B:Music | Symphony Hall and Town Hall re-open for audiences!

bmusic.co.uk

Greg James brings Tailenders tour to Birmingham

Symphony Hall and Town Hall re-open for audiences!

Gabrielle is ready to Rise Again with brand-new music

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Bringing live music back to our venues What a devastating year 2020 turned out to be and certainly not what we had planned as we embarked on our redevelopment - the next stage of our journey towards becoming a charity less reliant on public subsidy. We were quite a way down this journey when the global pandemic struck.

Overnight our income stopped.

Our music charity, responsible for both Town Hall and Symphony Hall, is a key player in the City and Region’s arts and cultural offer. We are so grateful for the generosity of you, our audiences, who have donated the value of their cancelled tickets to us and many others who donated during our worldwide digital broadcasts of a hugely diverse range of talent. This overwhelming support has enabled us to continue to support musical talent in the region and create new opportunities to enjoy and participate in music making.

Our role will grow with the sector and regional economy. We will contribute by bringing live music back to our venues and opening our outreach and education programmes. Most importantly we need you our audiences to return too. When you return, you’ll notice our charity name B:Music will be more visible than ever before. B:Music is the registered charity responsible for Town Hall and Symphony Hall and we have just one mission: to inspire a love of live music, through performance, participation and learning.

Your visit to our halls enables us to fulfil that mission. A full-house for an international superstar on our stage ensures that we can continue to support emerging talent from the region or create first musical experiences for children in local schools. In a typical year, B:Music immerses over 18,000 young people and adults from across the West Midlands in to a world of music and performance through our learning and participation programmes.

I hope you will continue to support us by coming to our venues or making a donation so together we can continue to realise our ambitions through the joy of music for everyone.

Anita Bhalla OBE Chair of B:Music

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Please take your seats, the performance is about to continue In 2016 we took our first steps in planning for the redevelopment of Symphony Hall that we are excited to now share with you. Many of our audiences contributed ideas, and even more generously donated to support the project. By summer 2019 we had secured the £13.2m funding required to start work and despite a global pandemic, our team of construction partners completed the breath-taking transformation of the hall’s public spaces earlier this year.

Symphony Hall is already acclaimed as one of the finest concert halls in the world and we now have public spaces to match the auditorium. A new City Café awaits visitors from Centenary Square, and expanded bars and relaxed seating will ensure a warm welcome throughout the day. We have placed music at the heart of the redevelopment with rooms for both performance and learning, creating new opportunities for local musicians and supporting our local community in new musical discoveries. We are immensely grateful to all the funding partners who have supported the project, and to the thousands of individual donors who have put their faith in the power of music.

I believe music will play a powerful role in reuniting communities after the isolation and hardship of the past year, and I hope that our halls will be a beacon for that reconnection. Live music is a unique act of communion between performers and audience, shared just once, but often remembered forever. After a year living through a screen, we are incredibly excited to be bringing people back together to make those new memories.

I am proud to lead a superb team of staff at B:Music, all of whom care passionately about what they do and who openly share their love of live music with everyone that we connect with as a music charity. We are all looking forward to welcoming audiences back to our venues and I hope that there is something to entice you from the gigs and events we have on offer through the rest of the year. Whether it’s a free gig in one of our new spaces, a special night with Rufus Wainwright, Paloma Faith or our resident orchestra, The City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra we are looking forward to seeing you.

On behalf of the B:Music team, thank you for your support and good wishes over the past year and welcome back!

Nick Reed Chief Executive

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Contents 6

10 – 11 14 – 17 18 – 19 20 – 33 34 – 35 36 – 45 46 – 47 48 – 59 60 – 61 62 – 69

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Namywa September Cassie Kinoshi October Gabrielle November Isata Kanneh-Mason December Carol Pemberton MBE The City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra 70 – 71 : Jo Patton

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Welcome back!

Explore the new look spaces at Symphony Hall with a weekend of free music from Friday 16 to Sunday 18 July

Casey Bailey is a poet, author, writer, spoken word performer, rapper, song writer and a secondary school senior leader from Birmingham. Last year, after being named Birmingham Poet Laureate, Casey filmed and broadcast spoken word from Symphony Hall in collaboration with VerseFirst – on Friday 16 July, audiences are invited to join him in person for an unforgettable performance.

Paraorchestra and Charles Hazlewood invite you to explore the inner workings of the orchestra with their part concert – part installation, Anatomy of the Orchestra. On Saturday 17 July, 51 musicians will be spread across Symphony Hall’s transformed spaces to perform Steve Reich’s The Four Sections, offering a rare opportunity for audiences to wander the ensemble and experience the individual sounds of musicians as they play.

Black Voices have been Associate Artists of Town Hall and Symphony Hall since 2005. Join them on Sunday 18 July as they perform the greatest and most powerful numbers from Nina Simone’s extensive back catalogue.

Reconnect with friends and family at Symphony Hall accompanied by the soundtrack of the best musical talent from around the corner and around the globe.

More acts and artists to be announced.

Visit bmusic.co.uk to find out more..

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Interview

Namywa Now Is Not The Time For Silence: Namywa on broadcasting her powerful musical response to racism from Symphony Hall. The Birmingham artist and songwriter was commissioned by B:Music last summer as part of a dedicated music project that is amplifying the voices of Black Birmingham musicians in order to create opportunities for their experiences of racial inequality to be heard The Black Lives Matter protests which took place following the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis were one of the defining images of 2020. In towns and cities across the globe, millions of people marched in support of the ongoing fight for justice and racial equality, as well as challenging discrimination in all of its forms. In Birmingham, 4000 protesters gathered peacefully in Centenary Square in June 2020 for a notable demonstration which drew public praise from the West Midlands Police.

Aiming to further the global conversation about tackling racism, B:Music launched ‘Now Is Not The Time For Silence’: a project for Black Birmingham musicians to address the theme of racism, both individual and systemic, through music.

Among the eight artists to have been commissioned so far is Namywa, who performed her spine-tingling ‘Now Is Not The Time For Silence’ set in Symphony Hall in August 2020. Her recorded performance of the piece was broadcast on YouTube and Facebook, sharing the musician’s important and affecting message across the world. We caught up with Namywa to reflect on her experience of being part of ‘Now Is Not The Time For Silence’, as well as learning about what the future holds for the rising Birmingham musician.

You were commissioned by B:Music last summer to compose a musical response on the theme of racism. What was it like contributing to ‘Now Is Not The Time For Silence’, especially during such a historic time? “It was amazing.

It felt like it was right for me, as I had that song in me and the piece itself wasn’t hard to write. Once I’d written it to an instrumental, I thought about what an honour it was to play Symphony Hall at that time, so I wanted to do a completely different live set-up. I started working with some strings and piano and decided not to have a backing vocalist, which is new for me. I felt like I could get the emotion I wanted to express with the music, and it was a good creative opportunity for me.”

What has the response to your musical piece been like?

“Among my family it sparked conversation about identity, who we were and what I was saying at that time and what it meant. That was a beautiful thing. I had a conversation with myself being like: ‘From this point onwards, it’s about doing rather than saying what we’re doing.’ I’ve always stood by that, but I felt like my musical response enabled that message to come out.”

Have you been able to perform the piece live anywhere else since its Symphony Hall debut? “In September I did a show in Digbeth, and when I played that song live the reaction was pin-drop silence. It was crazy. I’ve received a lot of feedback from people saying I need to get the song recorded, which is what I’ve done: it’s going on my debut EP.” B:Music are also supporting you through a leadership course run by The Institute of Leadership & Management (ILM). What do you hope to gain from this? “The ILM course was perfect timing for me. I need to learn more about how to lead, as well as other things, like policies, that I maybe wouldn’t have thought about in the first instance. It’s been a good challenge [personally], as I’m combining it with my own creative process with music and overseeing my organisation Girl Grind UK.” What can you tell us about Girl Grind UK? “I set it up to support Black, Asian and ethnic minority women and girls in the West Midlands in order to create opportunities for personal and professional development. Our company isn’t limited to just the arts, and that’s what I think is different about it. It’s all about what it means to be ‘on your grind’, which doesn’t have to be in the typical creative limelight – it might be in tech or science, for example. I want to apply to the Arts Council to become a National Portfolio Organisation in the next two years. In 10 years’ time, I want Girl Grind UK to be an epicentre. I think it’s doable if the right doors are open, and if I’ve got the right mindset and vision to lead.”

