birmingham conservatoire summer 2015 concerts and events

April – Aug

Summer 2015 Concerts and Events

Venues, Concerts & Events Office: 0121 331 5909 www.bcu.ac.uk/concerts

2 /BirmCons @BirmCons

APRIL

FRI 10 - SUN 12 The Voice Festival 2015 BC P39MON 13 The Monday Showcase RH 1pm P8TUE 14 Performance Platform: Ashok Gupta ABH 1.05pm P9TUE 14 Frontiers: Ensemble Krock RH 8.15pm P17WED 15 The Live Jazz Broadcast RH 1.05pm P14WED 15 The Ashleyan Opera Prize RH 7pm P26THU 16 The Ambache Prize for the Performance of Music by Women Composers ABH 7pm P26THU 16 Thursdays at Birmingham Conservatoire: Spotlight on Harp RH 7.30pm P22FRI 17 Lunchtimes at Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery BMAG 12.30pm P12FRI 17 Emerging Directors: Vaughan Williams Opera Scenes RH 7pm P28SUN 19 Triple Concerto: The Birmingham Philharmonic Concerto Prize ABH 3pm P29MON 20 The Monday Showcase RH 1pm P8MON 20 Frontiers: Composers’ Platform RH 6pm P17TUE 21 Performance Platform: Eblana String Trio ABH 1.05pm P9TUE 21 Frontiers: Icebreaker Recycled RH 7.30pm P18THU 23 The Tony Levin Drum Prize AF 7.30pm P26FRI 24 Conservatoire Pops At The Movies! ABH 6pm P23MON 27 The Monday Showcase RH 1pm P8MON 27 Frontiers: Fumiko Miyachi RH 7.30pm P18TUE 28 Performance Platform: Stavroula Thoma ABH 1.05pm P10TUE 28 Frontiers: Le Page Ensemble RH 6.30pm P18TUE 28 Frontiers: Suzie Purkis & Syzygy Saxophone Quartet RH 8pm P18WED 29 The Live Jazz Broadcast RH 1.05pm P14WED 29 Beyond Classical SH 5.30pm P16WED 29 The Doris Newton Music Club Prize RH 7pm P27WED 29 An Evening with Lorna Byrne ABH 7.30PM P39 THU 30 Summer Lunchtime Special: Percussion Ensemble Schools Concert ABH 12.30pm P15THU 30 Frontiers: Nelipot ABH 7pm P19THU 30 Thursdays at Birmingham Conservatoire: Guitar Department Chamber Concert RH 7.30pm P22THU 30 Musica Transalpina StAl 7.30pm P23

ABH Adrian Boult Hall, Birmingham Conservatoire AF Arena Foyer, Birmingham Conservatoire BCa Birmingham Cathedral BC Birmingham Conservatoire BH Birmingham Hippodrome BMAG Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery CT The Crescent TheatreNLT New Lecture Theatre, Birmingham ConservatoireRH Recital Hall, Birmingham Conservatoire SH Symphony Hall Cafe BarStCh St. Chad’s CathedralStAl The Church of St. Alban the Martyr, Highgate

