Summer 2015 Concerts and Events April – Aug
Venues, Concerts & Events Office: 0121 331 5909
www.bcu.ac.uk/concerts
Summer Season At A Glance ABH AF BCa BC BH BMAG CT NLT RH SH StCh StAl
Adrian Boult Hall, Birmingham Conservatoire Arena Foyer, Birmingham Conservatoire Birmingham Cathedral Birmingham Conservatoire Birmingham Hippodrome Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery The Crescent Theatre New Lecture Theatre, Birmingham Conservatoire Recital Hall, Birmingham Conservatoire Symphony Hall Cafe Bar St. Chad’s Cathedral The Church of St. Alban the Martyr, Highgate
APRIL FRI 10 - SUN 12 MON 13 TUE 14 TUE 14 WED 15 WED 15 THU 16 THU 16 FRI 17 FRI 17 SUN 19 MON 20 MON 20 TUE 21 TUE 21 THU 23 FRI 24 MON 27 MON 27 TUE 28 TUE 28 TUE 28 WED 29 WED 29 WED 29 WED 29 THU 30 THU 30 THU 30 THU 30
2
The Voice Festival 2015 BC P39 The Monday Showcase RH 1pm P8 Performance Platform: Ashok Gupta ABH 1.05pm P9 Frontiers: Ensemble Krock RH 8.15pm P17 The Live Jazz Broadcast RH 1.05pm P14 The Ashleyan Opera Prize RH 7pm P26 The Ambache Prize for the Performance of Music by Women Composers ABH 7pm P26 Thursdays at Birmingham Conservatoire: Spotlight on Harp RH 7.30pm P22 Lunchtimes at Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery BMAG 12.30pm P12 Emerging Directors: Vaughan Williams Opera Scenes RH 7pm P28 Triple Concerto: The Birmingham Philharmonic Concerto Prize ABH 3pm P29 The Monday Showcase RH 1pm P8 Frontiers: Composers’ Platform RH 6pm P17 Performance Platform: Eblana String Trio ABH 1.05pm P9 Frontiers: Icebreaker Recycled RH 7.30pm P18 The Tony Levin Drum Prize AF 7.30pm P26 Conservatoire Pops At The Movies! ABH 6pm P23 The Monday Showcase RH 1pm P8 Frontiers: Fumiko Miyachi RH 7.30pm P18 Performance Platform: Stavroula Thoma ABH 1.05pm P10 Frontiers: Le Page Ensemble RH 6.30pm P18 Frontiers: Suzie Purkis & Syzygy Saxophone Quartet RH 8pm P18 The Live Jazz Broadcast RH 1.05pm P14 Beyond Classical SH 5.30pm P16 The Doris Newton Music Club Prize RH 7pm P27 An Evening with Lorna Byrne ABH 7.30PM P39 Summer Lunchtime Special: Percussion Ensemble Schools Concert ABH 12.30pm P15 Frontiers: Nelipot ABH 7pm P19 Thursdays at Birmingham Conservatoire: Guitar Department Chamber Concert RH 7.30pm P22 Musica Transalpina StAl 7.30pm P23
/BirmCons
@BirmCons
MAY FRI 1 FRI 1 FRI 1 FRI 1 SUN 3 THU 7 THU 7 SAT 9 MON 11 FRI 15 MON 18 SAT 23 SAT 23 THU 28 FRI 29
Daniel Rowland Violin Masterclass Birmingham Trondheim Exchange The Stuart Cameron Smith French Song Prize Dreams of Illyria: The Beaufort Ensemble The Andrew Downes Performance Prize Clair-Obscur Saxophone Masterclass Clair-Obscur In Birmingham Birmingham Citadel Band In Concert Birmingham Conservatoire Camerata Lunchtimes at Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery Organ Recital in Memory of Dr. John Bishop The Mario Lanza Opera Prize BGSO Pride Proms 2015 Opera Talk: Charpentier The Subversive VEIN feat. Dave Leibman
NLT 5pm P10 SH 5.30pm P20 RH 7pm P27 ABH 7.30pm P19 RH 2.30pm P27 ABH 1.30pm P10 ABH 7pm P22 ABH 7pm P39 StAl 7.30pm P30 BMAG 12.30pm P12 StCh 7.30pm P31 RH 7pm P27 ABH 7pm P39 RH 7PM P32 RH 8pm P20
JUNE THU 4 - SAT 6 Summer Opera: Double Bill CT 2.30pm P32 & 7.30pm SUN 7 Lucy Akehurst 70th Birthday Concert ABH 6pm P40 MON 8 - THU 11 The Monkathon Various P33 MON 8 The Monday Showcase: Monkathon Special RH 1pm P8 MON 8 The Edward Brooks English Song Prize RH 3.30pm P27 MON 8 Frontiers: Composers’ Platform RH 8pm P19 TUE 9 Performance Platform: Yen-Ting Wang RH 1.05pm P11 WED 10 - SUN 14 Revolutionaries: Chamber Music Festival 2015 BC P35 WED 10 Birmingham Conservatoire Open Day BC 10am P34 THU 11 Judy Niemack and Birmingham Conservatoire Jazz Orchestra ABH 7.45pm P21 FRI 12 Lunchtimes at Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery BMAG 12.30pm P13 SUN 14 Young Strings Project Concert ABH 3pm P24 SUN 14 The Sylvia Cleaver Chamber Music Prize RH 6pm P27 SUN 14 - TUE 16 British Piano Festival 2015 BC P36 MON 15 Monday Showcase: Thallein Ensemble RH 1pm P8 MON 15 Melody Music Showcase NLT 6.30pm P40 TUE 16 Performance Platform: The Primrose Piano Quartet RH 1.05pm P11 THU 18 Brass Enigma ABH 6pm P24 THU 18 John Taylor RH 7.30pm P21 FRI 19 Summer Celebrations Day BC P37 FRI 19 Lunchtimes at Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery BMAG 2pm P13 FRI 19 Prize Giving Ceremony ABH 11am P37 FRI 19 Birmingham Conservatoire Symphony Orchestra present Petruska TH 7.30pm P37 SAT 20 Junior Conservatoire Chamber Music Concert RH 7pm P25 SAT 20 Midsummer Musical Fantasy - Opera Gala Concert ABH 7.30pm P40 SAT 27 Junior Conservatoire Wind Orchestra and Choral Concert ABH 7pm P25
JULY FRI 3 SAT 4 TUE 7 - SAT 11 SAT 18 FRI 31
Baroque Study Day RH 10am P38 Junior Conservatoire End of Term Concert ABH 7pm P25 The National Festival of Music for Youth BC P41 Let’s Celebrate - Sutton Coldfield Choirs ABH 7.30pm P41 National Scout and Guide Symphony Orchestra 40th Anniversary Concert ABH 7.30pm P41
AUGUST SAT 8 FRI 14
National Youth Wind Orchestra of Great Britain Joe Francis - Swing Easy
Venues, Concerts & Events Office: 0121 331 5909
www.bcu.ac.uk/concerts
ABH 7.30pm P42 ABH 7.30pm P42 3
Contents Summer Season At A Glance 2 Welcome 5 Summer Season Highlights 7 Lunchtime, Afternoon and Early Evening Events The Monday Showcase Performance Platform featuring The International Artist Masterclass Series Lunchtimes at Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery The Live Jazz Broadcast Summer Lunchtime Special Beyond Classical
8 9 12 14 15 16
Evening Events Frontiers 17 The Jazz Club 20 Thursdays at Birmingham Conservatoire 22 Orchestras, Ensembles and Chamber Music 23 Prizes and Competitions 26 Emerging Directors 28
Special Events and Festivals Triple Concerto: The Birmingham Philharmonic Concerto Prize Birmingham Conservatoire Camerata Organ Recital Summer Opera Double Bill The Monkathon Open Day Revolutionaries: Chamber Music Festival 2015 British Piano Festival Summer Celebrations Day Baroque Study Day
29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38
Guest Artists Summer Guest Artists
39
Booking Information How To Find Us Venue Information
43 44 45
4
/BirmCons
@BirmCons
Welcome Welcome to the Summer concert season diary for Birmingham Conservatoire. We hope that you will join us here for yet more fantastic concerts, festivals and events. Once again there is a buzz around the building in anticipation of Triple Concerto: The Birmingham Philharmonic Concerto Prize, in which three of our most exceptionally talented students battle head to head for this coveted award (p29). Ottilia Revoczky, Ken Min Chyh and Shi Ling Chin, each accompanied by the full Birmingham Philharmonic, show off their artistry and skill in a riveting programme including Mozart, Tchaikovsky, Berg, Rossini and Borodin. It is certainly not one to be missed by fans of orchestral music. In fact, as ever, our Summer term programme is full of exciting prizes and competition finals that boast an overwhelming amount of Conservatoire talent (p26). If you are partial to chamber music, then our Revolutionaries Chamber Music Festival (p35) should be in your diary. Over five days, we explore the chamber repertoire of Beethoven and Schoenberg, amongst others who tore up the musical rule book. We are delighted to be joined by the highly acclaimed Mark Bebbington, David Quigley, CBSO String Ensemble and Primrose Piano Quartet for a mini festival focussing on British piano music including work from Frank Bridge and Herbert Howells plus a Birmingham première from Anthony Payne (p36).
Mark Bebbington,
Our opera programme is currently gathering momentum due in part to the recent success of Ava’s Wedding written by our very own Michael Wolters and Alexandra Taylor, and performed by an excellent double cast. Our Summer opera, is an enticing double bill of John Blow’s Adonis and Marc-Antoine’s Charpentier’s Actéon and promises yet another excellent showcase of our vocal department’s skill and panache (p32). The brilliant jazz singer, Judy Neimack performs new arrangements of the music of the great Thelonius Monk in a big band setting as part of our second Monkathon Festival (p33) while the magnificent saxophonist Dave Liebman is joined by Swiss piano trio, Vein for a very rare and special concert (p20). It is a great honour to welcome one of China’s foremost composers, Xiaogang Ye for a concert of his beautiful music performed by our superb Thallein Orchestra (p19). All of this and much more takes place this term. We look forward to seeing you soon.