How important is it to keep supporting young musicians and creatives in Birmingham and the West Midlands as live music returns? “It’s pretty essential. Looking at my own journey, if I didn’t have the venues and the opportunity to meet people, it would’ve never happened. The physical space is super-important, and for [venues] to just be open, accessible and create spaces for people to come and share music is really important. In order to develop, you need the opportunity to perform your music to be able to figure out your identity and what kind of artist you want to be. It’s important that there’s a space that’s forgiving to be able to do that in.”

You can watch Namywa’s ‘Now Is Not The Time For Silence’ performance on B:Music’s YouTube page and hear the latest ‘Now Is Not The Time For Silence’ commissions on Saturday 17 July at Symphony Hall, produced by Namywa and Girl Grind UK for B:Music.

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Jazzlines Summer School

Jazzlines Summer School Mon 23 – Fri 27 August Emerging talent, from beginners to advanced, are invited to develop key skills in aural training, ensemble musicianship, jazz repertoire and harmony during this year’s FREE non-residential Jazz Summer School.

Open to young musicians from Birmingham and the surrounding areas aged between 11 and 19, the next generation of rising stars will be able to socialise and create music in the world-renowned Symphony Hall.

Plus, as each day comes to an end, there’s a chance to see some of the best British talent in action.

The Jazzlines Summer School is very kindly supported

by PRS Foundation, Arts Council England, George Henry Collins Charity, Grantham Yorke Trust, Michael Marsh Charitable Trust, The John Feeney Charitable Trust and the Ronniee Scott’s Foundation.

To find out more, visit bmusic.co.uk and search ‘Jazzlines Summer School’.

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B:Jazz Fest

in partnership with Jazz FM Mon 23 – Sat 28 August

23.08 // 19:30 // Soweto Kinch Trio 24.08 // 17:00 // Jas Kayser Sextet 24.08 // 20:00 // Paula Gardiner Quartet 25.08 // 17:00 // Romarna Campbell 25.08 // 19:30 // Yazz Ahmed Quartet 26.08 // 17:00 // Camilla George Quartet 26.08 // 19:30 // Warmer Than Blood 27.08 // 20:00 // Reuben James 27.08 // 21:30 // Daniel Casimir Quintet 27.08 // 22:30 // Neighbourhd 28.08 // 10:30 // Jazzlines Family Jam ft. Kieran McLeod 28.08 // 13:30 // The Notebenders

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September highlights 14

Brass is back...

The 168th British Open Brass Band Championships Sat 11 September | Symphony Hall | 11AM The British Open is the oldest brass band contest in the world and the top 15 British bands continue this great tradition, alongside the invited European champions, by competing for the coveted ‘Open’ title. The test piece is the world premiere of a new work by renowned British composer Professor Edward Gregson titled ‘The World Rejoicing’.

Brass Gala featuring Cory Band and Black Dyke Band Sun 12 September | Symphony Hall | 2:30PM Cory Band and Black Dyke Band rank as the oldest and best-known brass bands in the world. Don’t miss this gala performance!

The magnificent sound of the world’s finest brass bands will be heard again at Symphony Hall with the return of the 168th British Open Championship and the Brass Band Gala Concert.

After a year or more away from competitive action, Edward Gregson’s composition ‘The World Rejoicing’ will provide the apt test of musical excellence for performers, conductors, fans and aficionados on the Saturday.

Due to the incredible demand for tickets for the oldest and most prestigious contesting event in the banding calendar, the ‘sold out’ signs

may well be posted in advance, but thanks to World of Brass and 4barsrest, live-stream coverage can also be enjoyed from the comfort of your home to enable you to revel in the drama as the bands battle to claim the magnificent British Open Gold Shield.

And what better way to round things off with the entertainment talents of Black Dyke and Cory Bands – two of the most successful competitors in the event’s history. It is music making to stir the emotions and raise the spirits – and the perfect ending to a memorable weekend.

Iwan Fox, Editor – 4Bars Rest.

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September Grayson Perry: A Show For Normal People Thu 2 September | Symphony Hall | 7:30PM Award-winning artist, Bafta-winning TV presenter and bestselling author Grayson Perry is a normal person asking the big questions.

Join him for an enlightening and eyewatering evening – you’ll leave warm in the knowledge that nothing really matters anyway...

Jonathan Pie: Fake News (The Corona Remix) Sat 4 September | Symphony Hall | 8PM After months stuck in LOCKDOWN, Jonathan Pie returns to the road to discuss how corona has changed the world…and his career prospects.

Jonathan Pie is the exasperated news reporter whose videos have been seen across the world. With over 1.5 million Facebook followers, his videos regularly achieve millions of views going viral internationally.

Rumours of Fleetwood Mac Sun 5 September | Symphony Hall | 8PM Channeling the spirit of Fleetwood Mac at their very best, Rumours of Fleetwood Mac offers a unique opportunity for fans, both old and new, to rediscover the songs and performances that have guaranteed Fleetwood Mac’s place as one of the most loved groups of all time.

Blade Runner in Concert Mon 6 September | Symphony Hall | 7:30PM Experience Ridley Scott’s multi-Academy Award®-nominated cult classic, Blade Runner (2007 Final Cut), on a vast HD screen while Vangelis’ synthesiser-led score is performed by The Avex Ensemble for the first time in-sync with the 1982 motion picture.

Jimmy Carr Tue 7 September | Symphony Hall | 8PM Jimmy’s brand new show contains jokes about all kinds of terrible things. Terrible things that might have affected you or people you know and love.But they’re just jokes - they are not the terrible things.

Having political correctness at a comedy show is like having health and safety at a rodeo. Now you’ve been warned, buy a ticket.

Fisherman’s Friends: Unlocked and Unleashed Thu 9 September | Symphony Hall | 7:30PM Britain’s oldest boy band emerge from lockdown and hit the road as The Fisherman’s Friends – combined age 401 (and three-quarters) – announce their Unlocked & Unleashed tour for 2021 16

Boyzlife Fri 10 September | Town Hall | 7:30PM Two of the world’s biggest bands Boyzone and Westlife come together, for the very first-time featuring Brian McFadden and Keith Duffy, to perform their greatest hits from a catalogue including a record breaking 18 Number 1 singles and 9 number 1 albums.

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Steve Hackett Tue 14 September | Symphony Hall | 7:45PM Steve Hackett will perform the whole of the 1977 Genesis live album Seconds Out in full and more! Seconds Out was the hugely successful double album, recorded on Genesis’ 1977 concert tour, together with The Cinema Show, from their 1976 tour.

Scritti Politti: Cupid & Psyche 2021 Anniversary Tours Wed 22 September | Symphony Hall | 7:30PM To commemorate the 35th anniversary of Scritti Politti’s ‘Cupid & Psyche 85’, the band have announced a series of performances of the album, in its entirety, for the very first time.

David Baddiel: Trolls, Not The Dolls Thu 23 September | Symphony Hall | 7:30PM Following his five-star Olivier-nominated hit My Family: Not The Sitcom and the return to number one of his seminal football anthem Three Lions, David Baddiel comes back to the stage with a brand new one-man show, Trolls: Not The Dolls.

Paloma Faith, plus support Fri 24 & Sat 25 September | Symphony Hall | 7:30PM This is a new Paloma Faith, an artist who has retreated within herself and found not the careful, polished veteran of show business - but the 22-year-old art student being led by her own creativity.

Housewarming: Reuben Reynolds Fri 24 September | Jennifer Blackwell Performance Space | 5PM To open up our Housewarming Sessions is guitarist Reuben Reynolds.

This will be his debut headline show and will showcase music from his upcoming debut record. Reuben is a renowned session musician on the UK scene and his joyful guitar playing and unique arranging style are sure to set the tone for this brand-new series.

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Cassie Kinoshi Cassie Kinoshi on working with Birmingham pianist Piera Onacko on a brand new Jazzlines commission.

Alto-saxophonist Kinoshi, whose band seed. were nominated for the Mercury Prize in 2019, has been chosen by Onacko to contribute to her B:Music commission.

1973 album ‘Sextant’ is a big example for me - but I hope it’ll be a new way of approaching jazz music that’s a little different to what is being hailed as jazz at the moment. What’s also important is this crossover between me being based in London and Piera and her band being based in Birmingham: I think the UK jazz scene is a lot larger than how it’s usually presented. I’m hoping people will see that this is what’s going on in other cities as well, as people are collaborating across the UK.”

B:Music’s dedication to developing creative jazz talent in Birmingham and the West Midlands is best expressed through its Jazzlines programme. As well as encouraging, nurturing and inspiring young jazz musicians in the region – the Jazzlines Summer School, for example, returns to Symphony Hall, a B:Music venue, in August – the programme also showcases emerging and established contemporary jazz artists by providing a range of performance opportunities and commissioning cutting-edge new music through the Jazzlines Residency.