Summer Season At A Glance

3Venues, Concerts & Events Office: 0121 331 5909 www.bcu.ac.uk/concerts

MAY

FRI 1 Daniel Rowland Violin Masterclass NLT 5pm P10FRI 1 Birmingham Trondheim Exchange SH 5.30pm P20FRI 1 The Stuart Cameron Smith French Song Prize RH 7pm P27FRI 1 Dreams of Illyria: The Beaufort Ensemble ABH 7.30pm P19SUN 3 The Andrew Downes Performance Prize RH 2.30pm P27THU 7 Clair-Obscur Saxophone Masterclass ABH 1.30pm P10THU 7 Clair-Obscur In Birmingham ABH 7pm P22SAT 9 Birmingham Citadel Band In Concert ABH 7pm P39MON 11 Birmingham Conservatoire Camerata StAl 7.30pm P30FRI 15 Lunchtimes at Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery BMAG 12.30pm P12MON 18 Organ Recital in Memory of Dr. John Bishop StCh 7.30pm P31SAT 23 The Mario Lanza Opera Prize RH 7pm P27SAT 23 BGSO Pride Proms 2015 ABH 7pm P39THU 28 Opera Talk: Charpentier The Subversive RH 7PM P32FRI 29 VEIN feat. Dave Leibman 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 P8MON 8 The Edward Brooks English Song Prize RH 3.30pm P27MON 8 Frontiers: Composers’ Platform RH 8pm P19TUE 9 Performance Platform: Yen-Ting Wang RH 1.05pm P11WED 10 - SUN 14 Revolutionaries: Chamber Music Festival 2015 BC P35WED 10 Birmingham Conservatoire Open Day BC 10am P34THU 11 Judy Niemack and Birmingham Conservatoire Jazz Orchestra ABH 7.45pm P21FRI 12 Lunchtimes at Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery BMAG 12.30pm P13SUN 14 Young Strings Project Concert ABH 3pm P24SUN 14 The Sylvia Cleaver Chamber Music Prize RH 6pm P27SUN 14 - TUE 16 British Piano Festival 2015 BC P36MON 15 Monday Showcase: Thallein Ensemble RH 1pm P8MON 15 Melody Music Showcase NLT 6.30pm P40TUE 16 Performance Platform: The Primrose Piano Quartet RH 1.05pm P11THU 18 Brass Enigma ABH 6pm P24THU 18 John Taylor RH 7.30pm P21FRI 19 Summer Celebrations Day BC P37FRI 19 Lunchtimes at Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery BMAG 2pm P13 FRI 19 Prize Giving Ceremony ABH 11am P37FRI 19 Birmingham Conservatoire Symphony Orchestra present Petruska TH 7.30pm P37 SAT 20 Junior Conservatoire Chamber Music Concert RH 7pm P25SAT 20 Midsummer Musical Fantasy - Opera Gala Concert ABH 7.30pm P40SAT 27 Junior Conservatoire Wind Orchestra and Choral Concert ABH 7pm P25

JULY

FRI 3 Baroque Study Day RH 10am P38SAT 4 Junior Conservatoire End of Term Concert ABH 7pm P25TUE 7 - SAT 11 The National Festival of Music for Youth BC P41SAT 18 Let’s Celebrate - Sutton Coldfield Choirs ABH 7.30pm P41FRI 31 National Scout and Guide Symphony Orchestra 40th Anniversary Concert ABH 7.30pm P41

AUGUST

SAT 8 National Youth Wind Orchestra of Great Britain ABH 7.30pm P42FRI 14 Joe Francis - Swing Easy ABH 7.30pm P42

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Contents

Summer Season At A Glance 2 Welcome 5 Summer Season Highlights 7

Lunchtime, Afternoon and Early Evening EventsThe Monday Showcase 8 Performance Platform featuring The International Artist Masterclass Series 9 Lunchtimes at Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery 12 The Live Jazz Broadcast 14 Summer Lunchtime Special 15 Beyond Classical 16

Evening EventsFrontiers 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 FestivalsTriple Concerto: The Birmingham Philharmonic Concerto Prize 29Birmingham Conservatoire Camerata 30Organ Recital 31Summer Opera Double Bill 32The Monkathon 33Open Day 34Revolutionaries: Chamber Music Festival 2015 35British Piano Festival 36 Summer Celebrations Day 37 Baroque Study Day 38

Guest ArtistsSummer Guest Artists 39

Booking Information 43How To Find Us 44Venue Information 45


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).

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.