Venues, Concerts & Events Office: 0121 331 5909
www.bcu.ac.uk/concerts
Xiaogang Ye
Professor David Saint Principal Birmingham Conservatoire
5
“Thank you for the excellent support we received at our workshop on Sunday. It was a tremendous success and gives me ideas for a similar event in 2015.� Tony Veal (Community Band Workshop)
One Unique Venue... Thousands of Unique Events
Offering flexible spaces in a unique environment, Birmingham Conservatoire is a stimulating alternative to other venues. Located in a prime position in the heart of Birmingham City Centre, the venue offers competitive prices and a first-rate, bespoke, personalised service from a team of experienced event managers. Available to hire from one hour upwards, facilities include two acoustically enhanced halls (520 and 154 seats), a range of lecture theatres, a light and spacious board room and over sixty other practice, rehearsal, meeting rooms and break out spaces. First-rate equipment and instruments, technical support, excellent catering, and in-house musicians make Birmingham Conservatoire an ideal choice for your event, whether that be a concert or recital, rehearsal or workshop, meeting, conference, exhibition, product launch or drinks reception. So why not contact us and find out how we can help to make your next event truly unique? To request our brochure or to discuss holding your event at Birmingham Conservatoire, please contact the Venues, Concerts and Events Office on 0121 331 5909 or email bhamcons.concerts@bcu.ac.uk
6
/BirmCons
@BirmCons
Summer Season Highlights
Not to be missed
Our Head of Venues, Converts and Events, Emily Bartlett offers you her picks of the season:
TUE 14 APR ASHOK GUPTA– PAGE 9 1.05pm Adrian Boult Hall £6 (£3.50) TUE 14 APR ENSEMBLE KROCK – PAGE 17 8.15pm Recital Hall £5 (£3) TUE 21 APR ICEBREAKER RECYCLED – PAGE 18 7.30pm Recital Hall £5 (£3) THU 30 APR MUSICA TRANSALPINA – PAGE 23 7.30pm St Alban The Martyr, Highgate Retiring collection THU 7 MAY CLAIR-OBSCUR IN BIRMINGHAM– PAGE 22 7pm Adrian Boult Hall £6.50 (£4) MON 18 MAY ORGAN RECITAL IN MEMORY OF DR JOHN BISHOP – PAGE 31 7.30pm St Chad’s Cathedral £5 (£3) FRI 12 JUN ODEION STRING QUARTET – PAGE 13 12.30pm The Round Room, Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery Free entry TUE 7 – SAT 11 JUL THE NATIONAL FESTIVAL OF MUSIC FOR YOUTH – PAGE 41 Various venues and prices
Venues, Concerts & Events Office: 0121 331 5909
www.bcu.ac.uk/concerts
7
The Monday Showcase Beat away those Monday blues with this series of FREE weekly lunchtime concerts and hear a variety of exciting work that Conservatoire students are undertaking. MON 13 APR
MON 27 APR
MYASKOVSKY, HINDEMITH
CHOPIN, RAFF
1pm Recital Hall Free admission Tickets available on the door Christopher Miller cello Boya Yang piano Myaskovsky Violin Sonata Matthew Johnstone viola Jonathan French piano Hindemith Viola sonata, Op.25
MON 20 APR
SKRYABIN 1pm Recital Hall Free admission Tickets available on the door Susi Jin piano Skryabin Prelude and Nocturne for the left hand, Op.9 Darrel Chan piano Scarlatti Sonata in B minor Soler Sonata in D Major Conor Wilcox piano Bach English Suite in A major
8
1pm Recital Hall Free admission Tickets available on the door Aaron Billson cello Myenard Martillano piano Chopin Sonata for cello and piano Forum Ventus: Katie Sazanova flute Maria Vizitiu flute Josh Hall oboe Isabel Brearley oboe Luke Newby clarinet Erica Sinclair clarinet Matt Lewis bassoon Ross Cotton bassoon Sian Collins horn Catherine Thomas horn Raff Sinfonietta, Op.188
MON 8 JUN
JAZZ MONKATHON SPECIAL 1pm Recital Hall Free admission Tickets available from www.eventbrite.co.uk A special Jazz edition of the Monday Showcase which takes place as part of the Monkathon, running from 8 – 11 Jun, see page 33.
Xiaogang Ye
MON 15 JUN
THALLEIN ENSEMBLE PERFORM THE MUSIC OF XIAOGANG YE 1pm Recital Hall Free admission Tickets available on the door In this special Monday Showcase, which also takes place as part of our Frontiers Series, hear the music of Xiaogang Ye, one of China’s foremost contemporary composers, performed by our Thallein Ensemble. For more details see page 19.
/BirmCons
@BirmCons
Performance Platform FEATURING THE INTERNATIONAL ARTISTS MASTERCLASS SERIES Enjoy lunchtime concerts created and presented by leading musicians every Tuesday. Performances by our postgraduate students, ensembles in residence, junior fellows and tutors are interspersed by visits from leading professional and international artists throughout the year. Tickets for the Performance Platform are FREE to audiences from the week’s Monday Showcase (just show your programme from Monday’s concert to gain free entry) - a little gift from us so that you can enjoy two concerts each week at no expense.
Ashok Gupta
The Eblana String Trio
TUE 14 APR
TUE 21 APR
ASHOK GUPTA
EBLANA STRING TRIO
1.05pm Adrian Boult Hall £6 (£3.50) Tickets available on the door
1.05pm Adrian Boult Hall £6 (£3.50) Tickets available on the door
Ashok Gupta piano
Jonathan Martindale violin Lucy Nolan viola Peggy Nolan cello
Beethoven Piano Sonata No.15 in D major, Op.28 ‘Pastorale’ Chopin Nocturnes, Op.55 Liszt Après une lecture du dante (Fantasia quasi Sonata)
Bach Three Part Inventions (Selection) David Matthews String Trio No.1 Op.48 (1989) Beethoven String Trio in G major Op.9 No.1
Take an opportunity to hear rarely performed works by Beethoven and Chopin and also the Dante sonata, a virtuosic masterpiece of symphonic vision. This concert is presented by Ashok Gupta a pianist currently studying on the Conservatoire’s flagship Professional Performance Programme.
Venues, Concerts & Events Office: 0121 331 5909
The Conservatoire’s Junior Fellows in Chamber Music, The Eblana String Trio is an ensemble of committed chamber musicians, intent on performing the often neglected repertoire for string trio. Here the award-winning ensemble will perform a selection of the short pieces Bach wrote for the musical education of his pupils, Three Part Inventions, David Matthews’ elegant String Trio No.1 and the first of Beethoven’s Opus 9 trios, a significant work in the string trio repertoire.
www.bcu.ac.uk/concerts
9
Performance Platform
Stavroula Thoma
TUE 28 APR
THU 7 MAY
STAVROULA THOMA
CLAIR-OBSCUR SAXOPHONE MASTERCLASS
1.05pm Adrian Boult Hall £6 (£3.50) Tickets available on the door Stavroula Thoma piano Maria Oguren violin Beethoven F sharp major Piano Sonata, Op.78 Beethoven Sonata for Violin and Piano (‘Kreutzer’) Op. 47 Cypriot pianist, Stavroula Thoma is currently studying on the Conservatoire’s flagship Professional Performance Programme. She is joined by violinist Maria Oguren to perform a varied programme of Beethoven solo and chamber works.
10
1.30pm Adrian Boult Hall £4 Tickets available on the door The acclaimed Clair-Obscur saxophone quartet work with students from the saxophone department on contemporary works for soloists and chamber groups. A recital will follow in the evening, see page 22 for details.
ADDITIONAL SUMMER MASTERCLASSES FRI 1 MAY DANIEL ROWLAND VIOLIN MASTERCLASS 5pm New Lecture Theatre £4 Tickets available on the door Daniel Rowland is professor of violin at the Royal College of Music in London and gives masterclasses all over the world. He is also a guest concertmaster with the BBCSO, Scottish Chamber Orchestra and Mahler Chamber Orchestra. See him tutor our students in a special masterclass supported by the Kenneth Page Foundation.
/BirmCons
@BirmCons
Yen-Ting Wang
The Primrose Piano Quartet
TUE 9 JUN
TUE 16 JUN
YEN-TING WANG
THE PRIMROSE PIANO QUARTET
1.05pm Recital Hall £6 (£3.50) Tickets available on the door
1.05pm Recital Hall £6 (£3.50) Tickets available on the door
Yen-Ting Wang piano
Susanne Stanzeileit violin Dorothea Vogel viola Andrew Fuller cello John Thwaites piano
Beethoven Variations and Fugue in E-flat major, Op.35 ‘Eroica’ Liszt Benediction de Dieu dans la solitude (Harmonies poétiques et religieuses, S.173 No.3) Bartók Dance Suite, Sz.77 Studying on the Conservatoire’s flagship Performance Programme, pianist, Yen-Ting Wang, contrasts dynamic playing with real delicacy in this imaginative programme which includes Bartok’s Dance Suite.
Anthony Payne Piano Quartet (2015) Brahms Piano Quartet in A Op.26 An opportunity to enjoy some rare, and other more familiar, works of the twentieth century, including neglected piano concertos. Hosted by Mark Bebbington and John Thwaites.
Containing many folk songs, the Hungarian composer wrote this piece in order to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the country’s capital, Budapest. Also featured is the beautiful Eroica Variations by Beethoven and Liszt’s religious work, Benediction de Dieu dans la Solitude. Venues, Concerts & Events Office: 0121 331 5909
www.bcu.ac.uk/concerts
11
Lunchtimes at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery Join us as we take the Conservatoire out into the City, for a series of lunchtime concerts in the elegant surroundings of Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery.
The Astrid Quartet
The Klee String Quartet
FRI 17 APR
FRI 15 MAY
THE ASTRID QUARTET
THE KLEE QUARTET
12.30pm The Round Room, Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery Free admission Tickets available on the door
12.30pm The Round Room, Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery Free admission Tickets available on the door
Elanor Gunn violin I Katie Foster violin II Sarah Leonard viola Julia Astrid Wagner cello Haydn String Quartet No.63 in B flat Major, Op.76 No.4 ‘Sunrise’ Grieg String Quartet No.1 in G minor, Op.27 The Astrid String Quartet formed in summer 2011 at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and were recipients of the 2012 Mabel Glover String Quartet Prize. Highlights from their recent seasons include their Usher Hall debut in September 2013 and their highly successful Five by Five concert series at the 2013 Edinburgh Fringe.
