DISCOVER YOUR ORCHESTRA An introduction to incredible live music right here in Birmingham...
CBSO.CO.UK Principal Funders
Registered Charity no. 506276
WHAT TO EXPECT We invite you to lose yourself in music – to try something new, to hear something familiar, to be amazed, to be moved, to be challenged – to hear a huge orchestra performing great music with joy and passion in the heart of Birmingham. Look out for the following symbols to find out which performances are perfect for you:
BE MOVED We’re giving you ALL the feels in this concert... sadness, joy, drama... in short, things are about to get emotional.
BE WOWED For the thrill-seekers – expect epic, mind-blowing music – boom!
PERFECT FOR YOUR FIRST TIME Lost in music? Don’t know where to start? Think of this as a road map.
PERFECT FOR DATE NIGHT Let us provide the soundtrack to your romantic evening – love is most definitely in the air!
PERFECT FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY A concert filled with music that everyone can enjoy, whether you’re two or ninety-two.
PERFECT FOR CHILDREN Concerts specially designed for your little ones – grown-ups are welcome too!
Listen Here UNSURE WHETHER YOU’LL RECOGNISE THE MUSIC? Look out for our handy guide next to each concert, to highlight where you might have heard this piece before. We’ve also added in links to listen to some of the music online for free. #TryBeforeYouBuy Listen to our full playlist on Spotify by scanning the QR code. 2
CONTENTS What to Expect Meet the Orchestra Frequently Asked Questions Concerts Take Your Seats Ways to Save Handy Terms
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FIRST TIME? Find out more about our £10 tickets for first-time concert attenders. See p.30 for details
£5
tickets for students, under-18s and those in receipt of benefits. Find out more on p.30
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3 | Book online at cbso.co.uk or call the B:Music Box Office on 0121 780 3333
Photo: Andrew Fox
£10
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MEET THE ORCHESTRA The City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (CBSO) is made up of 90 passionate musicians, all based in the West Midlands. We perform regularly at Symphony Hall in Centenary Square with concerts ranging from emotional symphonies to rock concerts, and everything in between.
Cello
Double Bass
n oo ss a b a r t n Co
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Conductor
Violin Trombone
Harp
Clarinet CBSO at Symphony Hall Photo: Hannah Fathers
Oboe
EXPLORE ALL OUR UPCOMING CONCERTS HERE
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS We want you to have a completely brilliant experience at every CBSO concert. To make your visit as enjoyable and stress-free as possible, we’ve pulled together some of the questions people have about coming along. DO I NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE MUSIC IN ADVANCE? Not at all! Just come along with open ears and an open mind and let the music do the rest... but if you would like to find out more, free digital programmes are available on our website a couple of days before the concert. WHAT SHOULD I WEAR? There is no dress code for CBSO concerts, so please wear whatever you feel most comfortable in. CAN I GET A DRINK? Drinks can be purchased from the bars before the concert and at the interval and can be taken into the concert hall. HOW DO I KNOW WHEN TO CLAP? There are no set rules, though many audience members do wait until the end of a piece before clapping. Certain pieces are separated into movements – with a short pause in the music – during which some audience members choose not to applaud. CAN I TAKE PHOTOGRAPHS? We are happy for you to take photos during performances, and we’d love for you to tag us on social media @TheCBSO – but please do be discreet to avoid disturbing other audience members. Please note that filming is not allowed.
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HOW LONG DOES A PERFORMANCE LAST? Most of our concerts last approximately 2 hours, including a 20-minute interval. You’ll find the exact timings for each concert in this brochure or on our website. AREN’T THE CONCERTS EXPENSIVE? The cost of concerts depends on where you choose to sit and full-price tickets start at £26. However, we do have lots of amazing ways to save including £10 tickets for new attenders and those aged 18-30, and £5 tickets for students, under 18s, and benefit recipients (full details can be found on p.30). If you have any other questions about coming to see the CBSO, please feel free to get in touch with us – we promise there’s no such thing as a daft question! You can find us on social media:
Symphony Hall Foyer Photo: Andrew Fox
Or contact the team via email at info@cbso.co.uk or by calling 0121 616 6500.