How important is it that programmes such as Jazzlines are in place to develop the talent of the current and next generation of jazz musicians? “I think it’s super-important.

I think jazz music, or music that stems from that kind of language, isn’t really supported on the whole by the UK. It’s still a niche, specific thing here, unlike how it is in the US where it’s the bloodline of so much music over there. I think it’s also really important because it’s a different space from the traditional conservatoire. Being taught jazz at conservatoire is very different from being supported in developing your own voice as a musician more organically, so programmes like Jazzlines and Tomorrow’s Warriors in London are quite important.”

Birmingham-based pianist Piera Onacko was recently commissioned by B:Music to write brand new music as part of the Jazzlines Residency. Onacko was tasked with collaborating with another leading jazz artist from outside Birmingham, which led to her inviting Ivors Academy Awardwinning London musician Cassie Kinoshi to work with her on the project.

We caught up with Kinoshi, who is best known for her work as a composer, arranger and alto-saxophonist with her band seed. (formerly SEED Ensemble), to get her perspective on working with Onacko on the Jazzlines commission, as well as how best to develop jazz talent in the UK and missing the energy that comes with performing live.

What can you tell us about working with Piera Onacko on her Jazzlines Residency commission? “It’s blending jazz improvisation, or what we’ve learned from listening to and studying jazz, with what we love about electronic music and synthesised music, as well as electronic effects. It’s quite heavily improv-based as well.”

How did Piera pitch this commission to you? “She said she was putting together a band that was electronic-focused, and maybe a little bit different from what we both usually play in terms of interpretations of jazz, and that she’d like me to be in it. We both have a love for science fiction, as well as electronic music, avant-garde improvisation and experimental sound worlds. We’re still on that journey of coming together and discovering, and tightening up the sound.”

What do you hope that people will take away from listening to Piera’s Jazzlines commission? “Hopefully another way of interpreting jazz music. Incorporating electronic sounds into jazz music has been done since the ‘60s - Herbie Hancock’s 18

What else can be done to further develop emerging talent in jazz music? “I think there needs to be an acknowledgment of how integral musicians that come from a jazz background actually are to the music industry on the whole. If you look at the pop industry, there’s so many producers and session musicians who come from this jazz world. There needs to be more of an acknowledgement of how important it is to develop musicians who are interested in this kind of sound, because without it you wouldn’t have Amy Winehouse’s band or Jorja Smith’s band.”

Your ensemble, seed., are set to play live in Birmingham in October. What can people expect? “We’ve had our UK tour cancelled three times because of COVID, so hopefully we’re able to be back on the road this year. KOKOROKO, another band that I’m in, are hoping to tour in the UK, too. There’s new music that’s been written for both of these bands, so it’ll be quite fun to present music that’s never been performed to a live audience before. There will be a lot of pent-up performance energy from both us on stage and in the audience.”

How much have you missed playing live? “I’ve really missed it. The main thing I’ve missed is meeting new people, connecting with the audience and sharing an experience. You leave the venue feeling exhilarated because you’ve just shared an amazing moment: I really miss the energy of that.”

Cassie Kinoshi will bring seed. to Hare and Hounds in Birmingham on 5th October, supported by Jazzlines. Piera Onacko’s brand-new composition will receive it’s debut on 31 October at Symphony Hall and her trio Juggenaught will perform as part of the ‘Jamie Cullum Recommends’ concert series at Symphony Hall on 12th November.

Interview 19

October

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#LockdownLife: clearing out the attic...

Photo: @benadam suk on Instagram

#BackToLive: A1 perform at Town Hall on Wed 20 October.

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October UT O D L SO

Tailenders Fri 1 October | Symphony Hall | 7:30PM Greg James (Radio 1 Breakfast Show), Jimmy Anderson (England Cricket Legend) and Felix White (The Maccabees) will be bringing their award-winning podcast on tour in October 2021.

Jamie Cullum Recommends: Ashley Allen Fri 1 October | Jennifer Blackwell Performance Space | 5PM A growing presence in the local Jazz & Gospel scene, keyboardist Ashley Allen will lead his Quintet playing classic Jazz and Soul standards, alongside original material from his latest EP ‘Dreaming’.

ALL IN A FAMILY - An Evening With Loudon Wainwright III, Suzzy Roche and Lucy Wainwright Roche Fri 1 October | Town Hall | 8PM Spend an unforgettable evening of harmonizing vocals and guitar with Grammy Award-winning American Folk legend Loudon Wainwright III and acclaimed singer-songwriters Suzzy Roche and Lucy Wainwright Roche.

Jason Byrne: Audience Precipitation Sat 2 October | Town Hall | 8PM He’s back for more comedy chaos! Jason has learnt over the past few years that we all need to “play” a bit more in our lives. Jason’s Audience Precipitation, will be a laugh out loud, must see show, with a light drizzle of audience participation…ooohhh clever that. Part of Birmingham Comedy Festival.

Joe Brown in Concert Sun 3 October | Town Hall | 8PM Rock ‘n’ roll legend Joe Brown has gone from strength to strength. He has continued to break box office records and recently received MOJO magazine’s coveted Outstanding Contribution to Music Award as well as a much-deserved MBE. 22

Daniel O’Donnell Tue 5 October | Symphony Hall | 7:30PM The affable and unassuming international singing star Daniel O’Donnell, one of Ireland’s best known performers, is the only artist in the world to score a hit in the UK album charts every year since 1988.

Daniel’s remarkable career has moved on to a new level with his success as a TV presenter, just another facet to his ever expanding list of entertainment achievements.

seed.

Tue 5 October | Hare & Hounds | 7:30PM seed. is a Mercury Award-nominated ten piece band led by alto saxophonist and composer Cassie Kinoshi.

Combining jazz with inner-city London, West African and Caribbean influenced groove, Cassie Kinoshi’s seed Ensemble explores a blend of genres through both original compositions and arrangements.

Levison Wood: The Art of Exploration Wed 6 October | Town Hall | 7:30PM Levison Wood shares his experiences and learnings from a lifetime of travel, from his army career and the front-lines of Afghanistan to his photo-journalism assignments in the Congo and Nepal, as well as world-renowned expeditions through some of the most testing environments on earth.

Clinton Baptiste goes Stratospheric Thu 7 October | Town Hall | 7:30PM Clinton Baptiste is the hapless, unsubtle psychic from Peter Kay’s Phoenix Nights. Hear his tales of rubbing shoulders with the hippy dippy new-agers from La La Land and how he hits the big time in Vegas with his lavish psychic show. Part of Birmingham Comedy Festival.

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Maxim Vengerov and the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra Thu 7 October | Symphony Hall | 7:30PM Malta Philharmonic Orchestra Sergey Smbatyan conductor Maxim Vengerov violinist

Programme: Alexey Shor Seascapes Mendelssohn Violin Concerto E minor, Op. 64 Rachmaninov Symphony No. 2

Don’t miss Malta’s only professional orchestra alongside Grammy award-winner, Maxim Vengerov - universally hailed as one of the world’s finest musicians and often referred to as the greatest living string player in the world today.

The Comedy Store Fri 8 October | Symphony Hall | 8PM The Comedy Store is renowned as a breeding ground for new comedy talent, and remains the place to see “The Best In Stand Up” from around the globe, showcasing the brightest names in comedy today. Part of Birmingham Comedy Festival.

Housewarming: Rachel Cohen Fri 8 October | Jennifer Blackwell Performance Space | 5PM Acclaimed alto saxophone player and composer Rachael Cohen is a formidable talent and a mainstay of the London scene.

This session is in partnership with Whirlwind Recordings, who released her critical­ly acclaimed album ‘Halftime’.

Presented in partnership with Whirlwind Recordings.

Jazzlines Family Jam Sat 9 October | Jennifer Blackwell Performance Space | 10:30AM Bring your voice and your rhythm - that’s all you need to join in this new monthly discovery session, exploring jazz from around the world. Learn second line from New Orleans to Bossa Nova from Brazil. No previous experience or instruments required – perfect for the whole family.

Cliff Richard: The Great 80 Tour

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Sat 9 October | Symphony Hall | 7:45PM Sir Cliff Richard is indisputably one of Britain’s all-time greatest hit-makers with over 60 years in the British music industry. Cliff has staggeringly sold over 250 million albums worldwide achieved 14 number one singles, and 7 number one albums while also having huge success in films, musicals, and television shows.