12
Naoko Senda violin Emi Otogao violin Jun Otha viola Ruri Kuroda cello Mozart String Quartet KV.428 Britten String Quartet No.3, Op.94 The Klee Quartet formed in 2008 at Toho Gakuen School of Music in Tokyo. Having undertaken chamber music studies at the Hochschule für Musik, ‘Hanns Eisler’, Berlin, they are now studying at Birmingham Conservatoire.
/BirmCons
@BirmCons
Odeion String Quartet
Remus String Quartet
FRI 12 JUN
FRI 19 JUN
ODEION STRING QUARTET
THE REMUS STRING QUARTET
12.30pm The Round Room, Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery Free admission Tickets available on the door
2pm The Round Room, Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery Free admission Tickets available on the door
Samson Diamong violin Sharon De Kock violin Anmani van der Westhuizen cello Jeanne-Louise Moolman viola
Ruta Labutyte violin Duygu Ince violin Katharina von Colson viola Daniel O’Brien cello
Mokale Koapeng Komeng for string quartet Haydn String quartet in D major, Op.20 No.4 Shostakovich String quartet No.2 in A major Op.68
Schubert String Quartet No.14, D810 ‘Death and the Maiden’
The Odeion String Quartet is a flagship of the University of the Free State, South Africa and symbolises the University’s commitment to the arts. There the quartet plays an important strategic role in the development of symphony orchestra music and in classical music training. Hear them perform Komeng, a five minute South African piece that imitates Uhadi bows as well as pieces by Haydn and Shostakovich.
Witness this fresh and exciting young quartet, who have been coached by The Kuss Quartet’s Oliver Wille as they perform Shubert’s Death and the Maiden. This recital takes place as part of the Conservatoire’s Summer Celebrations Day. For more details see page 37.
STAY IN THE LOOP Sign up to our ebulletin to receive regular updates at www.bcu.ac.uk/mailinglist
Venues, Concerts & Events Office: 0121 331 5909
www.bcu.ac.uk/concerts
13
The Live Jazz Broadcast Jazz up your lunch-break with performances by the very best senior jazz students from Birmingham Conservatoire. Keep your eyes and ears on emerging talent from the Birmingham jazz scene, while being part of an exciting music making experience. A recording of the performance is made available for you shortly after the concert at www.bcu.ac.uk/conservatoire WED 15 APR WED 29 APR 1.05pm Recital Hall £5 (£3) Tickets available on the door
SPECIAL OFFER Join us for both Live Jazz Broadcasts in the summer term for the special price of just £8 (£4). These tickets will be available on the door of the first concert on 15 Apr. Then show your ticket again on 29 Apr to gain entry. 14
/BirmCons
@BirmCons
Summer Lunchtime Special THU 30 APR
PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE SCHOOLS CONCERT 12.30pm Adrian Boult Hall £5 (£3) Tickets available on the door Directors Tim Palmer, Sophie Hastings, Emma King and Nathaniel Labe Birmingham Conservatoire Percussion Ensemble Learn about the various instruments in the percussion world as the Conservatoire students deliver an energetic percussive showcase that will engage listeners of any age. Works to include Congo de Ouro by Sophie Hastings, The Black Page by Frank Zappa, a special showcase piece delivered by Stomp’s very own Emma King and some mesmerising American Drumline action. Groups of school and A-level students are particularly welcome. Please contact us on 0121 331 5909 to discuss your group booking.
Venues, Concerts & Events Office: 0121 331 5909
www.bcu.ac.uk/concerts
15
Beyond Classical Join us for a series of FREE gigs that redefine the rules, taking you beyond the concert hall into the laid-back setting of Symphony Hall Café Bar. Sample sonic delights with Birmingham’s rising stars as they guide you through pieces, from the classics to the cutting edge. Grab a drink, have a chat and enjoy the music. In association with Town Hall Symphony Hall.
WED 29 APR 5.30pm Symphony Hall Café Bar Free admission Tickets available on the door Katherine Lambeth viola Robert Markham piano Tomaso Vitali Chaconne for Violin and Piano in G minor arr. for Viola. Elsabe Raath viola Robert Markham piano Schumann Violin Sonata No.1 Op.105 in A minor arr. for Viola.
16
/BirmCons
@BirmCons
Hear the latest music and see new work performed in our Frontiers series. Our composition and music technology departments nurture some of the hottest talent on the British and European music stage and this is where it all starts. Featuring guest performers and composers, as well as our student performers and composers, this series explores the vast world of contemporary music both acoustically and electronically.
Krock
TUE 14 APR
MON 20 APR
ENSEMBLE KROCK
COMPOSERS’ PLATFORM
8.15pm Recital Hall £5 (£3) Tickets available from www.eventbrite.co.uk
6pm Recital Hall £5 (£3) Tickets available from www.eventbrite.co.uk
Krock is a Swedish collective of musicians and composers, who focus on new music for electric guitars. Hear them perform brand new pieces from Conservatoire students Rosie Clements, Patrick Ellis, Sam James, Robert Nettleship and Fedor Voronov, alongside contemporary gems from Laurie Anderson, John Cage, Per Egland and more.
Another chance to witness the creative talent of our composers here at the Conservatoire. Expect a concert full of surprises and brand new pieces, a wide range of styles, wild experimentation and music that you won’t find anywhere else.
Venues, Concerts & Events Office: 0121 331 5909
www.bcu.ac.uk/concerts
17
TUE 28 APR
LE PAGE ENSEMBLE 6.30pm Recital Hall £5 (£3) or both of tonight’s Frontiers concerts for £8 (£4) Tickets available from www.eventbrite.co.uk David le Page violin Catherine Leech violin Rose Redgrave viola Clare O’Connell cello
Icebreaker
TUE 21 APR
MON 27 APR
ICEBREAKER: RECYCLED
FUMIKO MIYACHI
7.30pm Recital Hall £5 (£3) Tickets available from www.eventbrite.co.uk
7.30pm Recital Hall £5 (£3) Tickets available from www.eventbrite.co.uk
Ed Bennett Suspect Device Roy Carroll Towards-Against Matt Wright Clus Fields Paul Whitty new work Linda Buckley new work Julia Wolfe (arr. Poke) Big Beautiful Dark and Scary
Following a collaborative project with Birmingham Conservatoire Composition Department, highly acclaimed composer/ pianist Fumiko Miyachi gives the world premières of eight brand new works by Conservatoire composers Murray Ashdown, Peter Bell, Rosie Clements, Thomas Earl, Ollie Farrow, Bobbie Jane Gardner, Wilson Leywantono and Sam James.
12-piece contemporary music group, Icebreaker, launch their new project, based on the idea of recycling, with five new works and a classic. Ed Bennett’s Suspect Device recycles the eponymous song by Stiff Little Fingers, Roy Carroll uses feedback loops made from the sounds of people’s instruments, Matt Wright uses sampling to do his recycling live, and Paul Whitty recycles a whole piece from Icebreaker’s existing repertoire (Michael Gordon’s Yo Shakespeare), but with a startlingly different effect. 18
As the first part of a Frontiers double bill tonight, Le Page Ensemble première six new string quartets from Birmingham Conservatoire first year undergraduate composers. TUE 28 APR
SUZIE PURKIS & SYZYGY SAXOPHONE QUARTET 8pm Recital Hall £5 (£3) or both of tonight’s Frontiers concerts for £8 (£4) Tickets available from www.eventbrite.co.uk As the second part of tonight’s Frontiers double bill, outstanding Birmingham Conservatoire graduate Suzie Purkis and the Syzygy Saxophone Quartet première eight new works by Birmingham Conservatoire composition students Wan Aslan, Leon Haxby, Stephen Knight, Mel Moore, Paul Norman, Ignatius Sokol, Izzy Spint and Benedict Ulyatt. /BirmCons
@BirmCons
THU 30 APR
MON 8 JUN
NELIPOT
COMPOSERS’ PLATFORM
7pm Adrian Boult Hall £5 (£3) Tickets available from www.eventbrite.co.uk
8pm Recital Hall £5 (£3) Tickets available from www.eventbrite.co.uk
Third year students present their approaches to New Music Theatre, based on the practices of John Cage and Mauricio Kagel. Tonight’s pieces were created specially for the Adrian Boult Hall and this occasion.
In our last Composers’ Platform concert of the academic year we are focussing on new works from our postgraduate composers. Come and witness the wide variety of styles and expression on offer from our Composition Department.
The programme also includes a new work by Andy Ingamells.
Dreams of Illyria
FRI 1 MAY
MON 15 JUN
DREAMS OF ILLYRIA
THALLEIN ENSEMBLE PERFORM THE MUSIC OF XIAOGANG YE
7.30pm Adrian Boult Hall £5 (£3) Tickets available from www.eventbrite.co.uk
1pm Recital Hall Free admission Tickets available from www.eventbrite.co.uk
Conductor Alexander Webb The Beaufort Ensemble Guy Woolfenden Illyrian Dances Eric Whitacre October Plus new works by Jessica Davies, Emily Wright, Reuben Penny and James Maddocks The Beaufort Ensemble present Guy Woolfenden’s Illyrian Dances, Eric Whitacre’s October and four new premières, three of which are by Birmingham Conservatoire student composers. Come hear Birmingham’s premier wind orchestra in their most ambitious concert yet.
Venues, Concerts & Events Office: 0121 331 5909
Xiaogang Ye is regarded as one of China’s foremost contemporary composers. Founder and artistic director of Beijing Modern Music Festival, he has received numerous prizes and awards. He wrote a piano concerto for Lang Lang for the opening ceremony of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, and was the first Chinese composer to sign with Schott Music. His music is performed all over the world by some of the finest international orchestras. We are honoured that Xiaogang Ye will attend today’s concert and introduce his own works performed by our Thallein Ensemble.
www.bcu.ac.uk/concerts
19
The Jazz Club Birmingham Conservatoire is home to a stimulating Jazz Department, nurturing some of the very best new talent on the UK jazz scene. This series highlights the outstanding work being produced by the department and also plays an important role in the City’s flourishing jazz calendar. With gigs ranging from traditional to contemporary jazz, as well as visits by artists of international repute, there is something here for aficionados as well as those completely new to the scene. THU 23 APR
THE TONY LEVIN DRUM PRIZE 7.30pm Arena Foyer £4 Tickets available on the door Witness a high-energy concert and a spotlight on future careers in jazz drumming. Taking place as part of our Prizes and Competitions, see page 26 for more information.