Professor David SaintPrincipal Birmingham Conservatoire

Xiaogang Ye

Mark Bebbington,


One Unique Venue... Thousands of Unique EventsOffering 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 [email protected]

“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)


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)

THU 7 MAYCLAIR-OBSCUR IN BIRMINGHAM– PAGE 227pm Adrian Boult Hall£6.50 (£4)

TUE 21 APRICEBREAKER RECYCLED – PAGE 187.30pm Recital Hall£5 (£3)

TUE 14 APRENSEMBLE KROCK – PAGE 178.15pm Recital Hall£5 (£3)

FRI 12 JUN ODEION STRING QUARTET – PAGE 1312.30pm The Round Room, Birmingham Museum and Art GalleryFree entry

THU 30 APR MUSICA TRANSALPINA – PAGE 237.30pm St Alban The Martyr, Highgate Retiring collection

MON 18 MAYORGAN RECITAL IN MEMORY OF DR JOHN BISHOP – PAGE 317.30pm St Chad’s Cathedral £5 (£3)

TUE 7 – SAT 11 JULTHE NATIONAL FESTIVAL OF MUSIC FOR YOUTH – PAGE 41Various venues and prices


MON 27 APR

CHOPIN, RAFF

1pm Recital HallFree admissionTickets available on the door

Aaron Billson celloMyenard Martillano pianoChopin 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 hornRaff Sinfonietta, Op.188

MON 13 APR

MYASKOVSKY, HINDEMITH


Christopher Miller celloBoya Yang pianoMyaskovsky Violin Sonata

Matthew Johnstone violaJonathan French pianoHindemith Viola sonata, Op.25

MON 20 APR

SKRYABIN


Susi Jin pianoSkryabin Prelude and Nocturne for the left hand, Op.9

Darrel Chan pianoScarlatti Sonata in B minor Soler Sonata in D Major Conor Wilcox pianoBach English Suite in A major

MON 8 JUN

JAZZ MONKATHON SPECIAL

1pm Recital HallFree admissionTickets 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.

MON 15 JUN

THALLEIN ENSEMBLE PERFORM THE MUSIC OF XIAOGANG YE


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.

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.

Xiaogang Ye


TUE 14 APR

ASHOK GUPTA

1.05pm Adrian Boult Hall£6 (£3.50)Tickets available on the door

Ashok Gupta pianoBeethoven Piano Sonata No.15 in D major, Op.28 ‘Pastorale’Chopin Nocturnes, Op.55 Liszt Après une lecture du dante (Fantasia quasi Sonata)

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.

TUE 21 APR

EBLANA STRING TRIO

1.05pm Adrian Boult Hall£6 (£3.50)Tickets available on the door Jonathan Martindale violin Lucy Nolan viola Peggy Nolan celloBach Three Part Inventions (Selection) David Matthews String Trio No.1 Op.48 (1989) Beethoven String Trio in G major Op.9 No.1

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.

Performance Platform

FEATURING THE INTERNATIONAL ARTISTS MASTERCLASS SERIESEnjoy 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


Performance Platform

TUE 28 APR

STAVROULA THOMA

1.05pm Adrian Boult Hall£6 (£3.50)Tickets available on the door

Stavroula Thoma pianoMaria Oguren violinBeethoven F sharp major Piano Sonata, Op.78Beethoven 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.

THU 7 MAY

CLAIR-OBSCUR SAXOPHONE MASTERCLASS

1.30pm Adrian Boult Hall£4Tickets 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.

Stavroula Thoma

ADDITIONAL SUMMER MASTERCLASSES

FRI 1 MAYDANIEL ROWLAND VIOLIN MASTERCLASS

5pm New Lecture Theatre£4Tickets 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.


TUE 9 JUN

YEN-TING WANG

1.05pm Recital Hall£6 (£3.50)Tickets available on the door

Yen-Ting Wang 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.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.

Yen-Ting Wang

TUE 16 JUN

THE PRIMROSE PIANO QUARTET

1.05pm Recital Hall£6 (£3.50)Tickets available on the door

Susanne Stanzeileit violinDorothea Vogel violaAndrew Fuller celloJohn Thwaites pianoAnthony 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.

The Primrose Piano Quartet


Lunchtimes at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery

FRI 17 APR

THE ASTRID QUARTET

12.30pm The Round Room, Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery Free admission Tickets available on the door

Elanor Gunn violin IKatie Foster violin IISarah Leonard violaJulia 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.