October

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bmusic.co.uk Jimeoin Turn It Up Sat 9 October | Town Hall | 7:30PM A brilliant evening of world-class comedy from the Irishman internationally celebrated as one of live stand-up’s true masters.

We’re thrilled to welcome Jimeoin to Birmingham Town Hall as part of his new smash-hit “Turn it Up!” tour - don’t miss this hilarious show!

Part of Birmingham Comedy Festival.

The Music of Lord of the Rings, Game of Thrones and Beyond Sun 10 October | Symphony Hall | 3PM Experience epic and inspirational music from Lord of the Rings, Game of Thrones and beyond as the worlds of film and fantasy are brought to life by a full symphony orchestra and stunning choir, in this unmissable concert featuring the greatest movie music of all time.

Chris Ramsey Sun 10 October | Symphony Hall | 7:30PM Critically acclaimed comedian Chris Ramsey is hitting the road for his biggest ever stand-up tour yet. Having filled venues across the country including The Newcastle Metro Arena (twice) don’t miss your chance to catch him live on stage while you can. Part of Birmingham Comedy Festival.

Collabro Mon 11 October | Symphony Hall | 7:30PM COLLABRO – Michael Auger, Jamie Lambert, Matthew Pagan and Thomas J Redgave - are the world’s most successful musical theatre group. Since meeting for their first rehearsal in a pub at London Bridge in 2014, they’ve gone on to become one of BGT’s biggest success stories.

Organ Lunchtime Recital Mon 11 October | Town Hall | 1PM Join City Organist, Thomas Trotter, as he plays a varied programme featuring the likes of Samuel Coleridge-Taylor’s Children’s Intermezzo & Willow Song and Fela Sowande’s Obangiji.

Karine Polwart + support Tue 12 October | Town Hall | 7:30PM Seven-times winner at The BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards, including three times for Best Original Song and Folk Singer Of The Year 2018, Karine Polwart is a songwriter, musician, theatre maker, author. Karine is also appearing at Symphony Hall on Sun 30 January 2022 as part of The Lost Words: Spell Songs

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Jamie Cullum Recommends: Hansu-Tori Fri 15 October | Jennifer Blackwell Performance Space | 5PM Hansu-Tori perform original music written by pianist and band leader David Austin Grey.

Hansu-Tori have garnered huge amounts of praise from fans many key figures within the arts, with the band’s music being featured by BBC Radio 3, BBC Scotland, BBC Introducing WM, Jazz FM. Jazzwise Magazine and The Observer.

The Manfreds plus very special guest Georgie Fame Fri 15 October | Town Hall | 8PM Join the legendary Manfreds and Georgie Fame for an evening of Rhythm and Blues nostalgia, and some of the greatest hits ever written.

Level 42 Fri 15 October | Symphony Hall | 7:30PM “Touring with the band this year has been about as much fun as I can remember having had on the road, and If you had asked me back in 1980 if I thought we would be selling out theatres around the world when I was sixty years old I probably would have laughed!”

Bassist and Front Man, Dan King

Dervish Sun 17 October | Town Hall | 7:30PM Described by the BBC as “an icon of Irish music”, the band have played at festivals from Rio to Glastonbury. Dervish have a line-up which includes some of Ireland’s finest traditional musicians, fronted by one of the country’s best-known singers, Cathy Jordan.

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bmusic.co.uk The Filharmonie Brno Sat 16 October | Symphony Hall | 7:30PM The Filharmonie Brno Dennis Russell Davies conductor Chloë Hanslip violin Oliver Condy organ

Programme: Janáček Taras Bulba Korngold Violin Concerto Dvořák Symphony No. 9 “From the New World”

The Filharmonie Brno considers itself to be the authentic performer of composer Leoš Janácek’s oeuvre. Led by their Artistic Director and Chief Conductor, Dennis Russell Davies plus guest soloists Chloë Hanslip and Oliver Condy, hear music from two of the most celebrated Czech composers.

Ex Cathedra: Beethoven’s Funeral, Mozart’s Requiem Sun 17 October | Symphony Hall | 4PM Ex Cathedra Choir & Classical Orchestra The Concert Trombone Quartette Jeffrey Skidmore conductor

That Mozart’s last work was a Requiem for the dead is remarkable: that he should die whilst writing it has made it the stuff of legends. It is powerful music – at times full of fear, but always full of humanity.

Joker in Concert – the film with live orchestra Tue 19 October | Symphony Hall | 7:30PM Todd Phillips’ ground-breaking, award-winning film Joker will be screened with the accompaniment of a live orchestra playing composer Hildur Guðnadóttir’s award-winning score for the first time ever, for a limited engagement.

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October Del Amitri Mon 18 October | Symphony Hall | 7:30PM “It’s been nearly 20 years since we toured with a new album, lord knows what took us so long.

The prospect of sprinkling our set with a few choices from ‘Fatal Mistakes’ fills us with the sort of excitement that, for some men of our age, might call for light medication. We think the adrenaline will see us through.” – Justin Currie

A1 – The A Game Wed 20 October | Town Hall | 7:30PM A1, the Brit award-winning band, that had their first breakthrough in the UK in 1999 and went on to have many international number 1 hits are back in Brum.

Steve Harley Thu 21 October | Town Hall | 7:30PM Steve Harley celebrates his 47th year in music in 2020 and continues to play concerts around the world. He says that playing live is more than a job, it’s almost his lifeblood.

An Evening with Jazzie B Fri 22 October | Town Hall | 7:30PM Music. Fashion. Art. Jazzie B’s Soul II Soul became the biggest sound system in the world by redefining contemporary culture as they went to number one on the charts and won two Grammy Awards.

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Housewarming: Henry Spencer and Juncture Fri 22 October | Jennifer Blackwell Performance Space | 5PM Trumpet player and composer, Henry Spencer leads this exciting band featuring Ant Law (Guitar), Matt Robinson (Piano), Andrew Robb (Bass) and David Ingamells (Drums). Presented in partnership with Whirlwind Recordings.

Tony Christie Sat 23 October | Symphony Hall | 7:30PM Tony Christie is a legendary English singer and International hit maker.

He has recorded million selling albums and singles, performed in the world’s best-known arenas and major festivals including Glastonbury and has found fame all around the world in a career that spans five decades.

MILKSHAKE LIVE! Sun 24 October | Town Hall | 12PM & 3:30PM Milkshake Monkey can’t wait to put on a spectacular new musical for you all starring Fireman Sam, Noddy, Shimmer & Shine, Digby Dragon, Wissper, Nella the Princess Knight and the Floogals, alongside two Milkshake Presenters.

Rufus Wainwright: Unfollow The Rules Mon 25 October | Symphony Hall | 7:30PM Known for his incredibly engaging live performances, Rufus returns to the UK with a brand new band for the tour: LA musician Brian Green (John Legend, Michael Bublé, Pomplamoose) as music director and guitar; Rachel Eckroth (KT Tunstall, Antelog) on keyboard and backing vocals; Jacob Mann on keyboard, piano and backing vocals; Kyle Crane on drums; and Sam Wilkes on bass and backing vocals.

Lunchtime Organ Concert Mon 25 October | Town Hall | 1PM Join City Organist, Thomas Trotter, as he plays a varied programme featuring the likes of Handel’s Organ Concerto No. 16 and Maurice Duruflé’s Suite Op. 5.

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Vonda Shepherd Tue 26 October | Symphony Hall Stage | 8PM Vonda Shepard first shot to fame through her long running appearances, performances and musical accompaniment on the smash hit US TV show Ally McBeal. The theme song ‘Searching My Soul’ reached the top 10 in the UK and Vonda released a series of Ally inspired albums which went on to sell a staggering 12 million copies worldwide.

Beth Nielsen Chapman – All Around The World Tour Wed 27 October | Town Hall | 8PM Twice Grammy-nominated Nashville based, Beth Nielsen Chapman has released thirteen solo albums and written seven #1 hits and songs including Faith Hill’s Mega-hit This Kiss, ASCAP’S 1999 Song Of The Year.

Billy Bragg Thu 28 October | Symphony Hall | 7:30PM Billy Bragg has been a fearless recording artist, tireless live performer and peerless political campaigner for over 35 years. Honoured with the PRS Outstanding Contribution to British Music award at the Ivor Novello awards in May 2018, he is regarded a valuable statesman and activist.

Al Stewart with his band The Empty Pockets Thu 28 October | Town Hall | 7:30PM The Scottish-born singer-songwriter will be playing his old favorites favorites Year Of The Cat, Time Passages, On the Border, Nostradamus and Roads To Moscow along with selections from his deep catalogue.

