thsh what's on guide june & july 09

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Supported By

Connie FiSher Wednesday 10 June, 7.30pm tOWn hall

don’t miss 4

June events 6

July events 18

education and community events 26

children’s events 27

free Jazz – Rush hour blues / sax in the city 28

coming soon 29

public tours 30

dining, drinking & shopping 31

booking information 32

seating plans 34

accessibility 35

supporting town hall and symphony hall 36

concerts at a Glance 38

how to Reach us 40

cOntentsWelcOmeWelcome to your guide to the shows at town hall and symphony hall in June and July.

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

tOWn hall assOciate aRtists

the Resident ORchestRa

Of symphOny hall

black Voices

Soweto Kinch

thomas trottertown hall renovation Funded By

Project Part-Financedby the European Union

European RegionalDevelopment Fund

page 2

Box oFFiCe 0121 780 3333 www.thsh.co.uk page 3

thuRsday 14 may, 8pm symphOny hall

nick lOWe with special guest ron Sexsmith

somewhere in london a musician lives who carries the keys to the musical kingdom. in his technicolor sonic scope are all kinds of sounds, from rock to country to soul to pop. he has been performing for 40 years, but is as fresh today as the first time he stepped on stage. his songs are as solid as the earth, yet carry no lingering hype or heaviness. the musician is nick lowe, the headmaster of british rock, and his recent album, At My Age, is such a cause for certain celebration that fans and neophytes alike should mark its release as a date to remember.

special guest, Ron sexsmith, is a major contemporary writer/artist who has amassed a sizable and consistently enthralling body of work since making his major label debut in 1995.

£28.50

dOn't misstuesday 12 may, 8pm tOWn hall

an acOustic eVeninG With al steWaRtFeaturing laurence juber

magical history tours have been al stewart’s trademark since the early 1970s. from early albums Past, Present & Future, Modern Times, The Year of the Cat and Time Passages to the more recent A Beach Full of Shells and Sparks of Ancient Light his erudite lyrics, instantly recognisable drawl and seductive tunes present him at the top of his art. braiding historical fact and speculative imagination into musical short stories that whisk us up, down and sideways in time and place, he displays the emotions that transcend any fixed moment – imagination, creative talent, and a historian’s calm eye for the great and small incidents that shape personal and global events.

£27.50

fRiday 15 may, 7.30pm tOWn hall

Rachel unthank & the WinteRset plus special guests Spiers & Boden

dancing down the leftfield and singing in their own lilting Geordie accents, rachel unthank & the winterset are the inheritors, curators and gleeful distorters of tyneside's traditions. Recently nominated for the mercury music prize and with acres of critical acclaim, the unthank sisters take time out of the studio to perform a special town hall concert.

“A sensationally graceful sound that can be epic and subdued, dreamy and specific, as well as supernaturally ancient and defiantly modern … easily more contemporary and stylish than boys in skinny trousers holding electric guitars like it’s 1969.” paul morley

£15

Rachel Unthank & The Winterset

www.thsh.co.uk Box oFFiCe 0121 780 3333page 4

satuRday 16 may, 7.30pm tOWn hall

Way tO blue: the sOnGs Of nick dRakeFeaturing: Beth orton, Graham Coxon, robyn hitchcock, vashti Bunyan, Martha wainwright and jack Steadman

Band includes: Kate St john, neil MacColl, Zoe rahman and leo Green

produced by Joe boyd

arrangements by Robert kirby

undoubtedly one of the most influential english singer – songwriters of the last 50 years, drake found little mainstream success during his lifetime. however, since his untimely death at the age of 26, his fragile acoustic, autumnal music has touched the hearts of millions of people. this very special evening, curated by his producer Joe boyd with arranger Robert kirby, brings together an array of special guest artists to celebrate a unique talent.

£22.50

sunday 17 may, 7.30pm symphOny hall

an eVeninG With seth lakeman & fRiendsGuests include award-winning fiddler tom McConville, plus more to be announced

the press often call seth lakeman the ‘man who made folk fashionable’. it obviously helps that he is lavishly talented and ruggedly handsome, but the real secret lies in his music, which whilst firmly rooted in the traditions of his West country folk is also steadfastly contemporary and adventurous. tonight he performs music from his last album and brings together a variety of musical friends, for a shindig to remember…

£18.50

enGlish ORiGinals

Rachel Unthank & The Winterset

Graham Coxon

Martha Wainwright Seth Lakeman

a weekend celebrating music and artists that are uniquely english in character, all with a strong sense of place, identity, time and tradition. for latest guest updates plus details of supporting and free events taking place over the weekend visit www.thsh.co.uk/englishoriginals2009


mOnday 1 June, 1pm tOWn hall

lunchtime ORGan cOnceRtthomas trotter organ Crispian Steele-perkins trumpet

handel Water music suite haydn trumpet concerto in e flat Flagler Variations on an old american air langford andante & scherzo from concertino Gershwin prelude no 2 anderson three pieces: bugler's holiday – sandpaper ballet – the typewriter

a mixed programme for organ and trumpet.

£5

60plus, full-time students, under 16s, unwaged £4

TueSday 26 May, 7.30pM ToWn HaLL

Branford MarSaLiS QuarTeTBranford Marsalis saxophone Joey Calderazzo piano Eric Revis bass Jeff Tain Watts drums

World-renowned saxophonist Branford Marsalis has always been a man of numerous musical interests, from jazz, blues and funk to such classical music projects as his 2008 tour with Marsalis Brasilianos. The new orleans native was born into one of the city’s most distinguished musical families, which includes patriarch/pianist/educator ellis and Branford’s siblings Wynton, delfeayo and Jason. Branford gained initial acclaim through his work with art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers and his brother Wynton’s quintet in the early 1980s before forming his own ensemble. He has also performed and recorded with a who’s who of jazz giants including Miles davis, dizzy Gillespie, Herbie Hancock and Sonny rollins.

£25

Branford Marsalis

crispian steele-perkins

page 6 www.thsh.co.uk Box oFFiCe 0121 780 3333

don'T MiSS June

tuesday 2 June, 1pm tOWn hall

elGaR biRthday cOnceRt‘a hawk dreaming poetry’

amanda pitt soprano Mark wilde tenor david owen norris piano

elgar's most personal music was haunted by the ‘might-have-been’ of his one-time fiancée, helen Weaver. but she emigrated to new Zealand, and he married his pupil alice Roberts. thirty years later, helen burst into his life once more, in the most unexpected and disruptive way. this concert depicts a romance in music, songs, readings and pictures.

all seats £7.50


tuesday 2 June, 7.30pm tOWn hall

an eVeninG Of inspiRatiOnpresented by BBC wM’s nikki tapper and joe aldred

a fantastic evening of song and inspiration. experience the best in local talent from childen’s choirs to top soloists.

featuring the amazing voice of jennifer wallace from birmingham’s very own black Voices, leading jazz and gospel singer Carol Brewster, mObO gospel award winners hutchinson & Gayle, nationally acclaimed opera singer abigail Kelly, R n'b gospel singers Clearrose, aston performing arts academy's young Stars and inner City voices, Cannon Street Baptist Children's Choir, Crystal Gospel Choir. With host band – interim.

supporting bbc Wm’s kidney kids appeal to build a new kidney unit at birmingham children’s hospital.

