WHAT’S ON
NOVEMBER
BOOK ONLINE: thsh.co.uk
WHAT’S ON AT TOWN HALL SYMPHONY HALL RESIDENT ORCHESTRA
ASSOCIATE ARTISTS
City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra
Ex Cathedra, Birmingham City Organist Thomas Trotter, Black Voices
Certain events by Resident Orchestra or Associate Artists are included in respective concert packages. Contact the Box Office for more information.
HOW TO BOOK By phone: 0121 780 3333
Online: www.thsh.co.uk
In person: Town Hall Box Office is open two hours before the start time of a performance. Symphony Hall Box Office, in the ICC is open 10am – 6pm (Monday – Saturday). Closed Sundays and Bank Holidays except when there is an event (open two hours before event starts).
DISCOUNTS & PACKAGES
HOW TO REACH US
For more details visit thsh.co.uk
NOT NORMAL – NOT OK Town Hall Symphony Hall are proud to support the Not Normal – Not OK campaign, to encourage safety and respect within live music venues.
Town Hall is located in Victoria Square, Birmingham, B3 3DQ.
Symphony Hall is located within the International Convention Centre, 8 Centenary Square, Broad Street, Birmingham, B1 2EA. For further information visit www.thsh.co.uk/your-visit Funded by
2
Town Hall renovation also funded by
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BOOK NOW 0121 780 3333 www.thsh.co.uk
Fri 1
7:30PM
Symphony Hall
CITY OF BIRMINGHAM SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA PRESENT FRIDAY NIGHT CLASSICS – ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER
Tonight we get the chance to hear no fewer than three world premieres: sumptuous new symphonic suites from three of Lloyd Webber’s greatest shows, specially arranged by Andrew Cottee. 8PM
Town Hall
THE FOOTBALL RAMBLE
The Football Ramble are back! And they’re going global! Join the gang as they bring their chart-topping podcast to life in a multimedia extravaganza.
Sat 2
7:30PM Town Hall
THE TALLEST MAN ON EARTH
Sun 3
3PM
CITY OF BIRMINGHAM ORCHESTRA PRESENT CBSO YOUTH ORCHESTRA: THE RITE OF SPRING
Symphony Hall
Kristian Matsson is a singer-songwriter from Sweden, who performs under the stage name of The Tallest Man on Earth.
The latest and greatest challenge for conductor Andrew Gourlay and the inspirational young musicians of the CBSO Youth Orchestra is Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring. And coupled with Prokofiev’s demonic Second Piano Concerto – we think they’ll knock you into next week.
Mon 4
7:30PM Symphony Hall
JAMES MORRISON
Tue 5
7:30PM Town Hall
BEN FOGLE – TALES FROM THE WILDERNESS LIMITED AVAILABILITY
Since first breaking through in 2006, James Morrison’s achievements include two #1 albums, five Top10 singles, a BRITAward and sales.
Thrilling tales from a modern day explorer. From crossing Antarctica to conquering Everest, Ben Fogle will take the audience on an inspiring adventure.
Wed 6
7:30PM Symphony Hall
OMD – 40 YEARS: GREATEST HITS SOLD OUT
7:30PM Symphony Hall
MARILLION WITH FRIENDS FROM THE ORCHESTRA – LIVE IN 2019 + HARRY PANE
OMD are celebrating 40 years at the top. Since 1980 they have become part of the fabric of how today’s pop is made.
Marillion will be playing songs spanning their 14-album career with Steve Hogarth, as they celebrate 30 years of him joining the band.
Thu 7
7:30PM Symphony Hall
CITY OF BIRMINGHAM ORCHESTRA PRESENT MENDELSSOHN’S ELIJAH
This rip-roaring Old Testament epic is a real Birmingham classic, and in the CBSO’s Centenary season Principal Guest Conductor Kazuki Yamada and four world-beating soloists bring it home tonight. 7:30PM Town Hall
CHRISTOPHER CROSS
8PM
PILGRIMAGE
Hare & Hounds
Christopher Cross made history with his 1980 self-titled debut album, winning five Grammy awards. An eclectic night of rock-induced, New Orleans-inspired, brass band madness as Pilgrimage, curated by Young Pilgrims, returns with two of the country’s most exciting and creative bands, Odd Soul and Delta Autumn, for a night of unadulterated music shenanigans.