Belinda Carlisle: The Decades Tour Fri 29 October | Symphony Hall | 7:30PM With ‘The Decades Tour’, internationally acclaimed recording artist Belinda Carlisle will celebrate her rich musical catalogue and chameleonic musical prowess.

Rock stars come and rock stars go and in an everchanging landscape of shifting musical trends, few artists truly stand the test of time. Belinda Carlisle is one of those rare talents who does.

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bmusic.co.uk Jamie Cullum Recommends: JoyBang Fri 29 October | Jennifer Blackwell Performance Space | 5PM JoyBang is a psych/groove/noise duo made up of Stella Roberts on keyboards and Will Glaser on drums. The duo have been working on a brand new set of music which aims to compromise noise and groove with delicate ballads and electronic improvisation.

Simon Amstell: Spirit Hole Fri 29 October | Town Hall | 8PM Simon Amstell’s Spirit Hole is a blissful, spiritual, sensational exploration of love, sex, shame, mushrooms and more. If you yearn for a night of unprecedented joy and laughter book now and avoid regret.

The Notebenders - Sax & The City Sessions Sat 30 October | Jennifer Blackwell Performance Space | 1:30PM Other scheduled sessions from the community big band inspired by the late Andy Hamilton on Sat 28 August, Sat 18 September and Sat 27 November.

Richard Thompson Sat 30 October | Symphony Hall | 7:30PM Ivor Novello Award-winning and GRAMMY® Award-nominated legend Richard Thompson has influenced everybody from Robert Plant, Don Henley, and Elvis Costello to REM, Sleater-Kinney and David Byrne has covered his music.

Halloween Organ Concert: The Phantom of the Opera Sun 31 October | Town Hall | 8PM Donald MacKenzie, renowned organist direct from London’s Odeon Luxe Leicester Square, will be at the console of the Town Hall’s mighty Hill pipe organ to provide the musical accompaniment to this 1925 classic of the silent screen.

Jazzlines Commission Sun 31 October | Symphony Hall Stage | 7:30PM Piera Onacko and Cassie Kanoshi Chris Young and Riley Stone Lonergan The yearly jazz commission enables new musicial partnerships to develop amongst music creators from Birmingham and across the UK. Supported by PRS Foundation.

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Mr Big Plays Jazz

Mr Big Plays Jazz Sun 31st October | Town Hall | 2PM & 4PM Watch and listen to the story of Mr Big as the lonely Gorilla finds a fun new life of friends and jazz music by learning to play the piano.

This unique Children’s show features live illustration by author and illustrator Ed Vere on a big screen alongside live jazz by the exhilarating and charismatic Mr Big Jazz Band.

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Jazzlines Ensembles B:Music is a registered charity with just one mission: to inspire a love of live music, through performance, participation and learning.

Each year, B:Music connects over 18,000 young people and adults to a world of music and performance across the West Midlands.

THE JAZZLINES ENSEMBLES The Jazzlines Ensembles are open to musicians of all abilities, from beginners to advanced, aged between 11 and 19.

The fortnightly sessions are free to attend for those from Birmingham and the surrounding areas.

Members of the Jazzlines Ensembles have the opportunity to: • Receive inspiring tuition from professional musicians • Improve improvisation skills and learn new tunes by ear • Attend fortnightly sessions and regular live performances • Attend guest masterclasses with leading international musicians • Socialise and create music with fellow young musicians The members meet for fortnightly workshop sessions on Saturdays between 3:30pm – 5:30pm at Symphony Hall, led by experienced jazz musicians and educators including Sara Colman and Percy Pursglove alongside a team of support musicians made up of students and recent graduates from Birmingham Conservatoire’s jazz degree course.

“These courses and workshops have had a massive impact. It’s the small decisions and getting involved with things that at the time might not seem like the biggest deal but you look back and think ‘without that, who knows where I would be now?’”

Xhosa Cole, Winner of BBC Young Jazz Musician 2018

GOSPEL ENSEMBLE The Gospel Ensemble is an exciting new project led by drummer, band leader and educator Ray Prince and is FREE to young musicians from Birmingham aged 11 – 19.

During these sessions you will: • Learn classic and contemporary gospel repertoire from ear and improve your ensemble playing.

• Receive inspiring and professional tuition from world class gospel musicians.

• Fortnightly workshop sessions & regular performances at Symphony Hall and other exciting venues.

• Socialise and create music with fellow young musicians.

The sessions take place fortnightly in Symphony Hall from 1:00pm – 3:00pm, all instrumentalists and vocalists are welcome and no previous experience is required.

These sessions are FREE to attend and require pre-booking at bmusic.co.uk

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Gabrielle

Interview

is ready to ‘Rise Again’ with Birmingham as live music returns With concerts no longer being out of reach, the BRIT and MOBO award-winner will bring her hit-packed ‘Rise Again’ tour to Symphony Hall, a B:Music Venue, in November.

Gabrielle had intended to celebrate the 20th anniversary of her 4x platinum album ‘Rise’ with a full UK tour last year.

But those plans, as was so often the case in 2020, were put on ice. Good things come to those who wait, though: the London singer/songwriter says she’s “good to go, eye on the prize of live music” now that her tour is set to kick off later this year and include a stop at the Symphony Hall in November.

We caught up with Gabrielle to talk about the hugely welcome return of gigs, the importance of supporting the live music sector post-pandemic and the new lease of life she found during lockdown on The Masked Singer.

How much have you missed performing live over the past year? “I’ve missed live music like everyone else has, let alone not having that liberty of being able to go out and do all the things we took for granted. I’m now at the start line and good to go the moment everything comes back and we can do all the things we love.”

The postponement of your ‘Rise Again’ tour must’ve been a difficult decision to make. Will the delay make this year’s gigs even more special, though? “Rescheduling shows is such a meticulous and stressful thing to have to do, particularly for my manager and the booking agents. So far, so good, though, in terms of being able to reschedule: I’m really excited. I’ve done so much since the tour was rearranged and have so many new songs to add to my setlist. I’m good to go, eye on the prize of live music: that’s what keeps me going.”

What did you get up to during lockdown? “I was fortunate that I was able to go into TV and music studios, put social distancing into practice and it be effective enough for me to achieve my goals. But I’m aware that there are so many people who haven’t been able to go back to their working

environment, so I recognise how lucky I’ve been at a time when it’s been awful for all of us. The moment that we’re all out of lockdown and safe, it’s going to be party time for everyone!

Just to be able to do what we used to take for granted, I think none of us will live our lives in the same way again.”

The pandemic has been especially tough on musicians, venues and touring crew. How important is it that we continue to support everyone in the live music industry going forward? “It’s extremely important. I was able to do four socially distanced shows in September while filming The Masked Singer, and I learned that a few of my live crew had actually changed jobs because it wasn’t financially viable to sit there twiddling their thumbs, waiting for government help.

One of my crew became a care assistant: he said he loved it and that job saved him, because he would’ve been doing so much in terms of live music last summer. Once the gigs and the jobs got cancelled, though, he lost a lot of money - and that’s what has been happening to a lot of people in the industry. The government should be doing all they can to support the arts, but it’s not just artists who need support: it’s everybody. There’s so many people who have lost out.”

Speaking of your appearance on The Masked Singer, it inspired your latest album ‘Do It Again’… “I had been writing material for a new album, but after The Masked Singer my management said: ‘Oh, we didn’t see this coming! We should do a covers album of some of these songs.’ And before I knew it, I was recording covers that I’d performed on the Masked Singer – including songs by Rihanna, Billie Eilish and Harry Styles – as well as choosing some of my personal favourites from elsewhere and adding two brand new songs by me to form a whole album. I hope people love it as much as I do.”

What can we expect when the ‘Rise Again’ tour stops in Birmingham? “When people come to my shows, they want me to give them the classics. I don’t like to disappoint! Among the classics I’ll be giving them a bit of everything: some of my greatest hits, a few songs I sang on the Masked Singer. The gig will be about just having fun, a big singalong and rockin’ out.

That’s what I wanna do - and I want everyone to come and do that with me.”

Gabrielle will perform at Symphony Hall on 23 November 2021.

All tickets purchased for the original 2020 date remain valid.

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November

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#LockdownLife: gardening in the Summer...

nsobe on Instagram Photo: @katherinejenki

#BackToLive: Katherine Jenkins performs at Symphony Hall on Wed 24 November.

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November John Lydon: I Could Be Wrong, I Could Be Right Mon 1 November | Town Hall | 7:30PM He’s a legend and an icon, a revolutionary and an immortal. John Lydon – aka Johnny Rotten – changed the face of music and sparked a cultural revolution. The frontman and lyricist of the Sex Pistols and Public Image Ltd (PiL) caused a political earthquake and transformed music for good.