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This concert is presented in association with:
Nicola Benedetti Photo: Andy Gotts
Supporter of Schoolsʼ Concerts
A NEW WORLD: KAZUKI YAMADA AND NICOLA BENEDETTI
William King Ltd When we say you’re going to ‘be moved’ in this concert, we’re not exaggerating! In the first half, star violinist Nicola Benedetti performs Mendelssohn’s passionate and dramatic Violin Concerto – a true audience favourite may just bring a tear (or two) to Trusts and Foundations which your eye. And in the second half, the gorgeous and instantly recognisable 29th May 1961 Charitable Trust The JABBS Foundation New World Symphony by Dvořák will Trust ABO Trust’s Sirens Programme Lillie Johnson Charitable fill the concert hall with beautiful music, Miss Albright Grimley Charity The Kobler Trust leaving you truly uplifted and refreshed. James Langley Memorial Trust The Andor Charitable Trust The Leverhulme Trust The Lord Austin Trust LJC Fund The John Avins Trust WHEN: Tuesday 20 September 2022, 7.30pm Limoges Charitable Trust Backstage Trust TIMINGS: 7.30pm-9.15pm S & D Lloyd Charity The Rachel Baker Memorial Charity (20-minute intervalThe at approx. 8.15pm) WHERE: Symphony Hall, Birmingham The Helen Rachael Mackaness Charit Bite Size Pieces TICKETS: From £26 (find ways to save on p.30) The MacRobert Trust The Boshier-Hinton Foundation The McLay Dementia Trust British Korean Society The James Frederick & Ethel Anne Me The Charles Brotherton Trust PERFORMERS Kazuki Yamada - Conductor The Anthony and Elizabeth Mellows C The Edward & Dorothy Cadbury Trust Nicola Benedetti - Violin MFPA Trust Fund for the Training of H Edward Cadbury Charitable Trust CBSO Chorus Children in the Arts The George Cadbury Fund MUSIC Millichope The R V J Cadbury Charitable Trust Dvořák Carnival Overture, 9mins Foundation Mendelssohn ViolinThe Concerto, David27mins Morgan Music Trust CBSO Development Trust Grigorjeva In Paradisum, 4mins The Oakley Charitable Trust City of Birmingham Orchestral Endowment Fund Dvořák Symphony No. 9 (New World), 40mins The Patrick Trust The John S Cohen Foundation The Misses C M Pearson & M V William The Cole Charitable Trust Charitable Trust The George Henry Collins Charity Perry Family Charitable Trust The Concertina Charitable Trust Baron Davenport’s Charity WHERE HAVE I HEARD THIS BEFORE?The Bernard Piggott Charitable Trust PRS Foundation’s The Open Fund for The D’Oyly Carte Charitable The New World Symphony is oneTrust of those pieces you’ll know as soon as you Dunard Fund hear it – with its most popular melody being featured in everything from theThe Radcliffe Trust classic Hovis advert to Top Gear, Love Island and even Trolls 2! Rathbones Trust Company The W1970s E Dunn Trust The Ratcliff Foundation The W.G. Edwards Charitable Foundation The Rainbow Dickinson Trust John Ellerman Foundation 8 Clive Richards Foundation The Eveson Charitable Trust
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HUMAN NATURE: THE RITE OF SPRING Loud, fast, and shocking enough to cause an actual riot at its first performance (yes, really!), prepare to be thrilled by Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring and make sure to listen out for the moments that have inspired some of the most dramatic movie soundtracks of all time. In the first half, experience an epic new piece inspired by evolution and human impact on the natural world, which features 90 musicians and over 200 singers! WHEN: Saturday 24 September 2022, 7pm TIMINGS: 7pm-8.50pm (20-minute interval at approx. 7.50pm) WHERE: Symphony Hall, Birmingham TICKETS: From £26 (find ways to save on p.30)
MUSIC Dean In This Brief Moment, 50mins Stravinsky The Rite of Spring, 35mins
Listen Here WHERE HAVE I HEARD THIS BEFORE? Since its explosive first performance The Rite of Spring has crossed into pop music, TV and film – including the iconic dinosaur battle in Disney’s Fantasia and references in songs by Joni Mitchell, Metallica, and the Pet Shop Boys.
9 | Book online at cbso.co.uk or call the B:Music Box Office on 0121 780 3333
Nicholas Collon Photo: Chris Christodolou
PERFORMERS Nicholas Collon - Conductor Jennifer France - Soprano Patrick Terry - Countertenor CBSO Chorus Hallé Choir
THE SEA Sit back, relax, and let us whisk you away to the coast – from the dark and stormy waves of Britten’s Four Sea Interludes to the shimmering reflections of Debussy’s La mer – you’ll almost be able to smell the sea air. In complete contrast, a symphony inspired by the 1961 horror film The Exterminating Angel offers more drama than you’ll know what to do with – this concert is going to be quite a journey! WHEN: Wednesday 28 September 2022, 2.15pm TIMINGS: 2.15pm-4pm (20-minute interval at approx. 3pm) WHERE: Symphony Hall, Birmingham TICKETS: From £26 (find ways to save on p.30)
PERFORMERS Mirga Gražinytė-Tyla - Conductor
Mirga Gražinytė-Tyla Photo: Benjamin Ealovega
MUSIC Britten Four Sea Interludes from Peter Grimes, 16mins Adès The Exterminating Angel Symphony, 22mins Weinberg Jewish Rhapsody, 11mins Debussy La mer, 25mins
Listen Here WHERE HAVE I HEARD THIS BEFORE?
Claude Debussy’s music will sound familiar – even if you’ve never heard this piece before – as his music has been used in everything from a TV advert for Andrex to the recent film Everything Everywhere All at Once. And not only that: this piece inexplicably sounds just like the sea!