BOOK ONLINE: thsh.co.uk
3
Fri 8
TOWN HALL SYMPHONY HALL BIRMINGHAM CLASSICAL PRESENT PRE-CONCERT CONVERSATION WITH CLASSICAL OPERA ARTISTIC DIRECTOR AND CONDUCTOR IAN PAGE
5:45PM Town Hall
Discover more as guests from the Birmingham Classical 2019/2020 season discuss their lives, programme and influences at these free Pre- and Post- Concert Conversations. All Pre- and Post- Concert Conversations are signed by a British Sign Language interpreter. 7PM
TOWN HALL SYMPHONY HALL BIRMINGHAM CLASSICAL PRESENT COSÌ FAN TUTTE – CLASSICAL OPERA
Town Hall
Benjamin Appl stars as Guglielmo as Classical Opera bring all their awardwinning flair – plus a first-rate cast – to this lively concert performance.
Sat 9
Sun 10
Mon 11
4
7:30PM Symphony Hall
FRANK SKINNER – SHOWBIZ SOLD OUT
2PM
DUMTEEDUM LIVE
Town Hall
An unmissable opportunity to see comic legend Frank Skinner perform brand new stand-up. Who could resist a night out with The Archers’ Emma Grundy? Presenters Roifield Brown and Lucy Freeman will be recording a live Dumteedum podcast.
2:30PM Symphony Hall
SPECTACULAR CLASSICS
3:30PM Symphony Hall
SPECTACULAR CLASSICS
8PM
Town Hall
JASON BYRNE: WRECKED BUT READY LIMITED AVAILABILITY
3PM
Symphony Hall
THE MUSIC OF BOND
Following sold out shows in 2018, Spectacular Classics is back! Enjoy classics including Nessun Dorma, Rule, Britannia!, Land of Hope and Glory, plus an explosive 1812 Overture complete with cannon effects and indoor firework finale. Following sold out shows in 2018, Spectacular Classics is back! Enjoy classics including Nessun Dorma, Rule, Britannia!, Land of Hope and Glory, plus an explosive 1812 Overture complete with cannon effects and indoor firework finale. Jason Byrne returns with his brand-new show. After 23 consecutive years Jason is wrecked but he is as ever ready (which is a battery, but he’s more Duracell than Eveready). Nobody Does it Better than the world’s most famous secret agent. From Goldfinger to Skyfall and beyond. Experience the thrills, kills and loves of James Bond through this hit show of iconic music performed by powerhouse live orchestra.
6:30PM Town Hall
GOSPEL GOES CHARITY 2019
1PM
LUNCHTIME ORGAN CONCERT – REMEMBRANCE DAY
Town Hall
This year it will be a full concert featuring the only choir to ring out praises in the centre of Birmingham. It promises to be another unforgettable night for all the family. Thomas Trotter prepares the way with solemn meditations and heartfelt laments from France, Germany, Finland and England – the haunting Elegy by his great Birmingham predecessor George Thalben-Ball.
BY PHONE: 0121 780 3333
Mon 11
7:30PM Symphony Hall
THE LIGHTHOUSE FAMILY SOLD OUT
Tue 12
7:30PM Symphony Hall
JACK SAVORETTI SOLD OUT
Wed 13
7:30PM Symphony Hall
CITY OF BIRMINGHAM ORCHESTRA PRESENT CAPRICCIO ESPAGNOL
Lighthouse Family, one of the most successful bands of the late 90s and early 00s, return with a new studio album after a gap of 18 years.
The English solo acoustic singer of Italian descent, Jack Savoretti, returns with his stunning new album, Singing to Strangers.
The CBSO’s Assistant Conductor Jaume Santonja Espinós has become a firm favourite here in Birmingham, and when we asked him to choose his own concert, he went all-out for passion and colour.
Thur 14
7:30PM Town Hall
SIR RANULPH FIENNES: LIVING DANGEREOUSLY
7:30PM Symphony Hall
THE STYLISTICS
7:30PM Town Hall
KENNY WAYNE SHEPHERD BAND
Both light-hearted and strikingly poignant, Living Dangerously offers a personal journey through Sir Ranulph Fiennes’s life.
The Stylistics are known instantly for their many recognisable hits such as the Grammy-nominated You Make Me Feel Brand New. Support by Sounds of The Supremes.
Kenny Wayne Shepherd is widely considered to be one of the best blues/ rock guitarists (James Brown once referred to him as ‘one of the wonders of the world’).
Fri 15
5PM
Sat 16
7:30PM Symphony Hall
NOW THAT’S WHAT I CALL THE 80s LIVE
7:30PM Lichfield Cathedral
GALA CONCERT: BACH, HANDEL & HAYDN WITH BIRMINGHAM BACH CHOIR
ICC Hall
JAZZLINES FREE GIGS: SHIVRAJ SINGH FREE EVENT
Birmingham based Double Bass player Shivraj Singh brings his Jazzlines Award winning project to the Friday Free gig series.