SIXTIES GOLD: The Biggest and Best Line-up Mon 1 November | Symphony Hall | 7:30PM Starring The Tremeloes, Herman’s Hermits, Marmalade, Mamas and Papas, PJ Proby, The Merseybeats, Love Affair’s Steve Ellis, Dave Berry and Gerry’s Pacemakers.

Sindhu Vee: Alphabet Mon 2 November | Town Hall | 8PM Sindhu Vee is an award-winning comedian, writer and actor. Expect “outspoken, frank and funny stand-up” (Evening Standard) from this Edinburgh Comedy Awards Best Newcomer nominee.

Recommend age: 14+

Show of Hands: Tyne to Tamar Wed 3 November | Town Hall | 7:30PM Steve Knightley, Phil Beer, Miranda Sykes and Cormac Byrne have been described as the ‘Show of Hands supergroup whose combined musicianship is nothing short of magical!’

Tim Peake: My Journey To Space Wed 3 November | Symphony Hall | 7:30PM Join astronaut Tim Peake on an epic and thrilling journey to the International Space Station, as he reveals the secrets, the science and the everyday wonders of how and why humans journey into space.

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Jazzlines Family Jam Sat 6 November | Jennifer Blackwell Performance Space | 10:30AM Bring your voice and your rhythm - that’s all you need to join in this new monthly discovery session, exploring jazz from around the world. Learn second line from New Orleans to Bossa Nova from Brazil. No previous experience or instruments required – perfect for the whole family.

Shlomo’s Beatbox Adventure For Kids Sun 7 November | Town Hall | 1PM Find your true voice with beatboxing! To learn how to become a beatbox superstar in person, get tickets now for the sell-out five-star family show Shlomo’s Beatbox Adventure For Kids!

Danny & Luke from Thunder: The First 50 Years Tour Sun 7 November | Town Hall | 7:30PM Having toured the UK in 2019 with a two-man stripped back Unplugged & Unscripted show, join Danny & Luke from legendary UK rock band Thunder in conversation with rock writer Mick Wall as they talk through the highs and lows of life in Britain’s most popular & enduring rock band.

The Stylistics Mon 8 November | Symphony Hall | 7:30PM The Stylistics are known instantly for their many recognisable hits such as the Grammy nominated ‘You Make Me Feel Brand New’ plus numerous classics including ‘Can’t Give You Anything (But My Love), ‘Let’s Put it All together’, ‘Stop Look Listen’, ‘You are Everything’, ‘Betcha by Golly Wow’, ‘Sing Baby Sing’ and more.

Lunchtime Organ Concert Mon 8 November | Town Hall | 1PM Join City Organist, Thomas Trotter, as he plays a varied programme featuring the likes of Charles-Marie Widor’s Allegro vivace (Symphony No. 5) and Rachel Laurin’s Variations on a theme of Sweelinck.

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Seasick Steve plus special guests Tue 9 November | Symphony Hall | 7:30PM Steve says: “I‘m lookin’ forward to coming and playing for y’all. Just gonna be me, you and my guitar. A few songs and a few stories, kinda like we just hanging’ out together! Gonna be fun. See ya there.”

Ralph McTell Tue 9 November | Town Hall | 7:30PM A singer songwriter of international acclaim who has played across the world, Ralph McTell brings his exquisite songwriting to life with virtuoso guitar picking and evocative stories. His spellbinding songs and wry humourous anecdotes take the audience from his buskers days in Paris, to concert halls in Australia and America and through the Streets of London.

Jamie Cullum Recommends Juggenaught Fri 12 November | Jennifer Blackwell Performance Space | 5PM Juggenaught are a trio, led by pianist Piera Onacko. Their style, while rooted in jazz, leans towards avant-garde, rock and fusion.

Sophia and Cinzie – The Girls Bathroom Live Sat 13 November | Town Hall | 8PM The live version of the podcast, The Girls Bathroom, where Sophie and Cinzia try and help with your love lives, friendships and dilemmas – and have some real fun girl chat!

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bmusic.co.uk Spectacular Classics Sat 13 November | Symphony Hall | 2:30PM & 7:30PM Robyn Lyn Evans tenor Morgan Pearse baritone Thomas Gould violin London Concert Orchestra City Of Birmingham Choir

Music, lights, lasers, fireworks and classic after classic – plus, an explosive 1812 Overture complete with cannon effects and indoor firework finale!

Kevin Bloody Wilson Fri 12 November | Town Hall | 7:30PM Considered ‘The Worlds Funniest Australian’, Kevin Bloody Wilson is as dry and as rough as his Outback heritage. Kev’s 20 Albums of self-penned Bawdy Ballads have generated millions of sales and his global legion of fans have elevated Kev to Rock Star Status.

Russell Watson Sun 14 November | Symphony Hall | 3PM Singing sensation Russell Watson performs a spectacular concert of career highlights. Russell will be joined live on stage by a harmonious choir and 33-piece orchestra to celebrate over 20 years since his debut album THE VOICE was released. It’s an afternoon not to be missed!

Average White Band Mon 15 November | Town Hall | 7:30PM One of the top Soul, R & B, and Funk groups, first known for the timeless instrumental hit Pick Up the Pieces. The band’s future would lead to multiple gold & platinum albums and Grammy nominations with the legendary Atlantic label.

This Is The Kit Tue 16 November | Town Hall | 8PM Kate Stables’ group This Is The Kit have created a name for themselves with songs that untangle emotional knots and weave remarkable stories.

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November Joachim Cooder plus Sam Amidon Wed 17 November | Town Hall | 7:30PM Joachim Cooder is known for his collaborations with his father Ry Cooder, and brings his album Over The Road I’m Bound to this show, which also features Sam Amidon, another great singer on the Nonesuch label.

Wet Wet Wet Thu 18 November | Town Hall | 7:30PM Wet Wet Wet are undeniably a musical phenomenon, having made an incredible impact with their music over the last four decades, becoming one of the most successful bands in British pop history.

Nu Civilisation Orchestra presents Marvin Gaye’s What’s Going On Fri 19 November | Town Hall | 7:30PM Nu Civilisation Orchestra leads a musical celebration of 50 years of ‘What’s Going On’ by Marvin Gaye. Led by Peter Edwards, The orchestra will reflect on our current times through the lens of Marvin Gaye’s incredible catalogue, with the addition of special guests.

BANFF Mountain Film Festival World Tour Sat 20 November | Town Hall | 2:30PM & 7:30PM Embark on a thrilling adventure with a brand-new collection of short films from the world’s most prestigious mountain film festival.

Marillion Sun 21 November | Symphony Hall | 7:30PM Marillion issued their debut album, Script for a Jester’s Tear, in 1983, and on the strength of a relentless touring schedule they won a loyal following - which seems them continue to tour almost four decades later.

Ex Cathedra: Our First Love – Music of the English Renaissance Sun 21 November | Town Hall | 4PM

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We all remember our first love! For Jeffrey Skidmore and the founding members of Ex Cathedra this was the English Renaissance, a golden age in which composers like Byrd and Tallis created a treasury of truly inspiring choral repertoire.

Lunchtime Organ Concert Mon 22 November | Town Hall | 1PM Join City Organist, Thomas Trotter, as he Celebrates Camille Saint-Saens with performances of Danse Macabre, arr. E.H.Lemare, and Fantaisie in E flat to name but a few.

The Overtones Mon 22 November | Symphony Hall | 7:30pm With five top 10 albums and 10 sold out UK Tours, The Overtones will embark on their 11th UK Tour to celebrate their 10 year anniversary performing as a group.

Gabrielle – Celebrating Over 20 Years of the Number 1 Album, Rise Tues 23 November | Symphony Hall | 7:30PM Copy: One of the UK’s most successful singer-songwriters, Gabrielle will celebrate the 20th anniversary of the smash hit Rise album, playing songs from the album, plus performing other iconic hits and fan favourites.

Jinkx Monsoon and Ben De La Crème Tue 23 November | Town Hall | 7:30PM

ON SALE SOON

These two legendary queens, world-renowned drag artists and RuPaul’s Drag Race alum, are bringing their high camp holiday magic to Birmingham.

Ed Byrne: If I’m Honest…

Wed 24 November | Town Hall | 8PM Join Ed as he takes a long hard look at himself and tries to decide if he has ANY traits that are worth passing on to his children. A TV household name, in the past year Ed has appeared on Live At The Apollo (Host, BBC), Mock The Week (BBC), The Pilgrimage (BBC), Top Gear (BBC) and QI (BBC).