£5

under 16s £3

mOnday 1 June, 8pm symphOny hall

chRisty mOORewith declan Sinnott

“The mighty figure of Christy Moore looms over Irish song in much the same way that Martin Carthy dominates the English folk scene” nigel Williamson, the times

christy moore has been singing, writing and collecting songs for most of his life. his career spans an amazing 40 years, and includes over 30 recorded releases. his live performances have run the gamut from small folk clubs in ireland and england to premier concert halls throughout the world.

christy is regarded by many as one of ireland’s most important and influential artists, being called ‘ireland’s Woody Guthrie’ by some and considered by many to be a national treasure.

£28, £32.50

page 7Box oFFiCe 0121 780 3333 www.thsh.co.uk

thuRsday 4 June, 8pm tOWn hall

Ralph mctelldescribed by billy connolly as ‘britain's best singer/songwriter’, Ralph mctell is one of our most consummate entertainers. he has won the ivor novello award and a bbc lifetime achievement award for his songwriting.

you, the audience, will travel with Ralph on a ninety-minute journey along the musical path he has followed for over four decades. Ralph's astute observation and wry take on life shine through his songs and anecdotes. his rich baritone voice and his virtuosity on guitar promise a very special evening.

"McTell hits the spot by telling your personal story: yours and everyone's." the Guardian

“A big man with a big heart and a big, big talent.” Willy Russell

£18.50there is no support and no interval.

Wednesday 3 June, 8pm tOWn hall

camille O’sulliVan – the daRk anGelafter devastating performances on Later … with Jools Holland and five star sell-out shows at the edinburgh fringe, camille O’sullivan returns to town hall.

camille has recently performed sell out seasons in ireland, new york, australia (sydney Opera house) and been a special guest star of the broadway hit show La Clique. camille will be joined on the road with her 5 piece band.

“We gave her five stars last year; after this performance we’d give her six if we could” metro

£17.50


June www.thsh.co.uk Box oFFiCe 0121 780 3333

satuRday 6 June, 7pm symphOny hall

shOstakOVich’s fifthCity of Birmingham Symphony orchestra

john Storgårds conductor Barbara hannigan soprano

Mahler symphonic prelude 10’ Britten les illuminations 23’ Shostakovich symphony no 5 47’

three composers on a learning curve. shostakovich’s epic symphony is a powerful music portrait of a great artist learning the hard way about tyranny. composed at the height of stalin’s terror, its triumphant finish is either a bitterly ironic comment on its times, or an heroic victory for freedom. decide for yourself – either way, it’s a gripping journey. britten’s ravishing song-cycle finds him at the start of a lifelong love-affair with the human voice – but it’s no less magical for it. and mahler’s teenage Symphonic Prelude is a real find, packed with all its composer’s trademark drama and angst.

£9.50, £13.50, £17, £20.50, £23.50, £28, £32, £37, £39.50sung in french, with english surtitles.


lunchtime ORGan cOnceRt: summeR Requeststhomas trotter organ

the final concert for the season features your requests for favourite pieces that thomas has played earlier this season.

adults £5


satuRday 6 June, 11amtOWn hall

childRen’s eVent: music and stORies!for details please see page 27.

sunday 7 June, 7.30pm tOWn hall

sinG liVe: leGends Of the 60s and 70ssing the legends of the 60s and 70s fuses together two great eras of music and you will know every one of the fabulous songs from Ain't No Mountain High Enough to Bridge Over Troubled Water, Tiger Feet, Waterloo, and Space Oddity plus many more.

come and witness the sounds and 'sights' as the company of singers dress up for the occasion.

treat yourself to an evening of fun and nostalgia – oh and dress up too!

£15, £17.50

under 16s £9



maRk thOmas: it’s the stupid ecOnOmymark thomas attempts to answer some of the more pressing questions about the state we are in. is britain the new iceland? if we own a couple of banks can we lend ourselves money and use their phones to call australia? and what on earth is a “derivative” and is it possible to use the word without also mentioning “keane” and “travis”?

“A human time bomb who mixes comedy with old fashioned investigative journalism…very funny, irrepressible and devilishly clever” the irish times

“Thomas the polemicist deploys the comedian’s eye for a situation’s dark absurdities” the Guardian

£15

tuesday 9 June, 7.30pm symphOny hall

bOyZ ii menplus guests

One of the most successful R n’ b male vocal groups of all time returns to symphony hall. boyz ii men, have sold an estimated 60 million recordings in a spectacular career which has seen them earn a host of awards including four Grammys.

for tonight's fantastic show, they will play some of their classic hits alongside songs from their most recent album Motown: A Journey Through Hitsville USA, a tribute to the famous record label which displays the level of vocal artistry and the faithfulness to the sound and spirit of the originals.

£30, £32.50, £37.50


June

Wednesday 10 June, 7.30pm tOWn hall

cOnnie fisheR: the secRet lOVe tOuRplus special guest will Martin

you think you’ve got it tough? spare a thought for connie fisher, who recently spent 15 months living as a nun. climbing every mountain (and not just once, but about 300 times) and fording every stream (ditto)… she has paid her dues and it’s set her up for a musical career that starts with the album Secret Love.

When she bowed out of the role of maria in the West end revival of The Sound of Music, she did so knowing that while she may have got the part through a reality show, she left it a fully-fledged star. her performance received raves across the board, “She eclipses her famous predecessors – the first real Maria I’ve seen.” nicholas de Jongh, the evening standard.

£25

thuRsday 11 June, 7.30pm tOWn hall

natuRally 7naturally 7 bring together gospel, doo-wop, beatboxing and soulful R&b, and call the results ‘vocal play’ – their astonishly versatile voices provide not just the lyrics, melodies and harmonies, but every musical instrument in every spectacular performance. youtube has been their major showcase – their exuberant vocal display on the paris metro has already been seen by over two million people – but finally they’re touring britain with a new album Wall of Sound.

£15, £20


mOnday 15 June, 8pm symphOny hall

Zappa plays ZappaGuitarist dweezil Zappa has cocooned himself away in the studio this past year engineering his own metamorphosis.

the self-taught Zappa utilised the fruits of his labour to startling effect on his first album project in more than six years, Go With What You Know, featuring a unique guitar rendition of the elder Zappa’s classic instrumental, Peaches En Regalia.

this is the first official live concert of frank Zappa’s music since his untimely passing in 1993. Joining dweezil on stage will be a hand-picked band of new, young musicians.

£25, £28.50 there is no support.

sunday 14 June, 6pm tOWn hall

cbyV 10th anniVeRsaRy ROck & pOp cOnceRtCity of Birmingham young voices with guest artist Cleveland watkiss

david lawrence choir leader

as one of the centrepieces of its 10th anniversary celebrations, city of birmingham young Voices, the cbsO’s community youth choir, brings its annual Rock & pop concert to town hall. in this showcase of classics from across the genre, soloists from amongst cbyV’s ranks perform alongside a fabulous guest band, comprising some of the finest session musicians in the business.