NOW That’s What I Call Music is the biggest selling compilation brand in the UK. Presented by Gary Davies. Performed by a powerhouse live showband with sensational singers Sandy Grigelis, Paige Cook, Cedric Neal and Shellyann.
Birmingham Bach Choir celebrates 100 years. Paul Spicer conducts JS Bach, Handel & Haydn with Baroque-style orchestra, world class soloists, and choir. 7:30PM Town Hall
FOY VANCE LIMITED AVAILABILITY
The award-winning Northern Irish singer-songwriter Foy Vance will be performing his two new albums, From Muscle Shoals and To Memphis with his band. With BEOGA support.
BOOK ONLINE: thsh.co.uk
5
AN INTERVIEW WITH
GARY DAVIES 6
Whether you grew up in the 80s, 90s or 00s, it’s simply impossible that you won’t own at least one NOW album – and the vast majority of us own a hell of a lot more. The definitive compilation albums revolutionised the music industry when they first appeared in the early 80s, and quickly became the essential musical purchase three times a year when the new Now That’s What I Call Music album dropped, whether on vinyl, cassette, later CD and later still download. Now, though, there’s an entirely new way to experience the phenomenon of these albums – with Now That’s What I Call The 80s LIVE. Gary Davies will host this brand-new live show. His childhood dream to work for BBC Radio not only came true, but it teed up a 40 year career in music. That career has now come full circle – after a dramatic audience response to him deputising recently, he returned to BBC Radio to take the helm of the BBC Radio 2 Sounds of the 80s Show in May. Gary said: “I started Radio 1 in December 82 and the first Now came out just under a year later, so I saw the incredible impact the albums had. It really became the definitive guide to what was a hit, what was going to be a hit. “Now very kindly asked me if I would like to host the tour and it is such a legendary album that I thought it would be an amazing thing to do. “The 80s was a very special decade because you had so many different types of music all being successful at the same time. You had the aftermath of punk, the start of new wave, the new romantics, rock, heavy rock like ACDC and Def Leppard, the mega super cool rock bands like U2 and INXS and Simple Minds, amazing
soul music from people like Cameo, Michael Jackson, then of course mega pop hits like Kylie, Madonna, Rick Astley, it was a decade like no other in terms of variety and it was all successful at the same time. “The one thing we will have is the best party bangers you could hope to have in a two and a half hour show. Frankie Goes To Hollywood’s Relax is one of my all-time favourite 80s songs, then there is party stuff like Cyndi Lauper and Billy Joel. But there’s not just party stuff – there’s some downtempo hits too like Prince’s Purple Rain. Obviously the 80s, in terms of music, style and everything in between, are hugely cool now, something no-one at the time could see coming. “When I left Radio 1 I went into the other side of the music business creating music with a publishing company and a production company, so I was busy getting on with life and a new venture so I never gave it much thought. It is amazing how popular the 80s is now but what is great about it is it’s not just people who were born in the 80s or experienced it first time around, it has crossed so many generations. “I am really looking forward to getting out there and hosting this live 80s tour. It’s going to be very special.” Don’t miss Now That’s What I Call The 80s LIVE at Symphony Hall on Sat 16 November.
7
Sat 16
8PM
INGRID & CHRISTINE JENSEN WITH THE WHIRLWIND RECORDINGS JAZZ ORCHESTRA
CBSO Centre
Whirlwind Recordings presents a programme of original and arranged compositions from Juno-winning and Grammy-nominated Christine and Ingrid Jensen (with focus on their release ‘Infinitude’), featuring the Whirlwind Recordings Jazz Orchestra.
Sun 17
CITY OF BIRMINGHAM ORCHESTRA PRESENT FAMILY CONCERT – THE YOUNG PERSON’S GUIDE TO THE ORCHESTRA
2:30PM Symphony Hall
Benjamin Britten, with a bit of help from presenter Catherine Arlidge and conductor Jaume Santonja Espinós, plus music by Tchaikovsky, Beethoven and John Williams, this fun-filled concert for all the family will show you exactly how it all works. 8PM
REUBEN JAMES LIMITED AVAILABILITY
Symphony Hall Stage
Reuben James is a singer-songwriter and pianist, best known for his ongoing collaborations with Sam Smith. Reuben co-wrote the title track from Smith’s most recent album The Thrill of it All, as well as the album’s anthem Him. Support from Darcy Holmes.
