

d C

lass

ical

Roc

k

Mon

25

Lunc

htim

e O

rgan

Con

cert

Tom

Pax

ton

Thu

28C

BSO

An

Alp

ine

Sym

phon

y

Sat 3

0Th

e H

airy

Bik

ers’

Big

Nig

ht O

utB

aren

boim

pla

ys B

eeth

oven

Sun

31XL

- In

40

Part

s


The Gruffalo™

Wednesday 23 December 2009 - Sunday 3 January 2010

Find the Gruffalo!This big scary monster is heading to Town Hall this Christmas! How many Gruffalos can you find inside the What’s On Guide? For the answer visit www.thsh.co.uk/the-gruffalo-at-town-hall-09

The Gruffalo © 1999 Julia Donaldson & Axel Scheffler. The Gruffalo word mark and logo are trade marks of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler and used under licence. Licensed by Magic Light Pictures Ltd.

Supported by

AT TOWN HALLBIRMINGHAM

Town Hall renovation also funded by

Documents

THSH What's On Guide December 2009 & January 2010