£10

full-time students, under 18s £5


bbc RadiO 3 lunchtime cOnceRtMahan esfahani harpsichord

Bach prelude, fugue & allegro in e flat bWV998 Froberger lamentation on the death of ferdinand iii poglietti aria allemagna sopra l’eta da maesta Vostra Bach italian concerto Forqueray suite no 1 in d minor

the newly refurbished town hall’s first solo harpsichord recital, from the first early music specialist in bbc Radio 3’s new Generation artists scheme, the young iranian-born harpsichord virtuoso mahan esfahani.

all seats £7.50



Wednesday 17 June, 8pm symphOny hall

Russell hOWaRdstill unfashionably fond of humanity, the star of Mock The Week and bbc6 music, Russell’s back with his fifth new stand-up show following three sell-out tours in the space of one year.

£15

Sold out, returns only

Wednesday 17 June, 2.15pm thuRsday 18 June, 7.30pm symphOny hall

tchaikOVsky’s little RussianCity of Birmingham Symphony orchestra

andris nelsons conductor elspeth dutch horn toby Spence tenor

tchaikovsky Romeo and Juliet 21’ Britten serenade for tenor, 26’ horn and strings tchaikovsky symphony no 2 33’ Little Russian

after Hamlet in november, the cbsO's new music director andris nelsons offers us another of tchaikovsky's responses to shakespeare. his second symphony uses folk music to create a tuneful work of great charm. in britten's Serenade we hear his acutely sympathetic response to great english poems.

Free pre-concert talks: 1.15pm (17 june) & 6.15pm (18 june)

17 June: £9.50, £13.50, £17.50, £21.50, £24, £28, £32

18 June: £9.50, £13.50, £17, £20.50, £23.50, £28, £32, £37, £39.50

THurSday 18 June, 8pM ToWn HaLL

roGer MCGuinnplus support

Legendary former Byrds frontman and founding member, roger McGuinn returns for a hotly anticipated solo uK tour. The Byrds’ era-defining songs like Eight Miles High, Mr Tambourine Man, Turn, Turn, Turn and All I Really Wanna Do became classics of the new folk rock sound.

McGuinn’s trademark rickenbacker 12 string sound has influenced generations of musicians and this superb show will draw from his huge back catalogue, including his Grammy-nominated Treasures From The Folk Den, and last year’s 22 Timeless Tracks From The Folk Den Project.

“Music would be a very, very different place if it hadn’t been for Roger McGuinn” rolling Stone

£24.50


fRiday 19 June, 11.30am & 1.30pm symphOny hall

schOOls cOnceRt: ROmeO and JulietCity of Birmingham Symphony orchestra

andris nelsons conductor tommy pearson presenter

shakespeare’s tragic love-story inspired many composers as well as young imaginations! today’s concert specially devised for key stage 2 children (years 3 & 4) features two pieces written in Russia and the usa almost a century apart. tchaikovsky’s fantasy overture retains shakespeare’s characters, while bernstein’s musical West Side Story updates Romeo and Juliet to modern times and the streets of new york.

special prices apply: £4 per ticket for children and teachers, and home-schooling* children and parents. to book please call Group bookings on 0800 358 7070.

for information on pre-concert support packages and other opportunities available for schools with the cbsO, please contact the cbsO’s education department by email ([email protected]) or telephone (0121 616 6530).* proof of eligibility, eg registration with your local

authority, required.

fRiday 19 June, 8pm tOWn hall

lúnasafollowing their sold-out performance during town hall’s re-opening festival, lúnasa are back by popular demand.

since their auspicious beginning 10 years ago, lúnasa have become one of the most sought-after bands on the international celtic music scene. the band’s inventive arrangements and bass-driven grooves are steering irish acoustic music into surprising new territory. if you missed out on seeing them last time, book early!

“The new Gods of Irish Music” mOJO

£16


June

WedneSday 24 June, 7.30pM SaTurday 27 June, 7pM SyMpHony HaLL

a Hero’S LifeCity of Birmingham Symphony orchestra

andris nelsons conductor Claire Booth soprano hilary Summers mezzo-soprano andrew Kennedy tenor Graeme Broadbent bass City of Birmingham Symphony Chorus

haydn nelson Mass 43’ Strauss ein Heldenleben 46’

The CBSo's new Music director andris nelsons returns to his love of richard Strauss, with the epic, semi-autobiographical tone poem. Haydn's most famous mass also incorporates the sounds of war, and like Strauss, the composer pleads for a peace – Dona Nobis Pacem – that eventually arrives.

Free post-concert talk c. 9.15pm (27 june only)

£9.50, £13.50, £17, £20.50, £23.50, £28, £32, £37, £39.50

With english surtitles.

sunday 21 June, 9.30am tOWn hall

semi-finals Of the RObeRt William and flORence amy bRant inteRnatiOnal pianOfORte cOmpetitiOnan annual event, which is open to pianists of any nationality who are between 20 and 28 years old and resident in Great britain. the semi-finals comprise up to eight competitors (selected at the cbsO centre on saturday 20 June) who will play a beethoven sonata and a work composed after 1960. see 27 June (page 17) for the finals.

day ticket £8

60plus, under 16s, full-time students, unwaged £6unreserved seating. application details www.thsh.co.uk/brantcompetition09


thuRsday 25 June, 7.30pm symphOny hall

Jeff beckplus support imelda May

Jeff beck burst onto the music scene in 1966 after joining the yardbirds. although only with the band 18 months, beck played on almost all the group’s hits. more importantly, his innovative style helped influence the psychedelic 60s sound.

at the height of the yardbirds’ popularity in 1967, beck left and embarked upon an unpredictable journey of musical discovery that has lasted over four decades, leaving his distinctive mark on hard rock, jazz-fusion and modern music history. don’t miss the chance to see this authentic guitar legend.

dublin-born imelda may has the rare kind of raw talent and timeless glamour that truly illuminates the stage.

£35

fRiday 26 June, 7.30pm symphOny hall

beyOnd the baRRicade – 10th anniVeRsaRy shOWnow in its 10th record-breaking year, the most successful and popular touring show of its kind returns with a brand new special 10th anniversary production.

Recreating original West end/broadway musical hits with amazing authenticity, this cast of past principal performers from Les Miserables celebrate their anniversary with a blockbusting show featuring the best musical songs including The Phantom of the Opera, Chess, The Lion King, Blood Brothers, Miss Saigon and many more major hit productions, climaxing with a spectacular finale from, of course, Les Miserables!

£22.50, £25

thuRsday 25 June, 7.30pm tOWn hall

malcOlm GladWellthe author of outliers, the tipping point and Blink – live on stage

“The most influential thinker of the iPod generation” Observer

brilliant and entertaining, the best-selling author of Outliers, Blink and The Tipping Point is normally paid huge sums to speak at conferences for corporations like Google. his West end performances were a sell-out sensation in 2008. malcolm now brings his extraordinary alchemy of story-telling and intuitive thinking on a uk tour. it’s time to forget conventional notions of how society works and get ready for a brand new way of seeing the world!