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SHEKU KANNEH-MASON PLAYS HAYDN This concert is perfect for your first (or fifty-first) visit to the concert hall, with a selection of joyful music sure to put a smile on your face. Haydn’s Cello Concerto is filled with bright and breezy melodies that you’ll be humming as you head home, while The Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra does just what it says on the tin. And it’s always a particularly wonderful occasion when cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason (of royal wedding fame) joins the Orchestra on stage! WHEN: Thursday 6 October 2022, 7.30pm TIMINGS: 7.30pm-9.30pm (20-minute interval at approx. 8.15pm) WHERE: Symphony Hall, Birmingham TICKETS: From £26 (find ways to save on p.30)
MUSIC Vaughan Williams Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis, 15mins Haydn Cello Concerto in C, 25mins Elgar Sospiri, 6mins Weinberg Flute Concerto No. 1, 18mins Britten The Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra, 17mins
Listen Here WHERE HAVE I HEARD THIS BEFORE? Benjamin Britten’s ‘Young Person’s Guide’ is based on a much earlier piece of music by composer Henry Purcell. The piece is hugely recognisable and has been used in films such as Pride and Prejudice and Moonrise Kingdom.
11 | Book online at cbso.co.uk or call the B:Music Box Office on 0121 780 3333
Sheku Kanneh-Mason Photo: Andrew Fox
PERFORMERS Mirga Gražinytė-Tyla - Conductor Sheku Kanneh-Mason - Cello Marie-Christine Zupanic - Flute
MOZART’S CLARINET CONCERTO There are some pieces of music that sound like they’ve been taken straight out of a film, and Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto is one of them! It probably helps that it has actually been used in plenty of movies – but the graceful melodies and sweeping orchestral parts definitely conjure up scenes of romance. On the flip side, we have two high-octane, energy-filled “dances” by Rachmaninoff and Adams that offer lots of excitement. If you’re a sucker for an epic film score, then this is the concert for you!
WHEN: Wednesday 2 November 2022, 2.15pm TIMINGS: 2.15pm-4pm (20-minute interval at approx. 3pm) WHERE: Symphony Hall, Birmingham TICKETS: From £26 (find ways to save on p.30)
PERFORMERS Ryan Bancroft - Conductor Oliver Janes - Clarinet
Ryan Bancroft Photo: Hannah Fathers
MUSIC Adams The Chairman Dances, 12mins Mozart Clarinet Concerto, 28mins Rachmaninoff Symphonic Dances, 37mins
Listen Here WHERE HAVE I HEARD THIS BEFORE? A clear favourite among film directors, Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto has been used in lots of films including The King’s Speech, 27 Dresses and Out of Africa – interestingly, the orchestral sections are often more popular than the clarinet part!
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MYSTICAL SONGS There’s nothing quite like hearing a choir in full force – it’s a deeply moving experience. And when combined with lush melodies evoking the beautiful British countryside, there won’t be a dry eye in the house. The second half is just as beautiful, as the orchestra perform Vaughan Williams’ Fifth Symphony – gentle, melodic, uplifting and deeply romantic – making it perfect for date night!
WHEN: Thursday 10 November 2022, 7.30pm TIMINGS: 7.30pm-9.30pm (20-minute interval at approx. 8.15pm) WHERE: Symphony Hall, Birmingham TICKETS: From £26 (find ways to save on p.30)
PERFORMERS Michael Seal - Conductor Roderick Williams - Baritone CBSO Chorus
Roderick Williams Photo: Benjamin Ealovega
MUSIC Vaughan Williams The Wasps: Overture, 9mins Vaughan Williams Toward the Unknown Region, 14mins Vaughan Williams Five Mystical Songs, 17mins Vaughan Williams Symphony No. 5, 42mins
13 | Book online at cbso.co.uk or call the B:Music Box Office on 0121 780 3333
SCOTT OF THE ANTARCTIC Join us for an evening of classic British cinema in this gripping adventure film from 1948 inspired by real-life events. Complete with a stirring soundtrack – performed live by our wonderful Orchestra – discover the story of Robert Falcon Scott and his dramatic and ill-fated attempt to reach the South Pole.
WHEN: Friday 11 November 2022, 7.30pm TIMINGS: 7.30pm-9.30pm (no interval) WHERE: Symphony Hall, Birmingham TICKETS: £24 (find ways to save on p.30)
Scott of the Antarctic Photo: Getty Images
PERFORMERS Martyn Brabbins - Conductor Katie Trethewey - Soprano CBSO Youth Chorus
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PROKOFIEV & DVOŘÁK From the childlike wonder of Dukas’ The Sorcerer’s Apprentice – a musical magic spell which will capture your imagination – to the pure drama of Prokofiev’s Second Violin Concerto, you’re going to need to hold on to your seats for this completely thrilling concert! In the second half, Dvořák’s Symphony No. 8 is cheery and reminiscent of Summer, filled with gorgeous tunes and it certainly doesn’t skimp on energy.