FRI 1 MAY
BIRMINGHAM TRONDHEIM EXCHANGE 5.30pm Symphony Hall Café Bar Free entry Tickets available on the door Enjoy a session presenting three bands consisting of jazz students from Birmingham Conservatoire and the Trondheim Conservatory in Norway.
FRI 29 MAY
VEIN FEATURING DAVE LIEBMAN 8pm Recital Hall £15 plus transaction fee* Tickets available from www.thsh.co.uk *A £3 transaction fee, plus £1 (optional) postage, will be charged on all bookings except purchases made in person at the Town Hall or Symphony Hall Box office. Florian Arbenz bandleader, drums Michael Arbenz piano Thomas Lähns bass Dave Liebman saxophone Swiss piano trio VEIN join forces with saxophone great, Dave Liebman for a rare UK appearance. VEIN are acclaimed for their stupendous musical togetherness and astonishing interplay, while Dave Liebman is considered a renaissance man in contemporary music with a career stretching over forty years.
“The encounter between Dave Liebman and VEIN must have been forged by a higher power under pressure by the sheer necessity of bringing to life their artistic existence.” Ulrich Olshausen, Jazz ‘n’ More 20
/BirmCons
@BirmCons
THU 18 JUN
MON 8 – THU 11 JUN
JOHN TAYLOR
MONKATHON Various venues Hear all 70 Thelonious Monk compositions played in various venues and settings across the city, in a variety of interpretations. For more information, see page 33.
7.30pm Recital Hall £6.50 (£4) Tickets available on the door Join us for the Jazz Department’s End of Year Celebration Concert with John Taylor. John Taylor is a Guest Artist for the Conservatoire and gives regular masterclasses and coaching sessions for our students. We are delighted that he has accepted our request to present this concert of his music that will be performed by senior jazz students that have had the benefit of his wisdom in recent times.
OTHER JAZZ EVENTS TAKING PLACE THIS SUMMER: THE MONDAY SHOWCASE - JAZZ THU 11 JUN
MON 8 JUNE MONKATHON SPECIAL
JUDY NIEMACK AND BIRMINGHAM CONSERVATOIRE JAZZ ORCHESTRA: ARRANGING PRIZE
1pm Recital Hall For further details please see page 8.
7.45pm Adrian Boult Hall £6.50 (£4) Tickets available from www.eventbrite.co.uk Director Percy Pursglove
THE LIVE JAZZ BROADCAST
Birmingham Conservatoire Jazz Orchestra From New York via Berlin, the brilliant singer Judy Niemack performs brand new student arrangements of selected Thelonious Monk tunes, inspired by the classic Carmen McRae record Carmen Sings Monk. This is a unique chance to hear the lyrics to Monk’s tunes by Jon Hendricks, Abbey Lincoln and by Judy herself in a big band setting, showcasing the arranging talents of our students. Taking place as part of Monkathon, see page 33 for more details.
Venues, Concerts & Events Office: 0121 331 5909
www.bcu.ac.uk/concerts
Wed 15 Apr Wed 29 Apr Concerts take place at 1.05pm Recital Hall For further details please see page 14.
21
Thursdays at Birmingham Conservatoire Thursday evenings at Birmingham Conservatoire typify the wide variety of musical instruments, genres and styles on offer within our concert programme. From jazz, piano and contemporary music, to harp, recorder and saxophone ensembles, this concert series offers a sonic feast as you near the end of working week. THU 16 APR
THU 30 APR
THU 18 JUN
SPOTLIGHT ON HARP
NELIPOT
BRASS ENIGMA
7.30pm Recital Hall £6.50 (£4) Tickets available on the door
7pm Adrian Boult Hall £5 (£3) Tickets available on the door
6pm Adrian Boult Hall £6.50 (£4) Tickets available on the door
Director Catherine White Birmingham Conservatoire Harp Department Fran Barsby, Natasha Gale, Rita Schindler and Kinga Was harps
Taking place as part of the Frontiers series, see page 19 for details.
Taking place as part of the Orchestras, Ensembles and Chamber Music Series, see page 24 for details.
Join us for an adventure highlighting the versatility and beauty of music for harp solo. The programme will focus this year on romantic and modern works shaped not only by European classical traditions, but also works with important jazz, folk and ethnic influences.
clair-obscur
THU 7 MAY THU 30 APR
CLAIR-OBSCUR IN BIRMINGHAM
GUITAR DEPARTMENT CHAMBER CONCERT
7pm Adrian Boult Hall £6.50 (£4) Tickets available on the door
7.30pm Recital Hall £6.50 (£4) Tickets available on the door
The clair-obscur saxophone quartet Students of the Birmingham Conservatoire Saxophone Department
Directors Mark Eden and Mark Ashford
Timothy Blinko Cartographies Rihards Dubra Lux Aeterna Michael Nyman The Piano Sings
Enjoy a programme including works for guitar and voice by Joaquin Rodrigo as well Roland Dyens piece for nine guitars, Rythmnaginaire.
The acclaimed quartet from Berlin perform works from their new recording: Berlin Counterpoint. Before their recital, the quartet will work with students of the saxophone department on contemporary works for soloists and chamber groups as part of our International Artists Masterclass Series. See page 10 for details.
22
/BirmCons
@BirmCons
Orchestras, Ensembles and Chamber Music The perfect way to relax and unwind at the end of the working week, the Conservatoire’s programme of orchestral concerts provides a journey into large scale repertoire. Concerts feature soloists who are recent graduates, those studying in their final year or our postgraduates, and often highlight a particular composer or theme. Chamber music also holds a special place within Birmingham Conservatoire and throughout our history we have had links with some of the finest musicians working in this field. SUN 19 APR
FRI 24 APR
TRIPLE CONCERTO
CONSERVATOIRE POPS AT THE MOVIES!
The Birmingham Philharmonic Concerto Prize 3pm Adrian Boult Hall £15 (£12 Concessions) (£5 Students & children under 16) (£32 Family ticket; 2 adults & 2 children) Tickets available from www.eventbrite.co.uk The Birmingham Philharmonic Concerto Prize, now in it’s 37th year, sees students play for £1500, accompanied by the full Symphony Orchestra. It is an annual highlight in the Conservatoire’s concert calendar. For full details see page 29.
STAY IN THE LOOP Sign up to our ebulletin to receive regular updates at www.bcu.ac.uk/ mailinglist
6pm Adrian Boult Hall £6.50 (£4) Tickets available on the door Conductor Chris Houlding Birmingham Conservatoire Pops Orchestra Williams Star Wars: Main Theme Williams Hooray for Hollywood Korngold The Seahawk: Main Theme Shore The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship Zimmer Gladiator: The Battle Horner Avatar: Main Theme Wagner Ride of the Valkyrie from Apocalypse Now Giacchino Star Trek Into Darkness: Main Theme Powell How to Train Your Dragon: Main Theme From the High Seas to Hollywood and from Outer Space to Virtual Reality the Conservatoire Pops Orchestra presents a spectacular evening of film classics featuring a movie première produced, directed and composed by Conservatoire students.
Venues, Concerts & Events Office: 0121 331 5909
www.bcu.ac.uk/concerts
Jeffrey Skidmore
© Neil Pugh
THU 30 APR
MUSICA TRANSALPINA 7.30pm St. Alban the Martyr, Highgate Retiring collection Jeffrey Skidmore conductor Birmingham Conservatoire Chamber Orchestra Enjoy a programme of seventeenth century music from across the Alps, including works by Monteverdi, Marenzio and Foggia.
23
Orchestras, Ensembles and Chamber Music SUN 14 JUN
YOUNG STRINGS PROJECT CONCERT 3pm Adrian Boult Hall £5 (£3) Tickets available on the door Director Lucy Akehurst Junior Conservatoire Young Strings Project orchestra, choir, groups, ensembles and soloists Hear talented young players performing as a culmination of their studies at the Birmingham Junior Conservatoire. The Young Strings Project offers tuition to beginners as young as three years old. Teaching takes place both individually and in groups following the Suzuki method.
Young Strings Project
THU 18 JUN
FRI 19 JUN
BRASS ENIGMA
BIRMINGHAM CONSERVATOIRE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA PRESENT PETRUSKA
6pm Adrian Boult Hall £6.50 (£4) Tickets available on the door Conductor Ian Porthouse Birmingham Conservatoire Brass Band Tredegar Town band Programme includes: Elgar arr. Eric Ball Enigma Variations Philip Sparke Variations on an Enigma. The Elgar in its entirety is rarely heard in the brass band arrangement. Tonight, hear it performed by one of the world’s leading bands, Tredegar, with the Conservatoire’s own brass band.
7.30pm Town Hall £15 (£12 Concessions) (£3 Students)* Tickets available from 0121 345 0600 and www.thsh.co.uk * £3 transaction fee, plus £1 (optional) postage, will be charged on all bookings except purchases made in person at the Town Hall or Symphony Hall Box office. Conductor Lionel Friend Liang Shan piano Stravinsky Petrushka (1947 version) Rachmaninov Piano Concerto No.3, Op.30 in D minor Join us for an evening of vibrant colours and romantic pathos as the Conservatoire Symphony Orchestra take to the stage under the charismatic baton of Lionel Friend. This concert takes place as part of the Conservatoire’s Summer celebrations day. See page 37 for details.
24
/BirmCons
@BirmCons
Orchestras, Ensembles and Chamber Music SAT 20 JUN
JUNIOR CONSERVATOIRE CHAMBER MUSIC CONCERT STAY IN THE LOOP
7pm Recital Hall £6.50 (£4) Tickets available on the door Small ensembles, string quartets and soloists from the Junior Conservatoire present a varied programme of chamber music.
Find us /Birmcons Follow us /Birmcons
Junior Conservatoire Symphony Orchestra
SAT 27 JUN
SAT 4 JUL
JUNIOR CONSERVATOIRE WIND ORCHESTRA AND CHORAL CONCERT
JUNIOR CONSERVATOIRE END OF TERM CONCERT
7pm Adrian Boult Hall £6.50 (£4) Tickets available on the door
7pm Adrian Boult Hall £6.50 (£4) Tickets available on the door
Conductor Jeffrey Snowdon Conductor David Wynne Conductor Alexandra Bickerton Junior Conservatoire Wind Orchestra Junior Conservatoire Choirs
Conductor Daniele Rosina Conductor Timothy English Lauren Zhang piano Junior Conservatoire Symphony Orchestra Junior Conservatoire Chamber Orchestra
Enjoy an engaging programme of music from talented young students from the Junior Conservatoire Symphony Orchestra and Wind Orchestra.