‘A brilliant story-teller … immense fun’ the Guardian

‘The writer as rock star? Well, why not? ... Malco-mania about to break out!’ the telegraph

£16

full and part-time students and groups of 10 or more £14

www.thsh.co.uk Box oFFiCe 0121 780 3333

Junepage 16

satuRday 27 June, 7pm tOWn hall

final Of the RObeRt William and flORence amy bRant inteRnatiOnal pianOfORte cOmpetitiOnWith an illustrious list of former winners and a first prize of £3,000, this prestigious competition provides young pianists with the chance to further their careers and perform in world-class venues. tonight's final sees three finalists (chosen at the end of the semi-final stage on 21st June) perform a varied programme of no more than 40 minutes, consisting of their own choice of works.

£10

60plus, full-time students, under 16s, unwaged £7.50unreserved seating. application details www.thsh.co.uk/brantcompetition09

mOnday 29 June, 7.30pm tOWn hall

astOn peRfORminG aRts academy pROudly pResent latinO GROOVesjenetta hurst conductor

a collaboration with the city of birmingham symphony Orchestra, aston performing arts academy, the drum and birmingham conservatoire.

featuring the aston singers, the cbsO berkley street dance Orchestra plus guest vocalists and the apaa Orchestra.

Join in the celebrations and achievements of the apaa students in a latino musical extravaganza! latino Grooves features favourites such as the Mexican Hat Dance and The Girl From Ipanema. this community event is the culmination of a series of coaching sessions led by the cbsO musicians over the course of the summer term.

£5 each or £15 for a family of 4

to book call shirley parnell 07843 269 553 or angela daniels 07843 269 546 or access the apaa website on www.astonpaa.org.all tickets are unreserved.

sunday 28 June, 7pm tOWn hall

the aRmed manphoenix Singers Birmingham MayC orchestra and Singers east of england Singers

Matt Beckingham conductor

the phoenix singers birmingham presents karl Jenkins’ The Armed Man: A Mass For Peace, in aid of the national children’s charity action for children.

a massed chorus of over 170 will be joined by a full symphony orchestra for Jenkins’ inspiring work, alongside a programme of light and entertaining music. With influences from brazilian percussion to Renaissance plainsong, The Armed Man, performed here with its original video footage on large screen, guarantees an evening to remember.

£14, £16, £17.50


tuesday 30 June, 7.30pm symphOny hall

nO place like hOmeCity of Birmingham Symphony orchestra

thomas Søndergård conductor Marie-Christine Zupancic flute

Sibelius scènes historiques – 20’ suite no 1 nielsen flute concerto 20’ dvorák symphony no 7 38’

thomas søndergård brings with him the charming flute concerto by carl nielsen, for which he will be joined by the cbsO's outstanding flute section leader. the light-hearted side of the danish character finds a good match in a tuneful suite by the finn sibelius. dvorák’s stirring seventh symphony is reckoned by many to be his finest orchestral work.

Free pre-concert talk 6.15pm

£9.50, £13.50, £17, £20.50, £23.50, £28, £32, £37, £39.50

Wednesday 1 July, 8pm symphOny hall

neil sedakathe history of Rock n’ Roll would be incomplete without the innumerable contributions of neil sedaka. for over fifty years, neil has written, performed, produced, and inspired countless songs, and his canon of compositions will continue to stand the test of time.

among the honours he has received, sedaka has been inducted into the songwriters’ hall of fame, has had a street named after him in his hometown of brooklyn, and has a star on the hollywood Walk of fame.

£38.50, £42.50

thuRsday 2 July, 7pm symphOny hall

shiReland cOlleGiate academyCreativity in our Community

after the phenomenal success of last year’s cultural fusion show, shireland collegiate academy return to symphony hall to present a celebration of creativity. drawing on the enthusiasm and artistic talents of the young people of smethwick, the show promises to be an unforgettable musical and visual feast.

£5

£10 for families (up to two adults and two children)

tickets are available exclusively from the academy on 0121 558 8377

www.thsh.co.uk Box oFFiCe 0121 780 3333page 18 www.thsh.co.uk Box oFFiCe 0121 780 3333

July

fRiday 3 July, 7.30pm symphOny hall

fRiday niGht classics: beRnstein On bROadWayCity of Birmingham Symphony orchestra

Carl davis conductor Mary Carewe vocalist Sarah eyden vocalist Graham Bickley vocalist

showman, maestro, composer and party animal, leonard bernstein was the ultimate musical all-rounder – and he just happened to write some of the best tunes of the 20th century. carl davis brings his own brand of broadway pizzazz to this all-singing, all-dancing salute to bernstein featuring music from West Side Story, Candide, Glitter And Be Gay, It Must Be So, I’m So Lucky To Be Me, A Little Bit In Love, Ohio, The Wrong Note Rag, I Can Cook Too – and, of course, New York, New York – it’s just one great tune after another.

£9.50, £16, £22.50, £28, £32, £36, £39.50

satuRday 4 July, 11am tOWn hall

childRen’s eVent: dRumVOicefor details please see page 27.

satuRday 4 July, 8pm tOWn hall

dRummin' mana tribute to Gene Krupa and the Swing era, with the Garry allcock all-Stars Big Band with very special guest eric delaney

this year we celebrate one hundred years since the birth of the man who almost single-handedly brought the drum kit out from the back of the band into the limelight. that man was the one and only world famous american drummer Gene krupa.

in 1940 a sixteen-year-old eric delaney won the title of britain’s best swing drummer, the rest is history, and he’s still doing it today. come and hear him playing his double bass drum kit, his tymps and his marching snare drum.

£12.50, £16.50, £19.50in association with the birmingham international Jazz festival.

eric delaney


Open air and indoors, the national festival has become one of the major highlights in the music education calendar. bringing a national focus for the creativity, capability and talent of the youth of today, music for youth takes over the city of birmingham for this seven-day celebration of youth music-making. featuring 320 groups from across the uk, with 10,000 young performers, the festival takes place in symphony hall (sh), town hall (th) birmingham conservatoire (bc) and O2 academy 2 (O2).

performances will take place throughout the day and early evening.

one day festival pass: £8, 60plus, full-time students, unwaged £4.

seats are subject to availability at the time of arrival.

available from symphony hall box Office from 1 may 2009. festival passes will be available from all venues on the day, subject to availability.* Rock, pop & urban is a separately ticketed event, visit www.mfy.org.uk for details.

** tickets are free of charge but must be booked through box office.

programme subject to change, please visit www.mfy.org.uk for up-to-date information.