Mon 18
7:30PM Symphony Hall
STEVE HACKETT GENESIS REVISITED 2019 SOLD OUT
Tue 19
7:30PM Town Hall
JOHN MAYALL – 85TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR
7:30PM Symphony Hall
SHAKESPEARS SISTER – RIDE AGAIN
8PM
JAZZLINES: MABOWUNJE HARRISON FREE EVENT
Wed 20
For the first time ever, Steve Hackett will perform the seminal Genesis album Selling England by The Pound in its entirety. For over 50 years, John Mayall has served as a pioneer of blues music, rightly earning him the title, ‘The Godfather of British Blues’. Shakespears Sister will be performing all their classic hits including Stay, You’re History, Hello (Turn Your Radio On) and I Don’t Care.
The Jam House
2:15PM Symphony Hall
Mabowunje is an exciting artist on the Birmingham live music scene. A powerful voice swirled with melody ensures this singer delivers a performance that warms and delights audiences. London- born Mabowunje uses Jazz, Reggae, Soul and African roots to engage with song as a medium of spirit.
CITY OF BIRMINGHAM ORCHESTRA PRESENT BEETHOVEN AND STRAVINSKY
Stravinsky’s Petrushka is the ear-tingling climax to a supercharged concert, as charismatic guest conductor Gustavo Gimeno teams up with keyboard master Jeremy Denk in Beethoven’s most personal piano concerto, and revels in the drama and heroism of the overture to Egmont.
Thu 21
8
7:30PM Symphony Hall Stage
BAT FOR LASHES
8PM
ARDAL O’HANLON: THE SHOWING OFF MUST GO ON
Symphony Hall
Critics have unanimously declared it a spellbinding return for Khan, with the likes of the Independent, NME and Clash declaring it her best album yet. Ardal O’Hanlon, star of Death in Paradise, Father Ted, and My Hero, continues his acclaimed stand-up shows worldwide. Because he loves it. And it’s a compulsion. And the world is a funny place.
BY PHONE: 0121 780 3333
Fri 22
7:30PM Symphony Hall
CITY OF BIRMINGHAM ORCHESTRA PRESENT FRIDAY NIGHT CLASSICS – CBSO ULTIMATE PLAYLIST WITH CLASSIC FM
A whole evening of the smoothest and most refreshing music ever written – tunes you love, from Elgar’s Nimrod to Stravinsky’s The Firebird – and all music that has been recorded by the CBSO!
Sat 23
8PM
Town Hall
VIR DAS: LOVED
7PM
Symphony Hall
CITY OF BIRMINGHAM SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA PRESENT BEETHOVEN AND STRAVINSKY
Top Indian comedian and Netflix superstar, Vir Das, returns with an exclusive performance of Loved. Following acclaimed Netflix specials Abroad Understanding and Losing It, Vir seeks to discover what it truly takes to love.
Stravinsky’s Petrushka is the ear-tingling climax to a supercharged concert, as charismatic guest conductor Gustavo Gimeno teams up with keyboard master Jeremy Denk in Beethoven’s most personal piano concerto, and revels in the drama and heroism of the overture to Egmont. 8PM
Town Hall
Sun 24
7:30PM Symphony Hall
Mon 25
1PM
Tue 26
HAWKWIND 50TH ANNIVERSARY UK TOUR
This show follows on from an incredible 2018 which saw them tour their groundbreaking production In Search of Utopia – Infinity and Beyond.
SIXTIES GOLD 2019
Sixties Gold 2019 returns with an even stronger line-up of artists that, between them, scored over 50 chart-topping UK hits. Herman’s Hermits, The Merseybeats, Marmalade, Wayne Fontana & the Mindbenders and Steve Ellis. Relive the magic of the 1960s with five of the biggest chart acts of the decade. Town Hall
LUNCHTIME ORGAN CONCERT – THOMAS TROTTER
Thomas Trotter and the Town Hall Organ bring the same magic touch to music by Stanford, to Balfe’s best-loved melody, and to Prokofiev’s drunken sleigh-ride. Bach and Widor open and close the recital in a burst of pure sonic grandeur.
7:30PM Town Hall
GORDON BUCHANAN ‘ANIMAL FAMILIES & ME’
7:30PM Symphony Hall
RONNIE WOOD
7:30PM Symphony Hall
ADAM ANT
Have you got any burning wildlife questions? TV wildlife presenter and cameraman Gordon Buchanan has travelled the planet and will definitely have some interesting answers!
Artist, author, producer and raconteur Ronnie Wood returns to his greatest love, music, with the release of his new album Ronnie Wood with His Wild Five – Mad Lad: A Live Tribute to Chuck Berry.
From his early punk days in London to his explosion on the world stage that would lead to him becoming an icon, Adam Ant’s musical career spans the course of 9 albums and 22 chart-topping singles worldwide.