WHEN: Tuesday 15 November 2022, 2.15pm TIMINGS: 2.15pm-4pm (20-minute interval at approx. 2.50pm) WHERE: Symphony Hall, Birmingham TICKETS: From £26 (find ways to save on p.30)
PERFORMERS Elena Schwarz - Conductor Clara-Jumi Kang - Violin
Listen Here WHERE HAVE I HEARD THIS BEFORE? The soundtrack to magic spells that bring brooms and buckets to life, The Sorcerer’s Apprentice by Paul Dukas has been used in both of Disney’s Fantasia films (1940 and 1999).
15 | Book online at cbso.co.uk or call the B:Music Box Office on 0121 780 3333
Clara-Jumi Kang Photo: Marco Borggreve
MUSIC Dukas The Sorcerer’s Apprentice, 10mins Prokofiev Violin Concerto No. 2, 26mins Dvořák Symphony No. 8, 36mins
BIRDS OF PARADISE A concert for nature – and music-lovers alike – this evening promises to be a real treat for the imagination. You’ll be wowed by the beautiful flight of Vaughan Williams’ Lark Ascending, as you hear one of the most famous pieces of orchestral music performed by the truly unique violinist Pekka Kuusisto, and you’re sure to be surprised by the combination of real-life birdsong and full orchestra!
WHEN: Wednesday 23 November 2022, 7.30pm TIMINGS: 7.30pm-9.15pm (20-minute interval at approx. 8.10pm) WHERE: Symphony Hall, Birmingham TICKETS: From £26 (find ways to save on p.30)
PERFORMERS Pekka Kuusisto - Conductor/Violin
Pekka Kuusisto Photo: Felix Broede
MUSIC INCLUDING Tarrodi Birds of Paradise, 8mins Vaughan Williams The Lark Ascending, 14mins Waller-Bridge Temperatures, 13mins Sibelius The Swan of Tuonela, 10mins Rautavaara Cantus Arcticus: Concerto for Birds and Orchestra, 18mins
Listen Here WHERE HAVE I HEARD THIS BEFORE? The Lark Ascending is one of the best-loved and best-known pieces of music of all time and a real favourite in the Classic FM Hall of Fame and at the Last Night of The Proms.
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FAMILY CONCERT: A WINTER PARTY Wrap up warm and join us as we transform Town Hall into a musical winter wonderland! Featuring music from Frozen, Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, Jessie Montgomery’s Starburst and more, you can dance, sing along and even join in with the music-making at this seasonal celebration of all things wintry! Our Family Concerts are all BSL interpreted. WHEN: Saturday 26 November 2022, 2.30pm TIMINGS: 2.30pm-3.30pm (no interval) WHERE: Town Hall, Birmingham TICKETS: £12. Group of four £38.
CBSO at Christmas Photo: Andrew Fox
PERFORMERS Michael Seal - Conductor Lucy Drever - Presenter Sarah Butt - BSL Interpreter
17 | Book online at cbso.co.uk or call the B:Music Box Office on 0121 780 3333
STREET MUSIC: STRAVINSKY, ELLINGTON & ROTA If you’re looking for something different, then this concert should be top of your list! We open with a cinematic score by the composer of The Godfather, followed by a wild, jazz-infused trumpet concerto, performed by rising star Simon Höfele. The second half sees the worlds of jazz legend Duke Ellington and influential composer Igor Stravinsky collide, in two equally thrilling pieces which are sure to impress. WHEN: Thursday 1 December 2022, 7.30pm TIMINGS: 7.30pm-9.30pm (interval at approx. 8.10pm) WHERE: Symphony Hall, Birmingham TICKETS: From £26 (find ways to save on p.30)
PERFORMERS Kevin John Edusei - Conductor Simon Höfele - Trumpet
Simon Höfele Photo: Marco Borggreve
MUSIC Rota La Strada: Suite, 25mins Zimmermann Trumpet Concerto “Nobody knows the trouble I see”, 15mins Ellington Harlem, 18mins Stravinsky Petrushka, 35mins
Listen Here WHERE HAVE I HEARD THIS BEFORE? For jazz fans, the sound of Duke Ellington will be wonderfully familiar - and his symphonic jazz composition for full orchestra is packed with his signature sounds. Just imagine you’re taking a stroll around Harlem on a Sunday morning...