Monday 6 julyinfants & juniors from 10.30am (sh)

juniors from 11am (bc)

ensembles from 11am (th)

tueSday 7 julyjunior Choirs from 10.30am (sh)

Senior Choirs from 10.30am (th)

ensembles from 11am (bc)

wedneSday 8 julySchool orchestras / String & Chamber orchestras from 11am (sh)

traditional and international Music from 11am (bc)

thurSday 9 julyBrass Bands from 10.30am (sh)

Chamber Music from 10.30am (th)

rock, pop and urban* from 5.30pm (02)

Friday 10 julywind Bands from 10.30am (sh)

jazz from 10.30am (bc)

Saturday 11 julyyouth orchestras from 10.30am (sh)

jazz from 11am (bc)

Sunday 12 julySing For all** from 6pm (sh)

natiOnal festiVal Of music fOR yOuth Monday 6 – Sunday 12 July


Sunday 12 JuLy, 8pM ToWn HaLL

Suzanne VeGaCasa alianza 10th anniversary Benefit Concert

Support eddy Morton

Widely regarded as one of the most brilliant songwriters of her generation, new york singer – songwriter Suzanne Vega emerged as a leading figure of the folk-music revival of the early 1980s. Since the release of her critically acclaimed 1985 debut album, she continues to give sold-out concerts in many of the world's best-known venues.

as a long-standing supporter of Casa alianza which provides care, rehabilitation and legal aid for street children in Central america & Mexico, Suzanne Vega is delighted to be headlining this 10th anniversary Benefit Concert, presented by Katie fitzgerald’s.

£27.50

mOnday 13 July, 7pm tuesday 14 July, 7pm symphOny hall

sandWell at symphOny hallsandwell youth music and arts service is spearheading a celebration of the vast range of musical talent that exists within the borough.

the July 13 concert will feature a diverse number of groups including world music and rock musicians, dancers and hundreds of young instrumentalists learning under the Wider Opportunities scheme.

On July 14 the nationally-recognised sandwell youth music bands, orchestras and choirs will present a varied programme of music including popular classics and music from the hit musical Hairspray.

£5

60plus, under 16s, full-time students, unwaged £3

On sale tuesday 19 may


tuesday 21 July, 7.30pm tOWn hall

idRs 2009 – OpeninG Gala cOnceRt international double reed Society Featuring orchestra of the Swandavid Curtis conductor richard weigall & louise Braithwaite oboe Fabio Cury bassoon Gordon hunt oboe john Miller & Gareth newman bassoon nancy ambrose-King oboe ramon ortega Quero oboehandel arrival of the queen of sheba Fransisco Mignone concertino for bassoon and orchestra Mozart concerto in f alec roth departure of the queen of sheba dietter concerto for two bassoons jennifer higdon concerto for oboe Mozart concerto in cJoin us for the opening gala concert of idRs 2009, packed with concerto performances by celebrity artists. find out more at www.idrs2009.org.free (part of registration fee) for idRs participants.limited public tickets available £1460plus, full and part-time students £12

Wednesday 22 July, 2pm tOWn hall

idRs 2009 – acROss the pitchroger redgate director and composer Christopher redgate soloist paul archbold live electronics

roger redgate new work for young double reed performers, dJ, VJ and live electronics (world premiere)

300 young performers come together in a world premiere performance featuring cutting-edge technology and live dJ; turning town hall into a buzzing nightclub for the afternoon! this performance is the main event of Across the Pitch – a day devoted to double reed education at idRs 2009. find out more at www.idrs2009.org.

fRee to conference delegates and to the general public – just turn up on the day.

cost of participating in across the pitch: £15 for whole day.

thuRsday 16 July, 7pm symphOny hall

biRminGham music seRVice Gala cOnceRtFeaturing Birmingham Schools' Brass Band recorder Sinfonia wind orchestra Symphony orchestra Gala Choir

the evening will be compéred by Jamie crick from classic fm.

£4.50, £10

60plus, under 16s, full-time students, unwaged £3.50, £5

On sale Wednesday 17 June


July

Wednesday 22 July, 7.30pm tOWn hall

idRs 2009 – WORld pRemieRe cOnceRtnicholas daniel oboe Meyrick alexander bassoon jane Salmon cello nancy ambrose-King oboe Masayuki okamoto bassoon Christian Schmitt oboe alex Klein oboe Stefano Canuti bassoon

thea Musgrave night Windows (world premiere – idRs commission) judith weir Wake your Wild Voice (world premiere – birmingham conservatoire commission*) efrem podgaitz strange dance for bassoon and 4-hands piano (world premiere) arnaldo de Felice naf-sa for bassoon and percussion (world premiere)

did you know that 38 works will be premiered during idRs 2009, seven of them during tonight's recital – including works by isao matsushita, laurent Riou and egberto Gismonti. find out more at www.idrs2009.org.

free (part of registration fee) for idRs participants.

limited public tickets available £14

60plus, full and part-time students £12 *with support from the leche trust and RVW trust

fRiday 24 July, 8pm tOWn hall

andy mckeeandy mckee is one of the world’s finest acoustic soloists. after receiving over 50 million views on youtube, his success is testament to the changing nature of the music industry as well as people’s desire for something new and interesting. consequently, andy has performed to sold out shows in all over the world.

andy cites michael hedges, don Ross, billy mclaughlin and preston Reed as his primary influences in acoustic music, also drawing inspiration from earth Wind and fire, björk, pantera, peter Gabriel, dream theater, bruce hornsby and many others.

While there are countless amazing guitar players in the world, it is andy’s attention to song structure and melodic content that elevates him above the typical guitarist.

£14

full and part-time students £10

fRiday 24 July, 7.30pm symphOny hall

nelsOns cOnducts the fiRebiRdCity of Birmingham Symphony orchestra

andris nelsons conductor jonathan Kelly oboe pascal Gallois bassoon Margaret Cookhorn contra bassoon

woolrich concerto for contra bassoon 15’ (world premiere) Strauss Oboe concerto 26’ Berio sequenza xii for solo bassoon 18’ Stravinsky the firebird (1910 version) 44’

stravinsky’s The Firebird is one of the best-loved works in all music, conjuring a sumptuous fairytale world of glittering colours, enchanted melodies and blood-curdling thrills. music director andris nelsons’ first journey through this magical score with the cbsO is one of the most keenly-awaited concerts this year. and as a bonus, three of the world’s finest woodwind soloists – two of them real birmingham favourites! – play three fascinatingly different modern masterpieces.

£9.50, £13.50, £17, £20.50, £23.50, £28, £32, £37, £39.50


satuRday 25 July, 7.30pm tOWn hall

idRs 2009 – GRand finale cOnceRt Featuring the new Mozart orchestra

Clive Fairbairn conductor omar Zoboli oboe Meyrick alexander bassoon Graham hobbs bassoon Christian Schmitt oboe Carlo Colombo bassoon

Mozart symphony no 23 in d (k.181) pasculli Gran concerto su i Vespri siciliani arr. G.Zani nigel treherne concerto for two bassoons vaughan williams concerto for oboe haydn sinfonia concertante

the Grand finale concert of idRs 2009 embodies the conference theme of the “old and new”, featuring performances by established artists whilst also celebrating up-and-coming talent with a performance of the Vaughan Williams concerto given by the winner of this year’s idRs Gillet-fox competition. find out more at www.idrs2009.org.

free (part of registration fee) for idRs participants

limited number of public tickets available £14

60plus, full and part-time students £12

sunday 26 July, 7pm tOWn hall

cbsO yOuth ORchestRa academyMichael Seal conductor Chloë hanslip violin

ibert divertissement rameau les boréades – suite prokofiev Violin concerto no 2 julian anderson alhambra fantasy

after its triumphant town hall debut last season, the cbsO youth Orchestra’s brilliant chamber orchestra returns with a riotously entertaining programme spanning three centuries, including ibert’s Divertissement and Rameau’s Les Boréades.