FRI 15 MAY

THE KLEE QUARTET


Naoko Senda violin Emi Otogao violin Jun Otha viola Ruri Kuroda cello Mozart String Quartet KV.428Britten 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.

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 Klee String QuartetThe Astrid Quartet


FRI 12 JUN

ODEION STRING QUARTET


Samson Diamong violin Sharon De Kock violin Anmani van der Westhuizen celloJeanne-Louise Moolman violaMokale 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

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.

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 violinDuygu Ince violin Katharina von Colson viola Daniel O’Brien cello Schubert String Quartet No.14, D810 ‘Death and the Maiden’

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.

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Odeion String Quartet Remus String Quartet


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 APRWED 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.

Summer Lunchtime Special

15www.bcu.ac.uk/concertsVenues, Concerts & Events Office: 0121 331 5909

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 LabeBirmingham 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.


WED 29 APR

5.30pm Symphony Hall Café BarFree admissionTickets available on the door

Katherine Lambeth violaRobert Markham piano Tomaso Vitali Chaconne for Violin and Piano in G minor arr. for Viola.

Elsabe Raath violaRobert Markham pianoSchumann Violin Sonata No.1 Op.105 in A minor arr. for Viola.

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.


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.

TUE 14 APR

ENSEMBLE KROCK

8.15pm 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.

MON 20 APR

COMPOSERS’ PLATFORM

6pm Recital Hall £5 (£3)Tickets available from www.eventbrite.co.uk

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.

Krock

/BirmCons @BirmCons18

TUE 21 APR

ICEBREAKER: RECYCLED

7.30pm Recital Hall£5 (£3)Tickets available from www.eventbrite.co.uk

Ed Bennett Suspect DeviceRoy Carroll Towards-AgainstMatt Wright Clus FieldsPaul Whitty new workLinda Buckley new workJulia Wolfe (arr. Poke) Big Beautiful Dark and Scary

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.

MON 27 APR

FUMIKO MIYACHI

7.30pm Recital Hall£5 (£3)Tickets available from www.eventbrite.co.uk

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.

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 violinCatherine Leech violinRose Redgrave violaClare O’Connell cello

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.

Icebreaker

www.bcu.ac.uk/concerts 19Venues, Concerts & Events Office: 0121 331 5909 www.bcu.ac.uk/concerts

THU 30 APR

NELIPOT

7pm Adrian Boult 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. The programme also includes a new work by Andy Ingamells.

MON 8 JUN

COMPOSERS’ PLATFORM

8pm Recital Hall£5 (£3)Tickets available from www.eventbrite.co.uk

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.

MON 15 JUN

THALLEIN ENSEMBLE PERFORM THE MUSIC OF XIAOGANG YE

1pm Recital HallFree admissionTickets available from www.eventbrite.co.uk

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.

FRI 1 MAY

DREAMS OF ILLYRIA

7.30pm Adrian Boult Hall£5 (£3)Tickets available from www.eventbrite.co.uk

Conductor Alexander WebbThe Beaufort EnsembleGuy Woolfenden Illyrian DancesEric Whitacre OctoberPlus 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.

Dreams of Illyria


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£4Tickets 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 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, drumsMichael 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

FRI 1 MAY

BIRMINGHAM TRONDHEIM EXCHANGE

5.30pm Symphony Hall Café BarFree entryTickets available on the door

Enjoy a session presenting three bands consisting of jazz students from Birmingham Conservatoire and the Trondheim Conservatory in Norway.


MON 8 – THU 11 JUN

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.

THU 11 JUN

JUDY NIEMACK AND BIRMINGHAM CONSERVATOIRE JAZZ ORCHESTRA: ARRANGING PRIZE

7.45pm Adrian Boult Hall£6.50 (£4) Tickets available from www.eventbrite.co.uk

Director Percy PursgloveBirmingham 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.

THU 18 JUN

JOHN TAYLOR

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

MON 8 JUNEMONKATHON SPECIAL

1pm Recital Hall

For further details please see page 8.