Venues, Concerts & Events Office: 0121 331 5909
Shostakovich Piano Concerto No.2 in F major, Op.102 Soloists, chamber musicians, choirs and orchestras from the Junior Conservatoire join together in a fitting finale to the end of term. www.bcu.ac.uk/concerts
25
Prizes and Competitions Feel the thrill and anticipation as our students compete to win a range of esteemed prizes and awards. THU 16 APR
THU 23 APR
THE AMBACHE PRIZE FOR THE PERFORMANCE OF MUSIC BY WOMEN COMPOSERS
THE TONY LEVIN DRUM PRIZE
7pm Adrian Boult Hall £4 Tickets available on the door The Ambache Prize celebrates the importance of music by female composers. Open to both undergraduates and postgraduates, students can perform as a soloist or small ensemble and this special prize always promises wonderful variety in both its competitors and their repertoire. SUN 19 APR
TRIPLE CONCERTO WED 15 APR
THE ASHLEYAN OPERA PRIZE 7pm Recital Hall £4 Tickets available on the door Hear the impressive talents of Birmingham Conservatoire’s future opera stars, as they compete to win this award Open to postgraduate vocal students, each candidate will perform a programme of operatic arias, including one recitative, as they demonstrate their vocal prowess. 26
The Birmingham Philharmonic Concerto Prize 3pm Adrian Boult Hall £15 (£12 Concessions) (£5 Students & children under 16) (£32 Family ticket; 2 adults & 2 children) Tickets available from www.eventbrite.co.uk
7.30pm Arena Foyer £4 Tickets available on the door Jazz drum legend and muchloved Conservatoire tutor, Tony Levin passed away in February 2011. His legacy still very much lives on with us and one of the forms in which this happens is the continuation of the Tony Levin Drum Prize. While working for the Conservatoire, Tony created a prize to endorse ‘the drummer that swings the most’. Tony’s plan was that each student finalist would play a short set with fellow Jazz Department tutors to determine which student is most deserving of the accolade of ‘most swinging’. Witness a high-energy concert and a spotlight on future careers in jazz drumming: a ‘happening’ as Tony would say.
The Birmingham Philharmonic Concerto Prize, now in it’s 37th year, see students play for £1500, accompanied by the full Symphony Orchestra. It is an annual highlight in the Conservatoire’s concert calendar. For full details see page 29. /BirmCons
@BirmCons
WED 29 APR
SUN 3 MAY
MON 8 JUN
THE DORIS NEWTON MUSIC CLUB PRIZE
THE ANDREW DOWNES PERFORMANCE PRIZE
THE EDWARD BROOKS ENGLISH SONG PRIZE
7pm Recital Hall £4 Tickets available on the door
2.30pm Recital Hall £4 Tickets available on the door
3.30pm Recital Hall £4 Tickets available on the door
The culmination of the nine categories of the Birmingham Conservatoire Prize (Woodwind, Guitar, Brass, Saxophone, Piano, Percussion, Recorder, Strings, and Vocal), The Doris Newton Music Club Prize allows the winners of each of these nine sections to compete for this highly respected final award.
Sponsor of this new prize, Andrew Downes was Head of Composition and Creative Studies at Birmingham Conservatoire from 1990 to 2005. Well-respected as a composer around the world, the prize requires entrants to perform a programme of his music along with that of other British composers born after 1949, as they compete to win an impressive cash prize and recital opportunity.
This distinguished prize sees our students explore the intricacies and demands of presenting an outstanding performance of imaginative and well-balanced programming, encompassing Elizabethan song to the present day.
Enjoy seeing the cream of this year’s prize winners demonstrating their talents as they vie to be crowned the overall winner.
This event has been rescheduled from Wed 11 Mar.
FRI 1 MAY
THE STUART CAMERON SMITH FRENCH SONG PRIZE 7pm Recital Hall £4 Tickets available on the door A prize donated in memory of Stuart Cameron Smith who for many years taught at Birmingham Conservatoire as a vocal coach and inspiration to generations of students. He possessed a formidable knowledge of the Song repertoire. This French Song Competition is allied with the American Song Prize, each taking place on alternate years.
SAT 23 MAY
THE MARIO LANZA OPERA PRIZE 7pm Recital Hall £4 Tickets available on the door Prepare to be enthralled by the skill and virtuosity our students display as they compete to win this esteemed prize. Generously sponsored by the Mario Lanza Society, our undergraduate and postgraduate singers rise to the challenge of presenting two contrasting operatic arias.
SUN 14 JUN
THE SYLVIA CLEAVER CHAMBER MUSIC PRIZE 6pm Recital Hall £4 Tickets available on the door Hear the best ensembles in the Conservatoire compete for this coveted prize which concludes our Revolutionaries Chamber Music Festival. See page 35 for details on the festival.
Venues, Concerts & Events Office: 0121 331 5909
www.bcu.ac.uk/concerts
27
Emerging Directors As part of the final year of their studies at the Conservatoire, a selection of students are invited to develop their skills in the arena of producing and directing their own events, the results of which can be seen here in our Emerging Directors series. FRI 17 APR
VAUGHAN WILLIAMS OPERA SCENES 7pm Recital Hall £10 (£7) (£6 students) Tickets available from www.eventbrite.com Director Jessica Friend Singers from Birmingham Conservatoire Jonathan French piano Immerse yourself in scenes from operas of exquisite, inspiring and thought-provoking music, featuring scenes from Riders to the Sea, The Poisoned Kiss, Hugh the Drover, The Pilgrim’s Progress and Sir John in Love.
STAY IN THE LOOP Sign up to our ebulletin to receive regular updates at www.bcu.ac.uk/ mailinglist 28
/BirmCons
@BirmCons
Triple Concerto: The Birmingham Philharmonic Concerto Prize SUN 19 APR
THE BIRMINGHAM PHILHARMONIC CONCERTO PRIZE FINAL 2015 3pm Adrian Boult Hall Unreserved seats: £15 (£12 Concessions) (£5 Students & children under 16) (£32 Family ticket; 2 adults & 2 children) Tickets available from www.eventbrite.co.uk Ottilia Revoczky violin Berg Violin Concerto Ken Min Chyh Lim piano Mozart Piano Concerto in G Major K453 Shi Ling Chin violin Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto Op.35
Venues, Concerts & Events Office: 0121 331 5909
Experience an uplifting concert where the very best students from Birmingham Conservatoire show their artistry and skill playing some of the greatest classical music in the repertoire. The 37th Birmingham Philharmonic Concerto Prize also sees students play for £1,500 accompanied by the full Birmingham Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Music Director, Michael Lloyd. Join us for what promises to be a thrilling competition, presented by broadcaster, Michael Collie. In partnership with the Ludlow Philharmonic Prize Fund and BPO. The Midlands’ leading non-professional orchestra. Music Director and Principal Conductor, Michael Lloyd. Patron, Peter Donohoe CBE.
www.bcu.ac.uk/concerts
29
Birmingham Conservatoire Camerata MON 11 MAY 7.30pm The Church of St. Alban the Martyr, Highgate Free admission Retiring collection Conductors David Emerson & Nicola Starkie Birmingham Conservatoire Camerata Works include: Debussy Trois Chansons de Charles d’Orléans A selection from Vaughan Williams’ Five English Folksongs MacMillan Data est mihi omnis potestas & Benedicimus Deum caeli Handel My Heart is Inditing (Coronation Anthem) Birmingham Conservatoire Camerata present a varied programme of beautiful sacred and secular choral music in the atmospheric surroundings of St. Alban the Martyr.
30
/BirmCons
@BirmCons
Organ Recital
MON 18 MAY
ORGAN RECITAL IN MEMORY OF DR JOHN BISHOP 7.30pm St Chad’s Cathedral £5 (£3) Tickets available on the door David Saint organ Nick Wearne organ John Bishop, who died in 2013, was former Principal of the Birmingham School of Music. He was also a most distinguished organist and choral director, and a past President of the Birmingham Organists’ Association. This recital is given in his memory by David Saint who worked with him at the BSM and Nick Wearne who studied with him.
Venues, Concerts & Events Office: 0121 331 5909
www.bcu.ac.uk/concerts
31
Summer Opera Double Bill THU 28 MAY
OPERA TALK: CHARPENTIER THE SUBVERSIVE – ACTÉON AND THE ABSOLUTIST REGIME OF LOUIS XIV’S FRANCE 7pm Recital Hall Dr Shirley Thompson and Professor Graham Sadler offer an insight into Marc-Antoine Charpentier ahead of the Summer Opera in Charpentier the Subversive.
THU 4 – SAT 6 JUN
SUMMER OPERA The Crescent Theatre Studio Thu & Fri 7.30pm Sat 2.30pm & 7.30pm £16 (£13), £5.50 Conservatoire students Tickets available from The Crescent Theatre Box Office on 0121 643 5858 or by visiting www.crescent-theatre.co.uk Conductor Andrew King Director Michael Barry Students of the Conservatoire Vocal and Instrumental Departments John Blow Venus and Adonis Marc-Antoine Charpentier Actéon John Blow’s Venus and Adonis and Marc-Antoine Charpentier’s Actéon show the musical, theatrical and operatic styles of England and France in the 1680s. These two colourful period performance gems share dramatic and musical similarities with parallel tragic endings.