£12.50

satuRday 25 July, 12 nOOn tOWn hall

idRs 2009 – ORGan & ObOe lunchtime RecitalCelia Craig oboe thomas trotter organ

albinoni concerto in d minor arr. Giazotto rheinberger Rhapsodie (from organ sonata op 127) arr. busch Flagler Variations on a american air Britten metamorphoses for solo oboe (pan, phaeton, niobe, bacchus, narcissus, arethusa) noyon concertino pastorale ("dit du cou cou") for oboe and organ

a fantastic chance to hear city Organist thomas trotter and oboist celia craig performing a programme of work written for this unique instrumental combination on the final day of the international double Reed society’s annual conference. find out more at www.idrs2009.org.

free (part of registration fee) for idRs participants

limited number of public tickets available £5

60plus, full and part-time students £4


July

tuesday 28 July, 7pm symphOny hall

islamic help: the peaRls Of pOetRy – the GRand buRdahthe burdah is the great classical poem composed by the prominent thirteenth century sufi saint imam al-busiri in praise of the noble character and exalted status of the islamic prophet muhammad (pbuh).

the concert will consist of a range of selections from the burdah and will feature various artists from around the muslim world.

£10

On sale thursday 4 June

Box oFFiCe 0121 780 3333 www.thsh.co.uk

Wednesday 24 June, 10am tOWn hall

youfiestayoung people of university of the first age (youfa) have organised this, the first learning festival of its kind, celebrating young people across the country who have been arranging learning activities for their peers.

youfa is the name of the young people’s board for the ufa, a national charity started in birmingham in 1996 to enrich and extend learning opportunities for young people.

private event: town hall will be closed to the public, for more information please contact ufa on 0121 212 9838.

thuRsday 25 June, 11am tOWn hall

bRiGht space yOuth panel pResents… the aRtsmaRk celebRatiOn eVent 09artsmark is a national award scheme from arts council england to recognise schools with a high level of arts provision. nearly 200 schools from across the West midlands will receive their awards and get the recognition they deserve.

bright space youth panel have been working on the event as strategic decision-makers, programmers, curators, designers, marketers and they will be managing the event on the day.

private event: town hall will be closed to the public, for more information about artsmark please contact arts council england on 0845 300 6200.

sunday 5 July, 6.30pm tOWn hall

fReedOm tOWnthis exciting multimedia performance is the culmination of seven months of creative exploration and collaboration focussing on two unique cities. young people from five schools in birmingham, uk and two schools in freetown, sierra leone have used poetry and jazz to explore the notion of ‘freedom’ in their cities. Working with town hall’s associate artists and our talented multimedia artists, they have created a vibrant evening of dance, song, spoken word, visual art and multimedia projections.

tickets are free of charge but must be booked through box Office.

educatiOn & cOmmunity eVentspage 26 www.thsh.co.uk Box oFFiCe 0121 780 3333

childRen’s eVentssatuRday 6 June, 11am tOWn hall

music and stORies!town hall associate artists, Orchestra of the swan team up with one of the nation’s most successful storytellers, clive dennis cole, to present an interactive music and storytelling experience like no other.

bring bells and your shaker to help make music, your singing voice for nursery rhymes and your creative imagination for storytelling as we go on a magical journey through music and stories.

the event runs from 11am – 1pm including a half hour break.

adults £5, 60plus £4.50, under 16s £2.50

family ticket (4 people, minimum 1 adult and 1 child) £12

satuRday 2 July, 11am tOWn hall

dRumVOice!the african djembe drum has that distinctive sound like no other in this world. sarah Westwood conducts the drumvoice Orchestra, who will play traditional West african and latin-american rhythms for children to clap, sing and dance along to. a special orchestrated composition will invite very young ears to appreciate the magical texture and richness that give you the feel good factor from beginning to end. so bring along your rhythmical hands, your singing voice and stomping feet to sarah Westwood’s magical moment.

adults £5, 60plus £4.50, under 16s £2.50

family ticket (4 people, minimum 1 adult and 1 child) £12

mOnday 6 – satuRday 11 July tOWn hall & symphOny hall

natiOnal music fOR yOuth festiValthe national festival of music for youth, one of the highlights in the music education calendar, is coming to birmingham from 6-12 July. for details see page 20.

sunday 12 July, 6pm symphOny hall

sinG fOR alla collaborative project between town hall & symphony hall, birmingham primary schools & the cbsO choral department which aims to extend singing opportunities for young people of all ages and abilities. Over the past nine months, both new and existing choirs have worked with world-class choral leaders to develop their skills.

this free concert celebrates birmingham’s wealth of young choral talent and showcases the thsh choral commission birmingham life by lin marsh. the choirs will present their own repertoire, preceding a massed choir finale.

tickets are free of charge but must be booked through box Office.

educatiOn & cOmmunity eVents

clive dennis cole


Free jazz in Symphony hall’s level 3 Bar on Friday evenings at 5.30pm

after a long week at work come along and unwind in the intimate, relaxing atmosphere of symphony hall’s level 3 bar and let the sensational sounds of Rush hour blues help you find that friday feeling. it’s all free – and you deserve it!

“It’s free and it really is the place to be.” birmingham post

presented in association with birmingham Jazz.

Rush hOuR blues

5 June

Walsall JaZZ ORchestRa

12 June

alcyOna mick quintet + blink

19 June

mick huttOn quaRtet

26 June

paul VeRnOn chesteR

3 July

manVeeR sinGh and maRVa in association with sampad

10 July

biRminGham JaZZ yOuth GROup

17 July

huW Rees Octet

24 July

Jean luc-fillOn, michael RabinOWitZ and JOaO paulOat the international double Reed conference (idRs)

Featuring andy hamilton and the Blue notes

Free event in Symphony hall’s level 3 Bar

satuRday 6 June 12.30pm – 3.30pm satuRday 4 July 12.30pm – 3.30pm

Relax with birmingham jazz legend andy hamilton as he brings you the finest in jazz together with his band the blue notes.