THE LIVE JAZZ BROADCAST

Wed 15 AprWed 29 Apr

Concerts take place at 1.05pmRecital Hall

For further details please see page 14.


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

SPOTLIGHT ON HARP

7.30pm Recital Hall£6.50 (£4)Tickets available on the door

Director Catherine White Birmingham Conservatoire Harp DepartmentFran Barsby, Natasha Gale, Rita Schindler and Kinga Was harps

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.

THU 30 APR

NELIPOT

7pm Adrian Boult Hall£5 (£3)Tickets available on the door

Taking place as part of the Frontiers series, see page 19 for details.

THU 18 JUN

BRASS ENIGMA

6pm Adrian Boult Hall£6.50 (£4)Tickets available on the door

Taking place as part of the Orchestras, Ensembles and Chamber Music Series, see page 24 for details.

THU 7 MAY

CLAIR-OBSCUR IN BIRMINGHAM


The clair-obscur saxophone quartet Students of the Birmingham Conservatoire Saxophone DepartmentTimothy Blinko CartographiesRihards Dubra Lux AeternaMichael Nyman The Piano Sings

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.

THU 30 APR

GUITAR DEPARTMENT CHAMBER CONCERT

7.30pm Recital Hall£6.50 (£4)Tickets available on the door

Directors Mark Eden and Mark Ashford

Enjoy a programme including works for guitar and voice by Joaquin Rodrigo as well Roland Dyens piece for nine guitars, Rythmnaginaire.

clair-obscur


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

TRIPLE CONCERTO

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.

THU 30 APR

MUSICA TRANSALPINA

7.30pm St. Alban the Martyr, Highgate Retiring collection

Jeffrey Skidmore conductorBirmingham Conservatoire Chamber Orchestra

Enjoy a programme of seventeenth century music from across the Alps, including works by Monteverdi, Marenzio and Foggia.

FRI 24 APR

CONSERVATOIRE POPS AT THE MOVIES!


Conductor Chris HouldingBirmingham Conservatoire Pops OrchestraWilliams Star Wars: Main ThemeWilliams Hooray for HollywoodKorngold The Seahawk: Main ThemeShore The Lord of the Rings: The FellowshipZimmer Gladiator: The BattleHorner Avatar: Main ThemeWagner Ride of the Valkyrie from Apocalypse NowGiacchino Star Trek Into Darkness: Main ThemePowell 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.

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Jeffrey Skidmore © Neil Pugh



SUN 14 JUN

YOUNG STRINGS PROJECT CONCERT

3pm Adrian Boult Hall£5 (£3)Tickets available on the door

Director Lucy AkehurstJunior 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.

THU 18 JUN

BRASS ENIGMA


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.

FRI 19 JUN

BIRMINGHAM CONSERVATOIRE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA PRESENT PETRUSKA

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 FriendLiang Shan pianoStravinsky 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.

Young Strings Project


SAT 20 JUN

JUNIOR CONSERVATOIRE CHAMBER MUSIC CONCERT

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.

SAT 27 JUN

JUNIOR CONSERVATOIRE WIND ORCHESTRA AND CHORAL CONCERT


Conductor Jeffrey Snowdon Conductor David Wynne Conductor Alexandra BickertonJunior Conservatoire Wind Orchestra Junior Conservatoire Choirs

Enjoy an engaging programme of music from talented young students from the Junior Conservatoire Symphony Orchestra and Wind Orchestra.

SAT 4 JUL

JUNIOR CONSERVATOIRE END OF TERM CONCERT


Conductor Daniele Rosina Conductor Timothy English Lauren Zhang pianoJunior Conservatoire Symphony Orchestra Junior Conservatoire Chamber OrchestraShostakovich 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.

Junior Conservatoire Symphony Orchestra


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WED 15 APR

THE ASHLEYAN OPERA PRIZE

7pm Recital Hall £4Tickets available on the door

Hear the impressive talents of Birmingham Conservatoire’s future opera stars, as they compete to win this awardOpen to postgraduate vocal students, each candidate will perform a programme of operatic arias, including one recitative, as they demonstrate their vocal prowess.