32
/BirmCons
@BirmCons
The Monkathon MON 8 – THU 11 JUN Various venues Tickets available from www.eventbrite.co.uk The Conservatoire’s Jazz Department proudly presents the second Birmingham Monkathon, a celebration of the music of Thelonious Monk. Hear all 70 Monk compositions played in various venues and settings across the city, in a variety of interpretations. This ambitious feat has been inspired by the classical convention of presenting complete cycles and works. A large dose of the original ‘Marathon’ ideal has been added for good measure: The Conservatoire Jazz Department is a messenger on a special mission, with plenty of endurance, intensity, physicality and spirit. Full programme available at www.bcu.ac.uk/monkathon2015
Venues, Concerts & Events Office: 0121 331 5909
www.bcu.ac.uk/concerts
33
OPEN DAY
EXPLORE YOUR MUSICAL FUTURE AT BIRMINGHAM CONSERVATOIRE WED 10 JUN 10am – 4pm Birmingham Conservatoire Free entry Discover what Birmingham Conservatoire and Birmingham City University has to offer in an Open Day of concerts, workshops and talks. The day is perfect for those considering taking a course in music, and also for staff involved in the teaching of these students and advising them on higher education. For further information and a programme for the day, please contact 0121 331 5901 or email conservatoire@bcu.ac.uk
34
/BirmCons
@BirmCons
Revolutionaries – Chamber Music Festival 2015
WED 10 – SUN 14 JUN Birmingham Conservatoire Tickets available from www.eventbrite.co.uk Witness the vibrancy of the blossoming Chamber Music scene at the Conservatoire, with concerts by our Ensembles in Residence who have been such an inspiration to students here, and many concerts by the students themselves. Also featured is an exciting String Quartet, The Odeion, visiting from South Africa, and the ever-popular Primrose Piano Quartet. The theme, Revolutionaries picks up on the explosion of Chamber Music activity and enthusiasm at the Conservatoire.
Venues, Concerts & Events Office: 0121 331 5909
Beethoven, perhaps the most revolutionary of the great composers, features largely, also two works by Schoenberg, including the wonderful Verkärte Nacht. Many other pieces by less obviously revolutionary composers are chosen for qualities which make them stand out from the ordinary, or represent a new development, a new combination of instruments or a new style. For a full programme listing visit www.bcu.ac.uk/revolutionaries.
www.bcu.ac.uk/concerts
35
British Piano Festival 2015 SUN 14 – TUE 16 JUN Birmingham Conservatoire Tickets available from www.eventbrite.co.uk A three-day British Music Festival hosted by John Thwaites, Head of Keyboard, and leading British pianist, Mark Bebbington, featuring talented students and guest artists including the Primrose Piano Quartet. Showcasing rarely-performed and contrasting works by Bridge, Howells, Holbrooke, Bowen, Ireland and Ferguson, the event also provides an opportunity to hear contemporary composers such as Anthony Payne with the Birmingham premiere of his new Piano Quartet, evocative instrumental pieces by Ian Venables, and Robert MatthewWalker’s dramatic FantasySonata: ‘Hamlet’ (Piano Sonata No.3) Op.34. The opening concert will feature a unique triple-bill of sparkling and energetic 20th century piano concerto rarities by Gordon Jacob, Malcolm Williamson and Doreen Carwithen, with soloist, Mark Bebbington, and strings from the CBSO (Innovation Chamber Ensemble), conducted by Richard Jenkinson.
Image credit: Rama Knight 36
/BirmCons
@BirmCons
Summer Celebrations Day Join us for a day of concerts and events as we mark the end of the Conservatoire’s academic year and celebrate the achievements of our talented students over the past ten months. FRI 19 JUN
FRI 19 JUN
PRIZE GIVING CEREMONY
BIRMINGHAM CONSERVATOIRE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA PRESENT PETRUSHKA
11am Adrian Boult Hall Free admission Tickets available on the door Birmingham Conservatoire students compete for a varied range of prizes over the course of the academic year and our annual prize giving ceremony provides the opportunity for them to be formally presented with these awards. Alongside this, you can observe the awarding of this year’s Honorary Conservatoire Fellowships and Memberships. FRI 19 JUN
THE REMUS STRING QUARTET 2pm The Round Room, Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery Free admission Tickets available on the door Ruta Labutyte violin Duygu Ince violin Katharina von Colson viola Daniel O’Brien cello
7.30pm Town Hall £15 (£12, Students £3) Tickets available from 0121 345 0600 and www.thsh.co.uk Conductor Lionel Friend Liang Shang piano Stravinsky Petrushka (1947 version) Rachmaninov Piano Concerto No.3, Op.30 in D minor To conclude the celebrations, join us for an evening of vibrant colours and romantic pathos as the Conservatoire Symphony Orchestra take to the stage under the charismatic baton of Lionel Friend. Stravinsky’s Petrushka plunges us into a world of theatrical spectacle and vivid characterisation. Often described as an ‘Everest of a concerto’, Rachmaninov’s third is full of sweeping romanticism, vocal lyricism and dazzling displays of virtuosity. This is a wonderful opportunity to hear one of our fine postgraduate performers, Liang Shang, put the piano through its paces in this much loved, yet technically challenging work.
Schubert String Quartet No.14, D810 ‘Death and the Maiden’ The Remus String Quartet kick off the celebrations with a lunchtime performance of Shubert’s Death and the Maiden, in the elegant surroundings of the Round Room at Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery.
Venues, Concerts & Events Office: 0121 331 5909
www.bcu.ac.uk/concerts
37
Baroque Study Day
FRI 3 JUL
MUSIC IN TRANSITION: CHANGING STYLES AND APPROACHES IN THE MID-BAROQUE (1650-1710) 10am – 4pm Recital Hall Free admission (A £10 contribution towards lunch and refreshments is requested) A one-day symposium Invited speakers Professor Peter Holman MBE, Professor Michael Talbot and Colin Timms. From the revolutionary innovations of Monteverdi and his contemporaries, to the monumental works of Handel and Bach, the Baroque was a time of dramatic change and evolution.
Featuring papers from leading scholars as well as early career researchers, this event brings together experts from across the country to examine this fascinating period in music history.
Whilst much work has been done on the music of both the early and later periods, less attention has been given to the central time of transition: the midBaroque. This study day considers the changes that took place in both compositional and performance practice during the years 1650 to 1710.
For further information please contact Carrie.Churnside@bcu.ac.uk
38
Image credit: Antonio Vivaldi, Sonata for Violin, Cello and Continuo RV 820 (Sächsische Landesbibliothek – Stadt- und Universitätsbibliothek Dresden, Mus.2-Q-6).
/BirmCons
@BirmCons
Guest Artists We value our relationship with a varied range of artists and organisations, from across Birmingham, the UK, and aboard and it is always a pleasure to welcome them for their concerts and events. WED 29 APR
AN EVENING WITH LORNA BYRNE 7.30pm Adrian Boult Hall £21 Tickets available from Tree of Life on 0121 449 4086 FRI 10 – SUN 12 APR
THE VOICE FESTIVAL 2015 Birmingham Conservatoire Celebrate the art of contemporary a cappella in a three day festival of performances, competitions, workshops and networking. The popular finals of the annual youth, university and community competitions will also be held during the festival, which comes to Birmingham for the first time. See www.thevoicefestival.co.uk for a full timetable. FRI 10 APR University Semi-Final 1 2.30pm University Semi-Final 2 5.15pm SAT 11 APR Workshops starting from 10am, including beatboxing, marketing, stage presence and recording. Youth Final 3pm University Final 7pm SUN 12 APR Workshops starting from 10am, including healthy voices and flashmob. Community Final 4.30pm
Celebrating the paperback launch of Love from Heaven Lorna Byrne will talk about bringing more love into our lives and making our lives and those of others around us happier. There will be an opportunity for the audience to ask Lorna questions, and at the conclusion Lorna will be happy to give an individual blessing to those members of the audience who wish it.
SAT 23 MAY
BGSO PRIDE PROMS 2015 7pm Adrian Boult Hall £10 (£8) in advance, £12 (£10) on the door, £5 Students £30 Family Ticket (2 adults, 3 children) Tickets available from www.oxboffice.com Conductor Jack Lovell Birmingham Gay Symphony Orchestra Andrew Ridal presenter
Conductor Gavin Lamplough Dudley Bright Trombone
Coates Dambusters March Debussy Prélude à l’après-midi d’un faune Williams Jurassic Park Elgar Pomp & Circumstance March No.4 Handel Zadok the Priest Vivaldi Gloria Parry Jerusalem Arr. Wood Fantasia on British Sea Songs J Strauss II Unter Donner und Blitz
Since it began in 1893, Birmingham Citadel Band has built a reputation for engaging with those who hear its Christian message. It is led by Bandmaster Gavin R Lamplough, a member of the International Staff Band, the Salvation Army’s premier band.
Birmingham Gay Symphony Orchestra return to the Adrian Boult Hall for their fabulous flagship concert. Enjoy a concert full of great and rousing finales as part of Birmingham Pride 2015 celebrating differences and uniting pride.
SAT 9 MAY
BIRMINGHAM CITADEL BAND IN CONCERT 7pm Adrian Boult Hall £10 Tickets available on the door
Venues, Concerts & Events Office: 0121 331 5909
www.bcu.ac.uk/concerts
39
Guest Artists SUN 7 JUN
LUCY AKEHURST 70TH BIRTHDAY CONCERT 6pm Adrian Boult Hall £10 (£7) Tickets are available on the door or by post from: Lucy Akehurst, 3 Bournbrook Road, Selly Oak, Birmingham B29 7BL
Jordene Thomas
Rose Rowley
Thomas Luckett
SAT 20 JUN
This celebratory concert features the Blue Coat Choral Society, string groups and an orchestra made up of present pupils and former pupils, some of whom started learning with Lucy Akehurst over 40 years ago, conducted by Timothy English.
MIDSUMMER MUSICAL FANTASY – OPERA GALA CONCERT
Music performed will be by Bach, Mozart, Handel, Faure and more.
Conductor Michael Lloyd Sinfonia of Birmingham Jordene Thomas soprano Rose Rowley mezzo-soprano Thomas Luckett tenor Byron Jackson baritone
MON 15 JUN
MELODY MUSIC SHOWCASE 6.30pm New Lecture Theatre Free admission Tickets available on the door Melody Music Birmingham meets weekly to explore music making, have fun and make lots of noise! Come and support the students in their end of term concert, with sounds and songs from all over the globe, this concert guarantees to get your toes tapping.