Katherine Jenkins Wed 24 November | Symphony Hall | 7:30PM Cherished as one of Britain’s all-time favourite singers, in 2017 Katherine was officially crowned The No.1 selling ‘Classical Music Artist of the Last 25 Years’ by Classic FM, and made chart history when her last album ‘Guiding Light’, became her 13th UK Classical No.1 album.

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Isata Kanneh-Mason Thu 25 November | Town Hall | 7:30PM This performance is part of the ECHO Rising Stars series and will feature a UK premiere of a brand-new commission by Jamaican composer, Eleanor Alberga. Commissioned by Barbican Centre, London and the European Concert Hall Organisation in collaboration with B:Music.

Katherine Ryan: Missus Fri 26 November | Symphony Hall | 8PM Creator and Star of Netflix smash hit The Duchess (along with two global Netflix comedy specials: In Trouble and Glitter Room) comedian and TV’s Katherine Ryan makes a hugely welcome return to the stage with her brand-new live show, Missus.

Housewarming: Fergus McCredie Trio Fri 26 November | Jennifer Blackwell Performance Space | 5PM Pianist Fergus McCreadie’s music is an innovative blend of jazz and Scottish traditional music, featuring David Bowden (bass) and Stephen Henderson (drums). In partnership with Edition Records

Star Wars The Return of the Jedi Sat 27 November | Symphony Hall | 3PM & 7:30PM The iconic climactic sixth episode of the Star Wars saga, Return Of The Jedi, will be presented with a live symphony orchestra performing the iconic score of Oscar winner, John Williams.

We Are Family Sat 27 November | Town Hall | 10:30am Let the whole family loose on the dance floor underneath the giant disco ball in Town Hall, for a morning of dance classics and floor fillers from the creators of The Midlands’ finest soul and retro club, The Night Owl.

The Big Birmingham Soul Night Sat 27 November | Town Hall | 9:30pm Soul and retro nightclub The Night Owl have announced the return of their Big Birmingham Soul Night, bringing all the best floor fillers to two rooms inside the historic Town Hall. Expect Northern Soul anthems and classic soul tracks all through the night featuring DJ sets from Colin Curtis, Pep, Mazzy Snape and Sonny & Spare.

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bmusic.co.uk City of Birmingham Choir present Handel’s Messiah – The Inside View Sun 28 November | Town Hall | 2:30PM A fun-filled family event where you can get to know Handel’s masterpiece in an easy and accessible way. This shortened version of the oratorio will focus on key solos and choruses, telling the story behind the work.

Marti Pellow Sun 28 November | Symphony Hall | 7:30PM Fresh from the success of his 12th studio album in March, Marti Pellow has announced a full UK tour and a second single, Black Horse - edited from the original album version described by the Daily Star as “an 11 minute dancefloor epic worthy of Lady Gaga”.

An Evening with Guy Chambers Mon 29 November | Town Hall | 7:30PM Guy Chambers is one of the UK’s most successful living songwriters.

His collaboration with Robbie Williams has produced seminal hits such as ’Angels’, ‘Let Me Entertain You’, and ’Rock DJ’.

Rock the Opera Mon 29 November | Symphony Hall | 7:30PM Enjoy the greatest classic rock hits from Queen, Deep Purple, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin and AC/DC performed by the BBC Concert Orchestra and guest star Joe Lynn Turner (Deep Purple, Rainbow) in a never before heard way.

Adventures of a Yorkshire Shepherdess Tue 30 November | Town Hall | 7:30PM In this frank, funny and informative show, Yorkshire Shepherdess Amanda Owen shares heart-warming tales and honest anecdotes from her remarkable farming, family life in North Yorkshire.

Muppets Christmas Carol in Concert Tue 30 November | Symphony Hall | 7:30PM Disney’s The Muppet Christmas Carol will be presented live in concert this winter at Birmingham’s Symphony Hall, featuring its musical score performed live to the film.

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Isata Kanneh-Mason Emerging classical star Isata Kanneh-Mason set to wow audiences in Birmingham and across Europe.

The pianist will join the European Concert Hall Organisation’s Rising Stars series for 2021-22 after being nominated by B:Music.

She’s now set to perform in prestigious concert halls across the UK – including Town Hall in Birmingham – and Europe.

One of the UK’s most exciting young classical musicians will perform at Town Hall, a B:Music venue, for the very first time later this year. Isata Kanneh-Mason – who is the eldest of the seven musically prodigious Kanneh-Mason siblings – has won a place on ECHO’s Rising Stars touring series for the 2021-22 season, during which she will showcase her talent in Birmingham and a number of other cities across the UK and Europe. Kanneh-Mason’s personally curated concert programme will include a brand new piece of music which has been specially commissioned for the tour.

Ahead of her Town Hall performance Kanneh-Mason spoke to us about the honour of being included on the 2021 ECHO programme, performing with her family and the importance of supporting and developing classical music talent following the pandemic-enforced shutdown of live music.

Congratulations on being successfully nominated by B:Music for the ECHO Rising Stars programme! How exciting is it to be taking part in this concert series? I’m really looking forward to playing in Birmingham and cities across Europe. I’m really excited about the programme as well because it has lots of Rachmaninoff on there - including his preludes and tableaux etudes, which I love – and I haven’t really played solo Rachmaninoff before, so that will be exciting. I’ll also be playing two classical sonatas which I love, a Mozart and a Beethoven. There’s also a new commission being written for the programme which I’m really excited about, because it’s always wonderful playing new music. I’m really looking forward to live concerts and a tour.

What do you hope to gain from the experience? The experience of playing the same programme again and again to lots of different audiences is really special, because you get to feel how the programme grows over time and how different audiences react to the music in different places. I think that’ll be a really wonderful experience.

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You’ll return to Town Hall for this programme, where you have previously performed with your brother Sheku Kanneh-Mason. Birmingham is a city that I have a fondness for because I have family there who I’ve been to visit a few times, so I always associate the city with family.

It’s a lovely city and I always love going there: Town Hall and Symphony Hall are both such beautiful spaces.

During lockdown you started giving performances online, including a piano recital from your home for B:Music. How welcome has it been to keep performing, albeit digitally, during the pandemic? It’s great that we’ve been able to do this, because you can reach out to people from all over the world and potentially more people than you could in a concert hall. But obviously I miss in-person live performance, and it’s not the same as a musician to be playing and not have the people there because we really feed off the energy of the audience. It’s definitely difficult to not have that.

How important is it to keep supporting other young and developing musicians, whose progress or access to music may have been stunted by the pandemic, through their burgeoning careers? It’s definitely important. It’s been a difficult time for young musicians because so many concerts have been cancelled or rescheduled, and it can feel like there’s less space for young musicians. It’s therefore even more important to give them a voice and a space to play.

Julian Lloyd Webber recently hosted a radio series showcasing and talking to young musicians, because he has the same concerns.

Do you have any advice for young musicians whose passion for music may have actually been sparked during lockdown? I’d say that’s wonderful! It’s important to find a person in the industry who you really resonate with: when you see that someone doing something, it then in turn helps you to see yourself doing it and gives you inspiration.

Find someone who inspires you and listen to as much music as you can, see them live when that’s possible and then just practice and enjoy it.

How much are you looking forward to the safe return of live audiences at your concerts? I think it will be such an emotional moment! Over the past year there were a couple of times when restrictions eased and we were able to have concerts, albeit with a third of the audience there. Each time I felt such an energy from the audience: everyone is just so excited to have live music back. When it comes back again in full it will be really, really special.

Isata Kanneh-Mason will perform at Town Hall on 25 November 2021.

Interview

December

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#LockdownLife: on zoom...

Photo: @jools.holl and.official on Instag ram

#BackToLive: Jools Holland performs at Symphony Hall on Mon 20 and Tue 21 December.

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December Nikki Iles / Norma Winstone Wed 1 December | Symphony Hall Stage | 7:30PM Hear two towering figures of the British jazz scene, pianist and composer Nikki Illes and vocalist and lyricist Norma Winstone perform as a duo in the exquisite setting of Symphony Hall.

The Sweet + guests Limehouse Lizzy Thu 2 December | Town Hall | 7:30PM SWEET continue to tour and perform to sell out audiences around the globe with over 55 million records sold worldwide and 34 number 1 hits worldwide.

Jason Donovan - ‘Even More Good Reasons’ Thu 2 December | Symphony Hall | 8PM Join Jason Donovan as he performs his greatest pop hits along with his favourite songs from his career in musicals, all accompanied by a full live band.