THU 16 APR

THE AMBACHE PRIZE FOR THE PERFORMANCE OF MUSIC BY WOMEN COMPOSERS

7pm Adrian Boult Hall£4Tickets 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.

Prizes and Competitions

Feel the thrill and anticipation as our students compete to win a range of esteemed prizes and awards.

SUN 19 APR

TRIPLE CONCERTO

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, 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.

THU 23 APR

THE TONY LEVIN DRUM PRIZE

7.30pm Arena Foyer£4Tickets available on the door

Jazz drum legend and much-loved 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.


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.

MON 8 JUN

THE EDWARD BROOKS ENGLISH SONG PRIZE

3.30pm Recital Hall £4Tickets available on the door

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.

SUN 14 JUN

THE SYLVIA CLEAVER CHAMBER MUSIC PRIZE


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.

SAT 23 MAY

THE MARIO LANZA OPERA PRIZE


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.

WED 29 APR

THE DORIS NEWTON MUSIC CLUB PRIZE


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.Enjoy seeing the cream of this year’s prize winners demonstrating their talents as they vie to be crowned the overall winner.

SUN 3 MAY

THE ANDREW DOWNES PERFORMANCE PRIZE

2.30pm Recital Hall £4 Tickets available on the door

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 event has been rescheduled from Wed 11 Mar.

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FRI 17 APR

VAUGHAN WILLIAMS OPERA SCENES

7pm Recital Hall £10 (£7) (£6 students)Tickets available from www.eventbrite.com

Director Jessica FriendSingers 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.

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.

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Venues, Concerts & Events Office: 0121 331 5909 www.bcu.ac.uk/concerts 29

Triple Concerto: The Birmingham Philharmonic Concerto Prize

SUN 19 APR

THE BIRMINGHAM PHILHARMONIC CONCERTO PRIZE FINAL 2015

3pm Adrian Boult HallUnreserved 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 violinBerg Violin Concerto Ken Min Chyh Lim pianoMozart Piano Concerto in G Major K453

Shi Ling Chin violin Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto Op.35

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.

Birmingham Conservatoire Camerata


MON 11 MAY

7.30pm The Church of St. Alban the Martyr, HighgateFree admission

Retiring collectionConductors David Emerson & Nicola Starkie Birmingham Conservatoire CamerataWorks include: Debussy Trois Chansons de Charles d’OrléansA selection from Vaughan Williams’ Five English FolksongsMacMillan Data est mihi omnis potestas & Benedicimus Deum caeliHandel 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.

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 organNick 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.


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THU 4 – SAT 6 JUN

SUMMER OPERA

The Crescent Theatre StudioThu & Fri 7.30pmSat 2.30pm & 7.30pm£16 (£13), £5.50 Conservatoire studentsTickets available from The Crescent Theatre Box Office on 0121 643 5858 or by visiting www.crescent-theatre.co.uk

Conductor Andrew KingDirector Michael BarryStudents of the Conservatoire Vocal and Instrumental DepartmentsJohn 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.

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.

32

Summer Opera Double Bill

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


The Monkathon


WED 10 JUN

10am – 4pm Birmingham ConservatoireFree 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 [email protected]


OPEN DAY

EXPLORE YOUR MUSICAL FUTURE AT BIRMINGHAM CONSERVATOIRE


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.

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.

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 Matthew-Walker’s dramatic Fantasy-Sonata: ‘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


Summer Celebrations Day

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 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.

FRI 19 JUN

BIRMINGHAM CONSERVATOIRE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA PRESENT PETRUSHKA

7.30pm Town Hall £15 (£12, Students £3) Tickets available from 0121 345 0600 and www.thsh.co.uk

Conductor Lionel Friend Liang Shang pianoStravinsky 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.

FRI 19 JUN

PRIZE GIVING CEREMONY

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.

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.