Byron Jackson
7.30pm Adrian Boult Hall £35, £30, £25, £20 Tickets available from BJ Music Events: info@bjmusicevents.co.uk Tel: 07904 217452; www.midsumgala.eventbrite.co.uk
Bizet Carmen Overture Bizet (Carmen) Votre toast, je peux vous le render Bizet (Carmen) Seguidilla Bizet (Carmen) La fleur que tu m’avais jetée Verdi (La forza del destino) Pace mio dio Mascagni (Cavalleria rusticana) Voi la sapete o mamma Verdi (Aida) Ciel, mio padre! Ponchielli (La Gioconda) Cielo e mar Wagner (Tannhäuser) O du, mein holder Abendstern Verdi (Rigoletto) Bella figlia dell’amore Copland (Appalachian Spring) Variations on a Shaker melody Arr. Gardner Deep River Brodzsky arr. Gardner I’ll Walk with God Johnson arr. Gardner Ride on King Jesus Lerner and Loewe arr. Burke (My Fair Lady) Show Me Rodgers and Hammerstein (The King and I) Something Wonderful Gershwin (Porgy and Bess) Summertime Gershwin (Porgy and Bess) Bess you is my woman now Rodgers and Hammerstein arr. Burke (Carousel) You’ll never walk alone Treat yourself to a fabulous mix of favourite operatic composers including Bizet and Verdi from four of the most exciting British voices. Plus there’s a chance to enjoy a change of mood with uplifting spirituals followed by an excursion into the world of musical theatre.
40
/BirmCons
@BirmCons
National Scout and Guide Symphony Orchestra
TUE 7 – SAT 11 JUL
THE NATIONAL FESTIVAL OF MUSIC FOR YOUTH Tickets available from THSH Box Office on 0121 780 3333 or at www.thsh.co.uk The MFY National Festival takes over central Birmingham for five days in celebration of musicmaking, which brings together over 8,000 performers, from all over the UK, all aged 21 and under. Throughout the week expect all styles of music from classical, choral and chamber music, through to jazz, folk, junk percussion and grime! Plus a whole host of other activities to delight the festival audience. See www.mfy.org.uk/national for more information.
SAT 18 JUL
FRI 31 JUL
LET’S CELEBRATE – SUTTON COLDFIELD CHOIRS
NATIONAL SCOUT AND GUIDE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA 40TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT
7.30pm Adrian Boult Hall £11 (£8) Tickets available via www.suttoncoldfieldchoirs. weebly.com Directed by Richard Jeffries and Liz Birch Guest Conductor Suzi Digby OBE Sutton Coldfield Choirs: Four Oaks Cluster Choir Sutton Coldfield Youth Voices The Accidentals Enjoy an eclectic mix of music, ranging from choral music by Will Todd and John Rutter, to modern arrangements from legendary band Queen and hit musical Chicago.
7.30pm Adrian Boult Hall £10 (£3) Tickets available on the door Conductor Lee Marchant The National Scout and Guide Symphony Orchestra represents the very best of the musical talent within Scouting and Guiding. Following a week of masterclasses and professional coaching, this concert promises to be a lively celebration to mark the orchestra’s 40th year. The programme includes a variety of popular orchestral music plus a symphony of choice by the conductor.
You are guaranteed to be entertained by these awardwinning groups, who have featured regularly in National and International competitions. They promise a host of memorable melodies and harmonies that will put a spring in your step.
Venues, Concerts & Events Office: 0121 331 5909
www.bcu.ac.uk/concerts
41
Guest Artists
SAT 8 AUG
FRI 14 AUG
THE NATIONAL YOUTH WIND ORCHESTRA OF GREAT BRITAIN
JOE FRANCIS – SWING EASY
7.30pm Adrian Boult Hall £14 (£8 students) Tickets available on the door Conductor Dr Matthew J. George Camille Saint-Saëns Occident and Orient David Maslanka Give Us This Day Kit Turnbull Scenes from Childhood David Stanhope The Little Ripper March Philip Sparke A Savannah Symphony Michael Markowski As Midnight on a Moonless Night Hear some of the UK’s finest young woodwind, brass and percussion players perform interesting repertoire including works from two living British composers, conducted by Dr Matthew J. George.
7.30pm Adrian Boult Hall £21.50 (£19.50) Tickets available from Ticket Web on 0844 477 1000 www.ticketweb.co.uk American singer Joe Francis has teamed up with the British Philharmonic Big Band. The Great American Songbook is the product of some fantastic, legendary songwriters such as Gershwin, Berlin, Porter, Arlen, Warren and many others. These songs have recently been reprised with great success by Michael Bublé and Rod Stewart. Joe Francis sings the songbook in his own inimitable style with his unique phrasing, vocal inflection and timbre. Hear some of the great songs from Joe Francis’ new album Soliloquy, recorded with 17 of America’s finest musicians. “Many singers of this genre sound much the same, however Joe Francis is the exception to the rule“ – Desmond Carrington, BBC Radio 2
“Joe Has It All” Les Reed OBE For further information visit www.jerseyjoefrancis.com
42
/BirmCons
@BirmCons
Booking Information Tickets for Conservatoire events are individually priced (as shown in the event listings) and available to purchase in a variety of ways: BOOK ONLINE Where stated in the event listings, tickets can be booked online at www.eventbrite.co.uk. Please note that an additional transaction fee is charged per ticket paid for online. ON THE DOOR Where indicated in the event listings, tickets for Conservatoire events are available to purchase from Birmingham Conservatoire Box Office from up to 45 minutes prior to the event start time. ADVANCE RESERVATION Where tickets are available on the door, you can guarantee your ticket by telephoning the Venues, Concerts and Events Office on 0121 331 5909 to reserve your ticket in advance. Telephone lines are open Monday to Friday 10am-4pm. Your ticket will then be available for you to pay for at the Conservatoire Box Office from up to 45 minutes prior to the event start time. Visa, Delta, Connect, Mastercard and Switch cards can be used. Cheques should be made payable to Birmingham City University. When purchasing tickets credit and debit card bookings incur a £1 fee per transaction and all cash payments are fee free. THROUGH OUR TICKETING PARTNER – THE BIRMINGHAM BOX Where stated in the event listings, tickets can be purchased through our ticketing partner The Birmingham Box. Book by clicking on the link within the online listing at www.bcu.ac.uk/concerts or: By Phone Call the ticket hotline 0121 245 4455 Open Monday to Saturday, 10am to 5.30pm In Person Visit The Box at Birmingham Repertory Theatre, Centenary Square, Broad Street, Birmingham, B1 2EP
Visa, Delta, Connect, Mastercard and Switch cards can be used. Cheques should be made payable to Birmingham Repertory Theatre. When purchasing tickets in person or over the telephone, credit card bookings incur a 3% fee per transaction and debit card bookings incur a 50p fee per transaction. Both of these payments are waived for online bookings and all cash payments are fee free. CONCESSIONS Unless otherwise stated, concession prices apply to children (16 and under or in full-time education), students, over 60s, disabled customers and the unemployed. Please note that we may ask to see identification when admitting people carrying concession tickets. EXCHANGES AND REFUNDS Birmingham Conservatoire does not offer refunds on tickets after purchase. Where purchased in advance, and subject to availability, tickets can be exchanged for an alternative performance within the current concert season, provided tickets are returned to the Venue, Concert and Events Office no less than 48 hours before the event start time. Tickets for events presented by external artists and organisations within Birmingham Conservatoire are subject to the refund and exchange policy of the organisation. ADVERTISED PROGRAMME Every effort is made to ensure that all information included within the Concert and Events Diary is correct at the time of going to print. However the Conservatoire reserves the right to change the programme or replace artists due to unforeseen circumstances. USE OF MOBILE PHONES To avoid disruption to performers and other audience members, Birmingham Conservatoire requests that you do not use mobile phones or other electronic devices during our concerts and events.
Open Monday to Friday, 10am to 5.30pm; Saturday 10am to 4pm On-line Go to www.birmingham-box.co.uk Venues, Concerts & Events Office: 0121 331 5909
www.bcu.ac.uk/concerts
43
TOW
SUM
ION R AT
COR
PO ST
N
IO AT
OR D
Y
ST
WA
PA R K
NS
EE
QU ST
ST EN
R ID
BE
TH
LN
DIG
H
D H
Birmingha Coach Stat BR
SOUTHSIDE
Gay Village
BET
AD
A
E OV
RD
ME
IG
AT
RE
AN
O
FO
R
CH
TOL ST
ST LO
SH
ER
ST
DERITEND
AM ST
MAC
BRIS
WRENTH
DON
ALD
ST
MOONLIT PARK
HOW TO FIND US Birmingham Conservatoire is located in the centre of Birmingham in Chamberlain Square, to the left of Paradise Forum, and just behind Town Hall. We can be easily reached by all transport routes. PARKING There are three car parking spaces for disabled visitors outside of the Conservatoire. Access to these spaces is via the Council House barrier at the edge of Margaret Street. Spaces are available on a first-come-first-served basis and display of the relevant badge is essential. There is no other parking available at the Conservatoire but there are several pay and display car parks located close by. 44
NEW
MO
D
M
ST
ST
ST
LE
BO
R S
Wholesale Market
T
EE
OO
R IV
R
Moor Street Interchange
BA
SG
EASTSIDE CITY PARK
Moor Street Station
Markets
RS
ORE
RP
CO
R
DE
HU
PARK CENTRAL
EN
LE
ST
HIGH
K Q’ W AY
BR
LL
OM
ST
OR
N IO AT
CO
TEMP
DA
ST
S N
N
RP
O
N
OR
LE ST
CA
ST LL A W CO
RN
CH AT RE G
&
R TE
ES RC
BR
PE
UP
Arcadian
RD
RT
St Martin in the Bullring
ST
WO
A
Back to Backs
AY
Bullring Shopmobility
Debenhams
RE
EX
G
Univ Hou
Selfridges
Bull Ring Markets
ST
LM
BE
RS L ANE
HO
WH
CAR
Marks & Spencer
Walk link
ST
Q’W
RS
IN
E
ORY
ER
M