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SHOSTAKOVICH’S FIFTH SYMPHONY If you’re here for the drama, then have we got the concert for you. Prepare to be hit by the full force of 90 musicians in Shostakovich’s intense Fifth Symphony, conducted by Birmingham’s own Alpesh Chauhan. The first half isn’t short on excitement either as the Orchestra perform a flashy and dazzling violin concerto with the CBSO’s brilliant violinist Eugene Tzikindelean. This one will definitely have your heart racing. WHEN: Wednesday 7 December 2022, 2.15pm TIMINGS: 2.15pm-4.15pm (interval at approx. 3.10pm) WHERE: Symphony Hall, Birmingham TICKETS: From £26 (find ways to save on p.30)
PERFORMERS Alpesh Chauhan - Conductor Eugene Tzikindelean - Violin
Alpesh Chauhan Photo: Michele Monasta
MUSIC Brahms Tragic Overture, 13mins Nielsen Violin Concerto, 33mins Shostakovich Symphony No. 5, 46mins
19 | Book online at cbso.co.uk or call the B:Music Box Office on 0121 780 3333
Celebrate Christmas with the CBSO in our range of fun-filled concerts for the whole family!
NOTELETS: CHRISTMAS PARTY You are invited to a party with extra sparkle as our concerts for under-5s get a Christmassy make-over! Join Charlotte and Bryony’s Sleighbell Orchestra for musical stories, festive party games and maybe even a visit from the Sugar Plum Fairy – and don’t forget to join us for FREE craft activities up to an hour before each performance! Our Notelets performances are all BSL interpreted. Recommended for toddlers and young children. Babies under 9 months do not require a ticket.
WHEN: Friday 9 December 2022, 11am & 1.30pm Saturday 10 December 2022, 11am, 1.30pm & 3.30pm TIMINGS: Approximately 1 hour (no interval) WHERE: CBSO Centre, Birmingham TICKETS: £10. Group of four £35
CBSO Notelets Photo: River Rea
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A CBSO CHORAL CHRISTMAS WITH ALAN TITCHMARSH Traditional carols, festive tunes, new Christmas classics, and even the chance to sing along: our annual choral concerts at Symphony Hall have become a seasonal highlight in Birmingham’s calendar. Join the full CBSO family including our massed choirs and the full Orchestra, alongside conductor Simon Halsey and TV favourite Alan Titchmarsh, for an evening full of Christmas cheer – tinsel and Santa hats are a must!
Alan Titchmarsh
WHEN: Thursday 15 & Friday 16 December 2022, 7.30pm TIMINGS: 7.30pm-9.30pm (20-minute interval at approx. 8.20pm) WHERE: Symphony Hall, Birmingham TICKETS: From £26 (find ways to save on p.30)
A SWINGING CHRISTMAS WITH THE CBSO It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Join the CBSO as it transforms into a seasonal time machine with West End stars performing hit songs of Christmases gone by. From Frosty the Snowman and Jingle Bells to Sleigh Ride and White Christmas – we invite you to get your festive spirit into the swing of things as all we want for Christmas, is you!
WHEN: Wednesday 21 December 2022, 7.30pm TIMINGS: 7.30pm-9.30pm (20-minute interval at approx. 8.20pm) WHERE: Symphony Hall, Birmingham TICKETS: From £26 (find ways to save on p.30) PERFORMERS Michael England - Conductor Alice Fearn, David Thaxton and Rob Houchen - Vocalists
CBSO at Christmas Photo: Andrew Fox
Presented in association with West End International 21 | Book online at cbso.co.uk or call the B:Music Box Office on 0121 780 3333
This concert is presented in association with:
BIRMINGHAM
VIENNESE NEW YEAR The perfect pick-me-up for a Sunday afternoon in early January, offering the glitz and glamour of Vienna right here in Birmingham! There’s something incredibly romantic about the elegant waltzes, the playful polkas, the light-hearted, familiar, and truly joyful music within this concert – so let the CBSO whirl you into a new year feeling romanced, revitalised and ready for 2023! WHEN: Sunday 8 January 2023, 3pm TIMINGS: 3pm-5pm (20-minute interval at approx. 3.50pm) WHERE: Symphony Hall, Birmingham TICKETS: From £26 (find ways to save on p.30)
PERFORMERS Christoph Alstaedt - Conductor Anna Devin - Soprano
Anna Devin Photo: Victoria Cadisch
INCLUDING MUSIC BY The Strauss family plus Reznicek, Waldteufel, Lumbye, Anderson and more!
Listen Here WHERE HAVE I HEARD THIS BEFORE? The Beautiful Blue Danube is the most famous waltz ever written and has been dubbed Austria’s ‘second national anthem’ due to its popularity! It’s been used in a huge list of films and tv adverts – take a listen and see where you’ve heard it before.
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MAHLER’S FIRST SYMPHONY ‘Epic’ is a bit of an understatement when it comes to Mahler’s Symphony No. 1. The piece begins in near total silence, and unfolds gradually through tragedy and triumph, until it reaches an earth-shattering climax. It’s one hell of a journey – and not for the faint-hearted!