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Baroque Study Day

FRI 3 JUL

MUSIC IN TRANSITION: CHANGING STYLES AND APPROACHES IN THE MID-BAROQUE (1650-1710)

10am – 4pm Recital HallFree admission (A £10 contribution towards lunch and refreshments is requested)

A one-day symposiumInvited 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. 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 mid-Baroque. This study day considers the changes that took place in both compositional and performance practice during the years 1650 to 1710.

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.For further information please contact [email protected]

Image credit:Antonio Vivaldi, Sonata for Violin, Cello and Continuo RV 820 (Sächsische Landesbibliothek – Stadt- und Universitätsbibliothek Dresden, Mus.2-Q-6).


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.

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 APRUniversity Semi-Final 1 2.30pmUniversity Semi-Final 2 5.15pm

SAT 11 APRWorkshops starting from 10am, including beatboxing, marketing, stage presence and recording.Youth Final 3pmUniversity Final 7pm

SUN 12 APRWorkshops starting from 10am, including healthy voices and flashmob.Community Final 4.30pm

SAT 9 MAY

BIRMINGHAM CITADEL BAND IN CONCERT

7pm Adrian Boult Hall£10Tickets available on the door

Conductor Gavin LamploughDudley Bright Trombone

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.

WED 29 APR

AN EVENING WITH LORNA BYRNE

7.30pm Adrian Boult Hall £21Tickets available from Tree of Life on 0121 449 4086

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 LovellBirmingham Gay Symphony OrchestraAndrew Ridal presenterCoates Dambusters MarchDebussy Prélude à l’après-midi d’un fauneWilliams Jurassic ParkElgar Pomp & Circumstance March No.4Handel Zadok the PriestVivaldi GloriaParry JerusalemArr. Wood Fantasia on British Sea SongsJ Strauss II Unter Donner und Blitz

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.


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

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.Music performed will be by Bach, Mozart, Handel, Faure and more.

SAT 20 JUN

MIDSUMMER MUSICAL FANTASY – OPERA GALA CONCERT

7.30pm Adrian Boult Hall£35, £30, £25, £20Tickets available from BJ Music Events: [email protected]: 07904 217452; www.midsumgala.eventbrite.co.uk

Conductor Michael Lloyd Sinfonia of BirminghamJordene Thomas sopranoRose Rowley mezzo-sopranoThomas Luckett tenorByron Jackson baritoneBizet Carmen OvertureBizet (Carmen) Votre toast, je peux vous le renderBizet (Carmen) SeguidillaBizet (Carmen) La fleur que tu m’avais jetéeVerdi (La forza del destino) Pace mio dioMascagni (Cavalleria rusticana) Voi la sapete o mammaVerdi (Aida) Ciel, mio padre!Ponchielli (La Gioconda) Cielo e marWagner (Tannhäuser) O du, mein holder AbendsternVerdi (Rigoletto) Bella figlia dell’amoreCopland (Appalachian Spring) Variations on a Shaker melody Arr. Gardner Deep RiverBrodzsky arr. Gardner I’ll Walk with GodJohnson arr. Gardner Ride on King JesusLerner and Loewe arr. Burke (My Fair Lady) Show MeRodgers and Hammerstein (The King and I) Something WonderfulGershwin (Porgy and Bess) SummertimeGershwin (Porgy and Bess) Bess you is my woman nowRodgers 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.

Jordene Thomas Rose Rowley Thomas Luckett Byron Jackson

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.


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 music-making, 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.

FRI 31 JUL

NATIONAL SCOUT AND GUIDE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA 40TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT

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.

SAT 18 JUL

LET’S CELEBRATE – SUTTON COLDFIELD CHOIRS

7.30pm Adrian Boult Hall£11 (£8)Tickets available via www.suttoncoldfieldchoirs. weebly.com

Directed by Richard Jeffries and Liz BirchGuest Conductor Suzi Digby OBESutton 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.You are guaranteed to be entertained by these award-winning 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.