BOOK ONLINE: thsh.co.uk
9
Tue 26
8PM
Wed 27
7:30PM Symphony Hall
CITY OF BIRMINGHAM ORCHESTRA PRESENT HAYDN AND MOZART
7:30PM Town Hall
SHOW OF HANDS
2:15PM Symphony Hall
CITY OF BIRMINGHAM ORCHESTRA PRESENT HAYDN AND MOZART
7:30PM Town Hall
RED HOT CHILLI PIPERS
8PM
Symphony Hall Stage
HANSU-TORI: IN SEARCH OF COMMON PARADISE
5PM
ICC Hall
JAZZLINES FREE GIGS: OLLY CHALK TRIO FREE EVENT
Thu 28
Fri 29
Sat 30
10
Hare & Hounds
RESIDENCY : STELLA ROBERTS & AARON DIAZ
THSH Jazzlines, with kind support from the PRS Foundation, are proud to present the first ever Jazzlines Residency. The project commissioned 2 Birmingham artists to work in collaboration with wider UK artists to create brand new boundary pushing works. Guest conductor Riccardo Minasi set, like a jewel, between Haydn at his wittiest, Mozart at his noblest, and Beethoven at his most thrillingly dramatic. Show of Hands, Steve Knightley and Phil Beer have reunited with Miranda Sykes for a brand-new and this show. The trio is expanding to include master percussionist Cormac Byrne, back by popular demand. Guest conductor Riccardo Minasi set, like a jewel, between Haydn at his wittiest, Mozart at his noblest, and Beethoven at his most thrillingly dramatic. The past 15 years have seen the Red Hot Chilli Pipers become the most famous bagpipe band on the planet ever! David Austin Grey and Hansu-Tori will explore the relationship between composed and improvised material, and how this might relate to playing and spontaneously recreating music within a large ensemble framework. The Olly Chalk Trio walks the high-wire between total freedom and detailed writing, juggling intricate, daring and emotive compositions with explosive improvising. Olly’s writing draws from 20th Century Classical and traditional Japanese music and often make connections to poetry and spoken word.
7:30PM Symphony Hall
JOOLS HOLLAND AND HIS RHYTHM AND BLUES ORCHESTRA
7:30PM Symphony Hall
JOOLS HOLLAND AND HIS RHYTHM AND BLUES ORCHESTRA
7:30PM Town Hall
JOHN ROBINS: HOT SHAME
Musical virtuoso Jools Holland and his distinguished Rhythm & Blues Orchestra are back at Symphony Hall. Accompanying Jools with the Rhythm & Blues Orchestra on their annual show will be the supremely talented Ruby Turner, Louise Marshall and original Squeeze member and powerhouse, Gilson Lavis, on drums. Musical virtuoso Jools Holland and his distinguished Rhythm & Blues Orchestra are back at Symphony Hall. Accompanying Jools with the Rhythm & Blues Orchestra on their annual show will be the supremely talented Ruby Turner, Louise Marshall and original Squeeze member and powerhouse, Gilson Lavis, on drums. Join John Robins for his new stand-up show following the critically lauded, sell-out smash The Darkness Of Robins.
BOOK ONLINE: thsh.co.uk
JAZZLINES ENSEMBLE, CREATIVE VOCAL GROUP AND GOSPEL ENSEMBLE The Jazzlines Ensemble, Creative Vocal Group and Gospel Ensemble meet every two weeks and provide young musicians from Birmingham and the surrounding areas with the opportunity to develop their ensemble playing, improvisation and learn more about Gospel music. For more information, please get in touch via email to jazzlines@thsh.co.uk or by phoning 0121 644 5172.
Funded by Town Hall renovation also funded by
Jazzlines Ensembles are kindly supported by The Leverhulme Trust, Ronnie Scotts Charitable Foundation and PRS Foundation as Talent Development Partners.
Symphony Hall has launched an exciting building project which is about far more than giving visitors a warmer welcome to one of Birmingham’s best venues. The Making an Entrance plan is for a large extension on the front, to make room for more free, informal music performances in the foyers. They will provide a platform for talented local artists and make the building more accessible to the whole city. Nick Reed, Chief Executive of Town Hall Symphony Hall, says: “We currently reach more than 18,000 people with our learning and community programme and over the coming years we will be able to reach thousands more in the transformed spaces that this project will create. There’s something unique about a live performance. It’s unrepeatable, it just happens now in this space, and it lives in the memory. Listening to music together is unifying and something we should cherish, especially in these fractious times.” If you, like us, believe that music should be accessible for all, please visit making-an-entrance.thsh.co.uk or call 0121 644 5007 to make a donation.