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

supported by arts council england.

sax in the city www.thsh.co.uk Box oFFiCe 0121 780 3333page 28

cOminG sOOnthuRsday 6 auGust, 7.30pm fRiday 7 auGust, 7.30pm satuRday 8 auGust, 7.30pm symphOny hall

latin feVeR £15, £18.50, £23.50, £28.50, £32.50

fRiday 18 septembeR, 7.30pm tOWn hall

fascinatinG aida£17.50

fRiday 18 septembeR, 7.30pm symphOny hall

cbsO beneVOlent fund cOnceRt£9.50, £13.50, £17, £20.50, £23.50, £28, £32, £37, £39.50

satuRday 26 septembeR, 7.30pm tOWn hall

tim minchin: Ready fOR this?£17.50

mOnday 28 septembeR, 7.30pm tOWn hall

an appOintment With dR chRistian Jessen£19.50

60plus, full-time students £17

suitable for 16+

tuesday 29 septembeR, 8pm tOWn hall

cuRtis stiGeRs£24

Wednesday 30 septembeR, 7.30pm tOWn hall

an audience With tRisha GOddaRd£16

60plus, groups of 10 or more £14

darren and lilia in latin feVeR


satuRday 6 June, 11am

Wednesday 24 June, 11am

sunday 5 July, 11am

Wednesday 29 July, 11amJoin our tour guides on an exciting journey around symphony hall. discover the world-famous acoustics within the stunning auditorium. you’ll have the chance to see where the stars relax by visiting a dressing room, learn about the history of the venue and find out about the magnificent symphony Organ.

tours last approximately an hour and a half.

mOnday 15 June, 2.30pm

thuRsday 18 June, 11am

fRiday 3 July, 11am

tuesday 21 July 11amacclaimed at its opening in 1834 as the finest music hall in the country, this Grade 1 listed landmark has been lovingly and painstakingly renovated by a dedicated team of conservation and construction professionals.

come and discover the town hall, learn about performers past and present, find out about the history and heritage and discover its transformation since its closure in 1996.

tours last approximately an hour.

public tOuRs

£6, 60plus, full-time students, under 16s, unwaged, disabled patrons £5

please advise the box Office at the time of the booking if any member of your group will be in a wheelchair or has difficulty walking.

town hall and symphony hall now offer british sign language interpreted public tours. to book a bsl public tour or for more information, please email the thsh education/community department – [email protected].

tO bOOk tOuRs please call the bOx Office On 0121 780 3333

BeCoMe our friendas a friend of Town Hall and Symphony Hall you will receive exclusive benefits. With newsletters, invitations to events, ticket offers, and a friends Booking Line, this is the perfect opportunity to find out more about our great venues. your membership also supports the important work undertaken by Town Hall and Symphony Hall, bringing great arts experiences to everyone in our community.

friends membership can also make the perfect gift for birthdays, anniversaries or to say thank you! for further information on being our friend please contact Sara Moore on 0121 644 5072, or email [email protected]

tOWn hallsymphOny hall

page 30

the centRe shOpadjacent to the cloakroom off the iCC Mall, offering a range of gifts, souvenirs, cards, newspapers, magazines and confectionery.

cafÉ ViteSituated in the iCC Mall, open 7 days a week offering a fantastic range of high quality food and drink. opening times may vary, please see the Café for details.

fOyeR baRsSymphony Hall’s foyer bars open an hour before the start of a concert and stay open for the interval and post concert on Level 3, serving a variety of drinks and snacks. To pre-order interval drinks download a form from www.thsh.co.uk/page/planning-your-visit/eating-and-drinking.

dininG, dRinkinG & shOppinG

cOffee baRSituated in the main foyer of Town Hall and serving light snacks and refreshments. open 10am until the end of the interval on concert evenings, until 5pm Monday to friday, when there is no evening show, and until 4pm at weekends, when there is no evening show.

fOyeR baRsTown Hall’s foyer bars open an hour before the start of a concert and stay open for the interval and post concert on the Lower and Circle Levels, serving a variety of hot and cold drinks. To pre-order interval drinks download a form from www.thsh.co.uk/page/planning-your-visit/eating-and-drinking.

dOn’t fORGet!a range of gifts and souvenirs are available from our Gift desk during concerts including our cuddly squirrel mascots, mouse mats, greeting cards and even musical fridge magnets!

a limited mail order service is also available, please contact us on 0121 200 2382 for further details.

tOWn hallsymphOny hall

fRee Wi-fi at tOWn hallTown Hall Coffee Bar now provides totally free Wi-fi access without having to subscribe to a specific provider. all you have to do is make any purchase from the Coffee Bar, and you will receive the daily password.

Town Hall is the perfect meeting place for business or pleasure, with its prime location in Victoria Square. it has been one of Birmingham’s major landmarks since 1834, and has recently undergone a £35 million restoration.

page 31

hOW tO bOOk a £2 fee per transaction will be charged on all bookings except purchases made in person at the box Office. WWW.thsh.cO.ukfor full price and some discounted tickets. if you require any other reduced price tickets, contact the box Office on 0121 780 3333. by phOne call our box Office on 0121 780 3333 in peRsOn town hall and symphony hall box Office at town hall in Victoria square or symphony hall on broad street. symphony hall box Office is open 10am – 6pm monday to saturday & 12pm – 4pm on a sunday.town hall box Office is open 11am – 5pm monday to saturday & 12pm – 4pm on a sunday.Opening hours may be extended on concert days. by pOstsend payment to town hall & symphony hall box Office, symphony hall, broad street, birmingham, b1 2ea.Please do not send cash through the post.

hOW tO pay by cRedit/debit caRd if paying by post please include the expiry date (and issue number for maestro cards) and the address of the registered cardholder (tickets will be sent to this address).

by chequecheques should be made payable to performances birmingham ltd with the amount left open, but stating an upper limit in the bottom left hand corner

discOunts discounts vary from concert to concert; please check our website or ask for details when booking.

city Of biRminGham symphOny ORchestRa seasOn 2008/09discounted tickets are available for concert package bookers, groups of 11 or more, families, students and young people 25 and under, benefit recipients and through the birmingham passport to leisure scheme.

GROups Of 11 OR mORe

discounts on selected concerts. for further information or to make a booking, phone our Group booking department on fReephOne 0800 358 7070, open 10am to 5pm monday to friday.

all tickets are offered subject to availability. proof of eligibility may be required when purchasing/collecting reduced price tickets. discounts vary per concert please check with the box Office.

lOst tickets a charge may be made for printing duplicate tickets.

bOOkinG infORmatiOnpage 32

droitwich & bromsgrove: bromsgrove music tours, Jennie mcGregor smith 01527 872422

leominster & hereford: mary seldon, 01885 482543. email: [email protected]

disclaimeRinformation and prices in this guide were correct at the time of going to press – please check prior to booking. unforeseen circumstances, however, may result in changes to the published programme or named artists. the timings given for each piece are for guidance and may vary in performance.

performances birmingham limited – a company controlled by birmingham city council – is a Registered charity no. 1053937. Registered in england no. 3169600. Registered Office: symphony hall, broad street, birmingham, uk b1 2ea.

design: essence design limited

photography: adrian burrows (symphony hall, thomas trotter, andris nelsons), mike Gutteridge (symphony hall, town hall), point pictures (christy moore), marco borggreve (barbara hannigan), aiden mccarthy (mary carewe), Ébert sanchez (suzanne Vega), mitch Jenkins (toby spence), travis morgan (andy mckee), charles Owen (chloë hanslip)

data pROtectiOnOnce you have booked tickets for town hall or symphony hall all your contact details will be held and processed on our box Office marketing database and from time to time we may send you information about town hall and symphony hall and their programme of events and activities using any one of the contact methods you have provided. Other arts organisations and companies carefully selected by performances birmingham may also be interested in sending you information on events and products they think will be of interest. if you do not want your details to be passed to another organisation please tell us at the time of booking. (data protection act (1984). Registration no. x3281 12 8.)