National Scout and Guide Symphony Orchestra


Guest Artists

SAT 8 AUG

THE NATIONAL YOUTH WIND ORCHESTRA OF GREAT BRITAIN

7.30pm Adrian Boult Hall£14 (£8 students)Tickets available on the door

Conductor Dr Matthew J. GeorgeCamille Saint-Saëns Occident and OrientDavid Maslanka Give Us This Day Kit Turnbull Scenes from Childhood David Stanhope The Little Ripper March Philip Sparke A Savannah SymphonyMichael 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.

FRI 14 AUG

JOE FRANCIS – SWING EASY

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 OBEFor further information visit www.jerseyjoefrancis.com


Tickets for Conservatoire events are individually priced (as shown in the event listings) and available to purchase in a variety of ways:

BOOK ONLINEWhere 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 DOORWhere 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 RESERVATIONWhere 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 BOXWhere 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 PhoneCall the ticket hotline 0121 245 4455Open Monday to Saturday, 10am to 5.30pm

In PersonVisit The Box at Birmingham Repertory Theatre, Centenary Square, Broad Street, Birmingham, B1 2EP

Open Monday to Friday, 10am to 5.30pm; Saturday 10am to 4pm

On-lineGo to www.birmingham-box.co.uk

Booking Information

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.

CONCESSIONSUnless 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 REFUNDSBirmingham 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 PROGRAMMEEvery 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 PHONESTo 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.

www.bcu.ac.uk/concertsVenues, Concerts & Events Office: 0121 331 5909


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BirminghamConservatoire

HOW TO FIND USBirmingham 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.

PARKINGThere 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.


Venue Information

LATECOMERSTo 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 LISTTo 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 [email protected] 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 SUGGESTIONSThe 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 usualWe 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.

CLOAKROOMA free cloakroom service is available at most events taking place in the Adrian Boult Hall.

BAR/COFFEE BARThe 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.

ACCESSIBILITYAll 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.


SPONSORS AvidClassical Guitar CentreDfE (Music & Dance Scheme)European Culture Programme EMI Music Sound Foundation John Avins Trust Leverhulme TrustThe Schubert Ensemble of LondonThe Tillet Trust The Wolfson Foundation Wilmcote Charitable Trust

EVENT FUNDERS Arts Council EnglandBritten Pears Foundation Hinrichsen FoundationHolst Foundation Kingdom of the NetherlandsPRS Foundation for New MusicRVW Trust

Birmingham Conservatoire thanks its sponsors, funders, partners and supporters

PARTNERSAston Performing Arts AcademyBirmingham Contemporary Music GroupBirmingham HippodromeBirmingham Music ServiceBirmingham Philharmonic Orchestra Birmingham Royal BalletCity of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra Coventry Performing Arts Service Deutsche BankEx CathedraIn Harmony Stoke and TelfordJazzlinesLeamington Musicmac BirminghamMusic Education CouncilMusic for YouthMusicians’ Union Orchestra of the SwanPerry Beeches IIQuench ArtsRoyal College of Organists Royal Shakespeare Company sampad Sound Futures South Birmingham College Stan’s Café Third EarTown Hall Symphony Hall Tredegar Town BandWelsh National Opera Wolverhampton Music Hub

MEMBERSHIPAssociation of European Conservatoires Conservatoires UKIncorporated Society of Musicians


Supporting Us

Birmingham Conservatoire is very grateful for the support of individuals and companies.

THERE ARE MANY WAYS IN WHICH YOU CAN SUPPORT US:

• 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 CoxPrincipal’s OfficeBirmingham ConservatoireParadise Place, Birmingham B3 3HGTel: 0121 331 5910 Email: [email protected]

SUPPORT THE MUSICIANS OF TOMORROW – JOIN US TODAY

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.

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 / [email protected] .

Birmingham Conservatoire Association


Stay in touch for details of forthcoming concerts, special offers and our latest news. To join Birmingham Conservatoire’s mailing list please email [email protected] or contact the Venues, Concerts & Events Team on 0121 331 5909.

www.bcu.ac.uk/concerts

/ BirmCons

@BirmCons

Birmingham ConservatoireParadise PlaceBirmingham B3 3HG

birmingham conservatoire summer 2015 concerts and events

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