WHEN: Thursday 12 January 2023, 7.30pm TIMINGS: 7.30pm-9.30pm (20-minute interval at approx. 8.10pm) WHERE: Symphony Hall, Birmingham TICKETS: From £26 (find ways to save on p.30)
PERFORMERS Gergely Madaras - Conductor
Gergely Madaras Photo: Marco Borggreve
MUSIC Mahler Blumine, 10mins Larcher Symphony No. 3 (A Line above the Sky), 30mins Mahler Symphony No. 1, 56mins
23 | Book online at cbso.co.uk or call the B:Music Box Office on 0121 780 3333
TCHAIKOVSKY’S VIOLIN CONCERTO Join us for an evening of pure bliss, in a concert that will sparkle like champagne. There’s a reason Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto is THE most adored concerto of all time - its enchanting melodies and musical fireworks will have you oo-ing and ahh-ing throughout. While the suite from Strauss’ opera, and Ravel’s La Valse will have you waltzing out of the concert hall with a huge smile on your face. WHEN: Thursday 19 January 2023, 7.30pm TIMINGS: 7.30pm-9.20pm (20-minute interval at approx. 8.20pm) WHERE: Symphony Hall, Birmingham TICKETS: From £26 (find ways to save on p.30)
PERFORMERS Fabiel Gabel - Conductor Baiba Skride - Violin
Baiba Skride Photo: Marco Borggreve
MUSIC Moussa Crimson, 12mins Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto, 34mins Strauss Der Rosenkavalier: Suite, 21mins Ravel La Valse, 13mins
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CLASSIC FM HALL OF FAME 2023 As a concert experience, think of the Classic FM Hall of Fame as being just like your favourite box of chocolates - a selection of the most delicious musical moments ever, handpicked by us just for you. There will be drama, love stories, even the occasional dinosaur - so, whatever your tastes, we guarantee there will be something you’ll love! WHEN: Friday 20 January 2023, 7.30pm TIMINGS: 7.30pm-9.30pm (20-minute interval at approx. 8.20pm) WHERE: Symphony Hall, Birmingham TICKETS: From £26 (find ways to save on p.30) PERFORMERS Stephen Bell - Conductor John Suchet - Presenter Elizabeth Llewellyn - Soprano Jayson Gillham - Piano
Listen Here WHERE HAVE I HEARD THIS BEFORE? We have no doubt that there’ll be something familiar in this concert - whether that’s Barber’s Adagio for Strings which has featured in everything from Platoon to The Simpsons, John Williams’ theme from Jurassic Park, or Rachmaninoff’s second piano concerto - used in films including Brief Encounter and Spider-Man 3!
25 | Book online at cbso.co.uk or call the B:Music Box Office on 0121 780 3333
Elizabeth Llewellyn Photo: Frances Marshall
INCLUDING ... Elgar Pomp and Circumstance, Beethoven Symphony No. 5, Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No. 2, Debussy Clair de Lune, Barber Adagio for Strings and more!
BEETHOVEN’S EMPEROR CONCERTO You’re in for a true hero’s welcome at this concert, as pianist Cédric Tiberghien performs the boldest and most energetic of all Beethoven’s Piano Concertos. When paired with Prokofiev’s joyous yet frantic Fifth Symphony and Wagner’s story of a mysterious knight - you’ll be buzzing with excitement as you head home. WHEN: Wednesday 25 January, 2.15pm TIMINGS: 2.15pm-4.15pm (20-minute interval at approx. 3pm) WHERE: Symphony Hall, Birmingham TICKETS: From £26 (find ways to save on p.30)
PERFORMERS Eduardo Strausser - Conductor Cédric Tiberghien - Piano
Cédric Tiberghien Photo: Benjamin Ealovega
MUSIC Wagner Lohengrin: Prelude to Act 1, 9mins Beethoven Piano Concerto No. 5 (Emperor), 38mins Prokofiev Symphony No. 5, 46mins
Listen Here WHERE HAVE I HEARD THIS BEFORE? Beethoven’s last and most popular piano concerto is filled with bold melodies, and heroic spirit and has been used in some epic films - including The Kings Speech and Elysium.
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SOUNDS NEW If you (like us) are always on the lookout for brand new music – the latest hit single, the hottest new act – then this concert should be right up your street. We’ve asked 20 of the most exciting new voices to each write an entirely new piece of music just for us (and you). This can be on any theme or in any style they like, it just can’t be more than 4 minutes long. So come along and try something new, you might just be among the first to hear a modern masterpiece.
WHEN: Sunday 29 January 2023, 2pm TIMINGS: 2pm-4pm (20-minute interval at approx. 3pm) WHERE: Symphony Hall, Birmingham TICKETS: £10 (or £5 for students /under 18s)
COMPOSERS Anna Appleby Kristina Arakelyan Tyriq Baker Stephane Crayton Nathan James Dearden Benjamin Graves Millicent B James Joel Järventausta Chloe Knibbs Ryan Latimer Florence Anna Maunders Bethan Morgan-Williams Ben Nobuto Laurence Osborne Rakhi Singh Angela Slater Aileen Sweeney Liam Taylor-West Héloïse Werner Yfat Zoul Zisso This concert is supported by The John Feeney Charitable Trust. 27 | Book online at cbso.co.uk or call the B:Music Box Office on 0121 780 3333
Audience at Symphony Hall Photo: River Rea
PERFORMERS Clark Rundell - Conductor
TAKE YOUR SEATS There’s no such thing as a bad seat in Symphony Hall – you’ll get a fabulous view and listening experience wherever you choose. We also offer a range of ticket prices in each area of the hall. Details about what to expect from a CBSO concert can be found in our Frequently Asked Questions on p.6.