EN H
M SU
AY
SW N EE
U
Q ST S
AR
EL N O
LI
H
BR
T ES W ST R NO
VE
ST
PE
The O2 Academy
CO
AL
M
Chinatown
PRI
T
OS
ST
GR
LL
The Square
Martineau Place
I ON
Thinkta Birming Science
SW
Bull Street/Priory A Y Queensway Interchange
BU
W
N
EN
THE
ST
RO
Law Courts
T
N
SM
ESS
GT
SUNSET PARK
TO
U
RS
NG
ST
EDGBASTON
LI
T
T N S
HU
Five Ways
IS
ST
IO AT
Birmingham Hippodrome
AD
IRVING
E
House of Fraser
RY
ST
W B AT H R O LN YS
W
RO
New Street Station
AY
Y
PL
L NPolice
SE
New Street
N ST
New Street Interchange
New Alexandra Theatre
SW
H
L OL
A OW
HE
M
U
Pavilions
ST
City South Campus
ENSO
LL
T ST
R
WESTSIDE
STEPH
Holloway Circus
HE
ST
TE
E
O
Old Square
Great Western Arcade
W
ST
H EL
ST
HI
BRIGH
N
EN
ST
CO
PEACE GARDENS
ST
RO
ST
OO
ST
ST
Cathedral Square
JOHN
A VIG
N
UE
N
AL
RL
LD
TIO
UC
CA
CI
FO
Q
E
SE
R VE
TE
K
O L M Birmingham Cathedral CO
BL
M
N
ST
RM
IN
A GH
PI
LK
The Cube M E R M AL
IC
RE
NEW S T
O
AT
FF
BI
SG
SU
E S T
NA
Harvey Nichols
The Mailbox LL
D OA B R Five Ways Leisure Centre OP
AY
ST
ST
SH
ST
VI
Y
GE
ST
AN
LE
ID
E
BR
OT
RK
ID
ST
WA
Victoria Square
ST
PC
BE
BI
Council House
Paradise Circus Interchange LL
RW
Aston University
CK
ST E TT LO
AR CH ST
LE
ST E TT LO AR CH
ER
RI
ET ST X CO
ST
K O
O
BR
ST E RG EO G
LN
HA
BA
ER
ST
ST
D
H
NT
N
C
CE
U
T ASTON S
E
M
Lancaster Circus
AY
Birmingham Dental Hospital
Colmore Circus Queensway
Snow Hill Interchange ST
ED
Town Hall
O
S QUEENS W
AD
Aston University Main Building
Children’s Birmingham A&E Children’s Hospital
Snow Hill Station
COLMORE Birmingham BUSINESS Museum & Art Gallery DISTRICT
Paradise Circus
ST
U WAT T Q
Margaret Street building
LL
EE
GAS STREET BASIN A S ST
CH
ST
P
GUNSMITHS QUARTER
ST
LL
CI
Bir Sc As
JAMES
ST
of Birmingham ST AD
G
ST
N
L
AY
IL
HI
SH
O
I PR
ZE
’W
H
L BT Tower Footbridge
ICC & Symphony Centenary Hall The Library Square Ikon Gallery
FA
&
Q
E
ILL ET TS H
S RD
AM
L
LL
AT
NN
RD
E
GH
NA
HI
G
H
Birmingham
B
AY
IN
CA
W
LL
D
M IR
SNO
A
D
RC
A
Broad Street
Five Ways
H
R Conservatoire AD E
CITY CENTRE ST GARDENS I D G E BR C AM The REP
GR
ST
EW
Station entrance open 7am – 7pm
BE
W
The NIA
ND
N
LU
U
N
ED
Brindleyplace
LA
St Paul’s Square
VE
W AD SH St Chad’s Cathedral
H
G
National Sea Life Centre
RY
St Paul’s Church
LO
LL
C
N
HI
ST
KI
EN
PA
ST
N
RY
ST
M LE
T
IO
VE
ILL ALL H
LL
VI
ST
NEWH
HI
C
T AM S
S
UT
LI
ST
M MER
PIT
TIT
ST
RBSA Gallery
GRAH
NS
R
OO
VYSE ST
IELD
LL
N
ICK
SU
ND
CAROLI N
A ST
DER
Frederick Street
Argent Centre
St Paul’s
JEWELLERY QUARTER
The Pen Room
SA
E
CO
LW
ST
TA
EY
ST
T
ST
ST
O ST
GO
LT
PT
ICKN
AM
ORI
FRE
Warstone Lane
Vittoria Street building
BA
HO
ST CHAD
H
Vyse Street
STONE LN
VITT
WA R
Police
W
AT
ST
RE
Jewellery Quarter
ST
O N R
G
How To Find Us
R F O R D ST
ST GEORGE
Museum of the Jewellery Quarter
EW
One square represents approximately 3 minutes walk
/BirmCons
@BirmCons
Venue Information CLOAKROOM A free cloakroom service is available at most events taking place in the Adrian Boult Hall. BAR/COFFEE BAR The Conservatoire coffee bar is open throughout the day from 9am to 5pm. For evening and weekend events the coffee and licensed bar is open from one hour before and during the interval of events selling teas and coffees, soft drinks, a range of alcoholic beverages and a range of snacks. Ice cream is on sale during the interval of most events in the Adrian Boult Hall. Interval drinks can be ordered in advance from the coffee and licensed bar from up to one hour before the event start time. ACCESSIBILITY All of the Conservatoire’s venues and spaces are accessible by wheelchair. Accessible toilet facilities are also available. There are designated wheelchair spaces in both the Adrian Boult Hall and Recital Hall. Accompanying companion seats are available by requesting these in advance from the Venues, Concerts and Events Office on 0121 331 5909. Wheelchair users are entitled to concessionary price tickets with a complimentary companion seat ticket is available on request if required. Guide dogs are welcome at all venues. If you are bringing a guide dog, please let the Venues, Concerts and Events Office know in advance by telephoning 0121 331 5909, so that we can allocate a space for him or her.
A copy of this brochure is available in large print by contacting the Venues, Concerts and Events Office on 0121 331 5909.
Venues, Concerts & Events Office: 0121 331 5909
LATECOMERS To minimise disruption to performers and other audience members, latecomers will only be admitted to the Halls during a suitable break in the performance. This may be at the interval of the event. FRIENDS OF BIRMINGHAM CONSERVATOIRE MAILING LIST To receive future Concert and Event Diaries, and details of special events, offers and promotions, please join our mailing list by sending your details to: Mailing List, Venues Concerts and Events Office, Birmingham Conservatoire, Paradise Place, Birmingham B3 3HG. Alternatively please email bhamcons.concerts@bcu.ac.uk or telephone 0121 331 5909. Your details will be stored on a secure electronic database and will not be passed onto any third parties. YOUR COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS The Venues, Concerts and Events team are always interested to hear your comments and suggestions about our concert programme, suggestions for future programming, our venue and our services. You can write to the Head of Venues, Concerts and Events, Emily Bartlett, at the Venues, Concerts and Events Office, Birmingham Conservatoire, Paradise Place Birmingham B3 3HG. PARADISE CIRCUS REDEVELOPMENT - Open for business as usual We are please to confirm that during the Paradise Circus Redevelopment, Birmingham Conservatoire is open for business as usual. For more information on how surrounding areas may be affected, or for advice on your journey to the city centre, please visit www.birmingham.gov.uk/connected or contact the Conservatoire on 0121 331 5909 where a member of staff will be pleased to help you.
www.bcu.ac.uk/concerts
45
Birmingham Conservatoire thanks its sponsors, funders, partners and supporters SPONSORS
PARTNERS
Avid Classical Guitar Centre DfE (Music & Dance Scheme) European Culture Programme EMI Music Sound Foundation John Avins Trust Leverhulme Trust The Schubert Ensemble of London The Tillet Trust The Wolfson Foundation Wilmcote Charitable Trust
Aston Performing Arts Academy Birmingham Contemporary Music Group Birmingham Hippodrome Birmingham Music Service Birmingham Philharmonic Orchestra Birmingham Royal Ballet City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra Coventry Performing Arts Service Deutsche Bank Ex Cathedra In Harmony Stoke and Telford Jazzlines Leamington Music mac Birmingham Music Education Council Music for Youth Musicians’ Union Orchestra of the Swan Perry Beeches II Quench Arts Royal College of Organists Royal Shakespeare Company sampad Sound Futures South Birmingham College Stan’s Café Third Ear Town Hall Symphony Hall Tredegar Town Band Welsh National Opera Wolverhampton Music Hub
EVENT FUNDERS Arts Council England Britten Pears Foundation Hinrichsen Foundation Holst Foundation Kingdom of the Netherlands PRS Foundation for New Music RVW Trust
MEMBERSHIP Association of European Conservatoires Conservatoires UK Incorporated Society of Musicians
46
/BirmCons
@BirmCons
Supporting Us
Birmingham Conservatoire Association
Birmingham Conservatoire is very grateful for the support of individuals and companies.
SUPPORT THE MUSICIANS OF TOMORROW – JOIN US TODAY
THERE ARE MANY WAYS IN WHICH YOU CAN SUPPORT US:
Birmingham Conservatoire Association is a voluntary organisation supporting the work of the students at Birmingham Conservatoire. Our international membership consists of alumni, current and former members of staff, distinguished Honorary Members including the President of Birmingham Conservatoire, Sir Simon Rattle OM CBE DUniv, parents, friends and all those wishing to support our objectives. We are a Registered Charity which is independent from the Conservatoire. Our work includes the production of a twice-yearly promotional magazine Fanfare III, financial support for the CBSO Learning and Participation Programme and to individual students for a variety of needs (such as instrumental purchase and repair, travelling and living expenses, and masterclasses), the annual Undergraduate Welcome and biennial Alumni and Staff Reunions.
• Sponsor a concert or series of concerts. • Sponsor a student and follow them through their course of study. • Support the Conservatoire Endowment Fund – a fund set up to benefit students in need. • Make a donation. The Conservatoire values donations small or large. • Donations can be gift-aided, increasing their value to the Conservatoire. For further details, or if you have an idea you would like to discuss with us, please contact: Andrea Cox Principal’s Office Birmingham Conservatoire Paradise Place, Birmingham B3 3HG Tel: 0121 331 5910 Email: andrea.cox@bcu.ac.uk
Venues, Concerts & Events Office: 0121 331 5909
Membership is open to everyone who wishes to support the work of the students at Birmingham Conservatoire. The students increasingly need your help in these days of global financial hardship. Please refer to our website www.bcu.ac.uk/ conservatoire/bca to see the benefits offered to BCA Members and join us online or by requesting an application form from BCA Hon Secretary John Smith 0121 476 4741 / smith@hrs359.fsnet.co.uk .
www.bcu.ac.uk/concerts
47
Stay in touch for details of forthcoming concerts, special offers and our latest news. To join Birmingham Conservatoire’s mailing list please email bhamcons.concerts@bcu.ac.uk or contact the Venues, Concerts & Events Team on 0121 331 5909. www.bcu.ac.uk/concerts /
BirmCons
@BirmCons
Birmingham Conservatoire Paradise Place Birmingham B3 3HG 48
/BirmCons
@BirmCons