cOnceRts by cOach these coach schemes are organised by regular concert–goers.

telford & newport: the newport music coach, anita davies 01952 813340

south shropshire: the concerts coach, frank north 01743 790400

shropshire & mid-Wales: ludlow & district theatre & arts Group, bronwen coldwell 01584 831323

page 33

seatinG plans

RIGHT SIDE CIRCLE

LEFT SIDE CIRCLE

CIRCLE

STALLS

PLATFORM

CHOIRBENCHES

GRAND TIERLevel 5A

UPPER CIRCLE Level 5

CIRCLELevel 4

STALLSLevel 3

STALLSTERRACES

Level 3

PLATFORM

CHOIRLevel 4

CHOIRLevel 4

CHORUS BOX

symphOny halltOWn hall

page 34

custOmeRs With mObility difficulties:

town hall please note that there are steps up to the stalls & circle but a lift is available. the stalls has flat access to all seats and generous space between rows. patrons who need to remain in their wheelchairs during the performance can book spaces in the stalls and the side circle. there are accessible toilets on all levels.

Symphony hall all levels are accessible by lift, but there are steps within the auditorium on all levels, including the stalls – please ask when booking if you need flat access to your seats. areas for patrons who need to remain in their wheelchairs during the performance are located in the stalls (and for classical concerts are also available in the upper circle). there are accessible toilets on level 3 (stalls) and level 5 (upper circle).

deaf and haRd Of heaRinG custOmeRs:

town hall the auditorium is equipped with a hearing loop system. please switch your hearing aid to the t position.

Symphony hall the auditorium is equipped with an infra-red hearing enhancement system. you need to collect a receiver to use this system. Receivers are available free of charge – please ask a steward.

blind and paRtially siGhted custOmeRs:

town hall & Symphony hall Guide dogs are welcome and can remain in the auditorium or be cared for by a steward in the foyer. please ask if you need any assistance.

accessibility this guide is available free of charge on audiocassette or braille (on request) from lynda shaw, sound services, Vista, margaret Rd. (off Gwendolen Rd), leicester, le5 5fu

tel: 0116 249 8817

email: [email protected]

facilities fOR disabled patROns

0121 780 4949minicOm line 0121 644 6140

paRkinG fOR blue badGe hOldeRs:

town hall there are three spaces directly outside town hall (accessed from paradise circus). these spaces must be booked in advance by calling the stage door on 0121 644 5039. please have your vehicle registration number and blue badge number to hand when you call.

Symphony hall accompanied wheelchair users may be dropped off in king alfred place outside the front entrance to the icc. limited parking for disabled people driving themselves is available at the icc, and must be pre-booked by calling the box Office on 0121 780 4949. Requests for four or more concerts should be put in writing to thsh box Office, symphony hall, broad st, birmingham, b1 2ea. please allow two weeks for a reply.

if you would like more information about parking for blue badge holders in birmingham please call 0121 303 6644.

page 35

cORpORate fRiends:

dla piper

business paRtneRs:bbc music magazine

classic fm

Radio xl

dOnORs:alan Woodfield ann copsey big sky banners the chatwin trust coutts and co. charitable trust the George cadbury trust the Golsoncott foundation Grantham yorke trust the Owen family trust the patrick trust peter & Jane how trust Redman fisher engineering Rotary international in Great britain and ireland Our supporters, volunteers and friends

suppORt:if you are interested in supporting town hall and symphony hall and would like further information please take a look at our website www.thsh.co.uk/page/support-us/ or contact our development team:

karen daw 0121 644 5075 sara moore 0121 644 5072

you can also make a donation online or organise your own fund raising event for town hall and symphony hall through Just Giving http://justgiving.com/performbirmingham

for volunteering enquiries, please email [email protected]

thank yOu tO OuR suppORteRsperformances birmingham is one of the largest regional arts charities in the country. We invite people to discover great performances at the heart of birmingham and participate in community arts projects at our two world famous venues.

ticket sales alone cannot sustain our programme; we rely on voluntary contributions to enable us to continue and expand our work. We aim to reach even more people within our communities and further develop our wide-ranging programme.

We would like to thank all our supporters for their generous contributions to our charitable work over the last year.

cORpORate spOnsORs:

page 36

complete your town hall and symphony hall experience with a visit to our shop. situated in the icc mall, the shop offers a range of town hall and symphony hall inspired gifts and an exceptional range of music.

OpeninG times11am to 6pm monday to saturday and until late on concert nights.

for more information call 0121 200 2382

specialist music shOp

OuR paRtneRs

Rush hOuR blues is pResented in assOciatiOn With

bbc biG band cOnceRts pResented in assOciatiOn With

sax in the city is suppORted by

page 37 page 37

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once

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Wed

22

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tern

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sun

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is

lam

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elp:

the

pea

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th

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all

sym

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hal

l

bOx

Off

ice

0121

780

333

3w

ww

.ths

h.co

.uk

HOW TO REACH USSymphony Hall is part of the international Convention Centre on Broad Street. on entering the Convention Centre through the main entrance on Centenary Square, Symphony Hall foyers are on the left. Town Hall is located in Victoria Square.

BY CARCar parking for Symphony Hall is available at Brindleyplace, beneath the national indoor arena (nia), Brindley drive and Cambridge Street car parks. Car parking for Town Hall is available at Brindley drive, Holliday Street and Brunel Street car parks. it is advisable to check the road works and traffic situation before travelling. for more information contact The Highways agency on 08457 504030 or visit their website www.highways.gov.uk/roads, or visit Midlands Traffic information’s website www.help2travel.co.uk.

BY RAILfor rail information contact national rail enquiries on 08457 484950 or visit their website www.nationalrail.co.uk. There are fast and frequent rail services with free parking at many Centro stations. The Centro Hotline 0121 200 2700 (open 7.30am – 10.30pm every day) can help you plan your journey.

fRee mailinG seRVice To receive this guide free of charge, or to notify us of a change to your personal details, please write to the Mailing List Department, Town Hall and Symphony Hall c/o Symphony Hall, Broad Street, Birmingham, B1 2EA or email [email protected] with details of your name, address, telephone number(s) and email address.

To join the CBSO’s free mailing list please contact the CBSO on 0121 616 6500.

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

Broad Street

Paradise Circus

Paradise Circus

Cambridge Street

Navigation Street

Edwards Road

Edward Stre

et

Clement S

treet

Nelso

n Stre

et

Holiday Stre

et

Bridge Street

Newhall StreetTo Snow Hill

Station

To Jewellery Q

uarter

To F

ive W

ays

Stat

ion

Newhall Street

Gas Street

Summer Row

A457

A38

QUEENSWAY

A38

QUEENSWAY

To Moor Street Station

Walkway

Walkway

St Vin

cent S

treet

Camden Street

Sheepcote Street

Berkley StreetGranville Street

The ICC

New Street Station

Town Hall

Symphony Hall

Centenary Square

Victoria Square

NIA

Brindl

ey P

lace

bOx Office 0121 780 3333www.thsh.co.uk

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