Grand Tier
Upper Circle
Circle Stalls
TO BOOK
Tickets can be booked online at cbso.co.uk or through the B:Music Box Office at Symphony Hall, either in person (Monday-Saturday, 10am-5pm) or by phone on 0121 780 3333 (Monday-Saturday, 10am-2pm). Full details of how to book, alongside ticket terms and conditions can be found on the CBSO website.
Please note, all prices shown in this brochure above £15 are inclusive of the £3.50 per ticket commission which is charged by the B:Music Box Office. Refunds and exchanges: Tickets are non-refundable or exchangeable. Refunds will only be given if a performance is cancelled or rescheduled. All tickets purchased are subject to full terms and conditions which can be found online at cbso.co.uk/terms. Your data: When you book your ticket for a CBSO concert via B:Music’s Box Office your data is passed to us. The CBSO processes audience data for certain legitimate business purposes, in order to provide you with the best experiences and most relevant information about our activities as an arts charity. To learn more about how we use your data, visit cbso.co.uk/privacy.
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Almost all CBSO concerts take place in central Birmingham - either at Symphony Hall in Centenary Square, or at Town Hall or the CBSO Centre (just a few minutes away). All of these venues are easy to find and fully accessible.
YOUR VISIT & ACCESSIBILITY
ACCESSIBILITY
ACCESSIBILITY
WE C WELC THIS
Symphony Hall and CBSO Centre are all fully
for people with additional needs.would If you are attending concerts at Symphonyaccessible Hall or Town Hall, we The THSH Access Scheme offers free tickets suggest joining the B:Music Access Scheme, which offers: for disabled patrons who need the assistance of a companion. - A free companion ticket for disabled patrons who need assistance The transformation of Symphony Hall’s public For further information on the Access Scheme, spaces has continued throughout the Covid-19 and details of the ballot for parking spaces for - A dedicatedPandemic access phone and the brand-newline spaces at disabled people contact: Symphony Hall, a B:Music venue, now boast new - Wheelchair accessible seats at a set price Town of £26 Hall and Symphony Hall: seating areas, larger bars and a café-food offering. https://bmusic.co.uk/your-visit But it’s the new Jennifer Blackwell performance - (discounts may be available where appropriate) 0121 289 6333 space that will make the biggest impression going forward, offering local artists more opportunities to perform as part of a regular programme of free and affordable events and activities.
boxoffice@bmusic.co.uk Mini com: 0121 644 6140 For Centre Stage concerts, contact: CBSO Centre: 0121 616 6532 cbso.co.uk/centre
To find out more about the B:Music Access Scheme visit: bmusic.co.uk/your-visit.
Call 0121 616 6500 for a
free brochure, For more information about the accessibility oflarge-print CBSO Centre visit: cbso.co.uk/centre or call 0121 616 6500.or an audio CD version. The CBSO is the Resident Orchestra of Symphony Hall. Your data: When you book your ticket for a CBSO concert via B:Music's Box Office your data is passed to us. The CBSO processes audience data for certain legitimate business purposes, in order to provide you with the best experiences and most relevant information about our activities as an Arts Charity. To learn more about how we use your data visit cbso.co.uk/privacy Refunds & Exchanges: Tickets are non-refundable or exchangeable. Refunds will only be given if a performance is cancelled or rescheduled. Lost tickets: There is a £2 charge for printing duplicate tickets.
ABOUT THE VENUES PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS
Cover: Top row L to R: Amy Thomas, Bryony Morrison, Helen Edgar & Jeremy Bushell. Middle row L to R: Jonathan Holland, Katherine Thomas, Margaret Cookhorn & Oliver Janes. Bottom row L to R: Sally Morgan, Philip Brett & Anthony Howe. All photographed by Benjamin Ealovega | Page 2 Stephen Maddock – Upstream Photography | Oliver Janes by Benjamin Ealovega | Page 3 Margaret Cookhorn by Benjamin Ealovega | Page 5 | Amy Thomas by Benjamin Ealovega | Kazuki Yamada by Marco Borggreve | Page 6 Gustavo Gimeno by Marco Borggrieve | Steven Osborne by Simon Perry | Page 7 James Ehnes by Benjamin Ealovega | Baiba Skrie by Marco Borggreve | Page 8 Jess Gillam by Robin Clewley | Page 9 Kevin John Edusei by Marco Borggreve | Page 10 CBSO Youth
Orchestra by Mat Beckett | Marta Gardolińska by Bart Barczyk | Mirga Gražinytė-Tyla by Benjamin Ealovega | Mirga Gražinytė-Tyla Andrew Fox | Page 12 John Wilson by Astrid Ackermann | John Suchet by ©Classic FM | Page 13 Gergey Madaras by Marco Borggreve | Page 14 and 15 CBSO and Choruses ©CBSO | Page 16 Jonathan Holland by Benjamin Ealovega| Page 17 Philip Brett by Benjamin Ealovega | Page 18 and 19 Katherine Thomas by Benjamin Ealovega | Page 21 CBSO Youth Orchestra By Mat Beckett | Page 22 Jeremy Bushell by Benjamin Ealovega | Page23 Bryony Morrison by Benjamin Ealovega | Page 24 Anthony Howe by Benjamin Ealovega | Page 27 Helen Edgar and Sally Morgan by Benjamin Ealovega
Left to Right Helen Edgar Tutti Cello Sally Morgan Tutti Double Bass
Venue addresses:
Contact us:
SYMPHONY HALL & TOWN HALL Charity no. 5062 Located in Birmingham’s Centenary Square, Symphony Hall is widely consideredRegistered going to print (August 2021 availability. Concert descript one of the finest concert halls in the world. It has a bar on each level, as well as a facebook.com/the Call 0121 780 minutes 3333 or book online café which serves26 food before performances. Just a few walkcbso.co.uk from Symphony Hall, you’ll find Town Hall - a beautiful Grade I listed building in the heart of Birmingham. For full information about both venues, visit bmusic.co.uk. CBSO CENTRE CBSO Centre is a friendly and adaptable performance space, home to our Centre Stage and Notelets concerts, it also doubles as the administrative and rehearsal base for the Orchestra and Choruses.
Full details about attending a CBSO Concert, including getting there and parking, can be found online at cbso.co.uk/your-visit.
29 | Book online at cbso.co.uk or call the B:Music Box Office on 0121 780 3333
WAYS TO SAVE We have many ways for you to save on your tickets, including £5 tickets for students, under 18s and benefit recipients, £10 ticket offers for new attenders and under 30s, and multi-buy discounts for anyone booking just two concerts in one go! Plus, discounted tickets can be booked for any seat in the concert hall.
STARTER FOR £10 New to the CBSO? Then this is the ticket offer for you. We’re offering a limited number of seats at just £10 to first-timer attendees for every CBSO concert. These can be booked online or over phone and are limited to two tickets per booking.
DISCOUNTED TICKETS
£5
£10
Get a ticket for all main Season performances if you are:
Get a ticket for all main Season performances if you are:
• • • •
• •
Aged 17 or under A student A benefit recipient A school or youth music group (plus get 2 free tickets for organisers of groups 20+)
Aged 18-30 A first-time attender
Please note, the above discounts are available on main Season performances only and exclude Family Concerts and Notelets. Tickets and offers are subject to availability and terms and conditions apply for all discounts. You may also be asked to provide proof of eligibility when booking or collecting your tickets. Please visit cbso.co.uk/terms for details.
BUY MORE SAVE MORE!
CONCERT PACKAGES Maximise your savings across the 22-23 Season with a CBSO Concert Package CONCERTS BOOKED
2-3
4-5
6-7
8-9
10+
YOUR SAVING PER TICKET
£1
£2.50
£5
£7.50
£10
Book just 2+ concerts in one go to save on your tickets, plus receive lots of additional benefits such as exemption from the £3.50 per ticket commission and free ticket exchange if your plans change! Find full details at cbso.co.uk/ways-to-save 30
HANDY TERMS We’ve tried to keep the technical jargon to a minimum, but just in case, here are some handy terms...
“ORCHESTRA”
“SYMPHONY”
“CONDUCTOR”
“CONCERTO”
“COMPOSER”
“MOVEMENT”
a group of musicians playing a variety of instruments, including string, wind, brass, and percussion.
the person who directs the orchestra or choir in its performances and rehearsals.
a person who writes music.
A large and dramatic composition for a full orchestra, usually made up of three or four separate movements.
a piece of music for a solo instrument or instruments accompanied by an orchestra.
a self-contained section of a larger piece of music. There is often a short pause between movements in a performance of a symphony or concerto.
31 | Book online at cbso.co.uk or call the B:Music Box Office on 0121 780 3333
Venue Addresses:
Symphony Hall, 8 Centenary Square, Birmingham, B1 2EA CBSO Centre, Berkley Street, Birmingham, B1 2LF
Contact us:
By email: Call us: Write to us:
information@cbso.co.uk 0121 616 6500 CBSO Centre, Berkley Street, Birmingham, B1 2LF
Registered Charity no. 506276. All performance timings are approximate. The information in this brochure was correct at the time of going to print (July 2022). The CBSO reserves the right to alter programmes and artists without notice. All tickets subject to availability. Player portraits: Joanna Patton, Arthur Boutillier, Colette Overdijk, Matthew Hardy and Graham Sibley - Ella Carman. Brochure design: hello@teal-creative.co.uk