Mark Kingswood Fri 3 December | Town Hall | 7:30PM Mark Kingswood returns with a host of well-known classics and, of course, his own signature songs plus a sprinkling of Xmas magic!

Housewarming: Emma Johnson’s Gravy Boat Fri 3 December | Jennifer Blackwell Performance Space | 5PM Leeds based saxophonist Emma Johnson leads her contemporary jazz quintet. Emma’s writing displays a contemporary sound rooted by infectious melodies and the group have been described as demonstrating a “strong and joyful bond, immediately apparent in their sound”. Presented in partnership with Jazz North.

Ex Cathedra: Sleepers Awake Sun 5 December | Town Hall | 4PM Wachet auf - Sleepers Awake - is one of Bach’s greatest cantatas and most memorable tunes. It calls us to rise and get ready, one of two Bach cantatas in this concert that explore Advent themes. ‘Once we start to act, hope is everywhere’ are words by Greta Thunberg threaded through Liz Dilnot Johnson’s Gentle Flame cantata as it explores the challenges and responsibilities we face.

The British Police Symphony Orchestra present Proms Night Spectacular!

Sat 4 December | Symphony Hall | 7:30PM Featuring audience favourites such as Harry Potter, The Sound of Music, Themes from James Bond and Hymn to the Fallen, the evening concludes with a spectacular finale and indoor firework display.

Jazzlines Family Jam Sat 4 December | Jennifer Blackwell Performance Space | 10:30AM Bring your voice and your rhythm - that’s all you need to join in this new monthly discovery session, exploring jazz from around the world. Learn second line from New Orleans to Bossa Nova from Brazil. No previous experience or instruments required – perfect for the whole family.

A Question of Sport Live Sun 5 December | Symphony Hall | 2:30PM & 7:30PM Join host Sue Barker and team captains Matt Dawson and Phil Tufnell – together with a host of big-name guests – as the world’s longest running TV sports quiz celebrates its 50th anniversary with an all-new live show.

Lunchtime Christmas Music Mon 6 December | Symphony Hall | 1PM The Choir of St John’s College, Cambridge is one of the finest collegiate choirs in the world, known and loved by millions from its broadcasts, concert tours and recordings. Join them, along with Andrew Nethsingha and city organist, Thomas Trotter for this joyous Christmas celebration.

Hollie McNish Mon 6 December | Symphony Hall Stage | 8PM With fans ranging from Emma Watson, Pink and Benjamin Zephaniah, Ted Hughes Award winner Hollie McNish is a poet whose readings are not to be missed.

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That’ll Be The Day Wed 8 December | Town Hall | 7:30PM Guaranteed to get everyone into the spirit of the season, it’s the complete Rock & Roll Christmas package. A sparkling mix of Christmas hits, fun and nostalgia. Don’t miss it!

The Sixteen Wed 8 December | Symphony Hall | 7:30PM Deck the hall with boughs of holly with one of the world’s most renowned choirs performing traditional Christmas classics including The Holly and the Ivy, Carol of the Advent, Christmas Eve and many more.

The Sixteen are acclaimed worldwide for performances delivered with precision, power and passion and hallmarked by its tonal richness, expressive intensity and compelling collective artistry.

Rick Wakeman: The Even Grumpier Old Rock Star Christmas Show Thu 9 December | Town Hall | 7:30PM Rick’s back – and not quite as grumpy as last year!

Following 2019’s sell-out Christmas tour, keyboard wizard Rick Wakeman will embark on another festive foray.

December

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bmusic.co.uk City of Birmingham Choir present Messiah: The Centenary Performance Fri 10 December | Symphony Hall | 7PM Join the City of Birmingham Choir as they mark their centenary year with an electrifying performance of Handel’s greatest choral work. ‘Messiah’ has been a favourite in the City of Birmingham Choir’s repertoire across its hundredyear history.

Housewarming: Yaatri Fri 10 December | The Jennifer Blackwell Performance Space | 5PM Yaatri is an award winning five-piece art-rock/jazz crossover group formed in Leeds in 2018. Influenced by the momentum of the rhythms of India, immersive timbres of electronic music, and energy of rock and roll, their music has a strong sense of purpose and journey. Presented in Partnership with Jazz North.

Kate Rusby at Christmas Sat 11 December | Town Hall | 3:30PM & 7:30PM Forever proud to call herself folk singer, Kate Rusby’s beautiful, expressive vocals never fail to connect the emotional heart of a song to that of her audience. Famously down to earth, Kate’s engaging personality and sharp, Yorkshire wit have further endeared her to concert goers everywhere for over a quarter of a century.

Rockmas 2021 Sat 11 December | Symphony Hall | 7:45PM ROCKMAS comes but once a year, with a seasonal sack of Roy Wood’s greatest hits and more. As always, Roy will be joined by some very special musical guests.

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December Bootleg Beatles Mon 13 December | Symphony Hall | 7:30PM The world’s Premier Beatles band continues to draw critical acclaim with their flawless recreation of the greatest songbook in history. With a little help from their own orchestral ensemble, this show is an absolute must-see for Beatle-maniacs of all ages.

Whitney – Queen of the Night Tue 14 December | Symphony Hall | 7:30PM Whitney – Queen Of The Night is back for 2021, celebrating the music of one of the greatest singers of our time. Enjoy smash hits including I’m Every Woman, I Will Always Love You and many more.

Love Actually in Concert – The Film With Live Orchestra Wed 15 December | Symphony Hall | 7:30PM Love Actually, the seasonal romcom that has become synonymous for so many with the festive period, will return to Symphony Hall in winter 2021 with a full orchestra performing its soundtrack live to picture, in what is becoming an annual highlight of the holiday calendar.

Talon – The Best of the Eagles Fri 17 December | Town Hall | 8PM Talon have become one of the most successful theatre touring shows in the UK, performing the Eagles timeless back catalogue including Hotel California, Take It Easy, One Of These Nights, Take It To The Limit, Desperado, Lyin’ Eyes, Life In The Fast Lane and many more.

The Notebenders Christmas Special Fri 17 December | The Jennifer Blackwell Performance Space | 5PM Community Big Band The Notebenders bring their festive cheer to the Friday Housewarming Session performing festive arrangements of Calypso and Jazz favourites.

Carols with the City Organist Mon 20 December | Town Hall | 1PM Sing your heart out to favourite carols at this festive occasion, accompanied by the joyful sound of Lichfield Cathedral Choir, and Thomas Trotter at Town Hall’s mighty organ. Presenter Jeremy Nicholas brings a sprinkling of Christmas cheer to the proceedings.

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Families Together at Christmas – presented in partnership with Midland Mencap Sun 19 December | Town Hall | 11AM Getting together as a family at Christmas can be difficult for those who have to care for loved ones, which is why Town Hall Symphony Hall work with Midland Mencap to present a relaxed concert at Town Hall for all of the family, every year.

There are 6.5 million carers in the UK looking after a dependent such as a parent, partner, child or friend; 292,866 are living in the West Midlands; and 107,380 are living in Birmingham.

Caring for a family member or dependent can take a serious toll on carers’ emotional and physical wellbeing, not to mention personal relationships and family finances. Birmingham Carers Hub often hears reports of carers collapsing through exhaustion, suffering health issues themselves and having to cope with mental distress and anxiety.

The importance of this annual event to the families who attend together, and the team at B:Music alike, are hugely valued. This performance is made possible thanks to the generosity of our audiences through The Big Give Campaign 2020, and support of Cole Charitable Trust, Reed Foundation and The Saintbury Trust.

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Jools Holland and his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra Mon 20 – Tue 21 December | Symphony Hall | 7:30PM Join musician Jools Holland and his celebrated Rhythm & Blues Orchestra, now in their twenty fourth year, at Symphony Hall. Jools will be joined on the Symphony Hall stage by music legend Lulu, and original Squeeze chum, Chris Difford.

Gary Powndland & Friends Tue 21 December | Town Hall | 7:30PM After sell-outs prior to lockdown across the Midlands and garnering over 10 million views of his videos online, viral sensation Gary Powndland (pronounced like the shop, but not spelt the same) is back with an all new live comedy show for 2021!

Carols & Capers with Maddy Prior and the Carnival Band Wed 22 December | Town Hall | 7:30PM Maddy Prior joins up once again with the Carnival Band during the Festive Season for their unique celebratory show “Carols & Capers”.

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December HHHHH EDINBURGH EVENING NEWS

HHHHH SUNDAY EXPRESS

HHHHH HHHHH WHATSONSTAGE

TIME OUT

FRECKLE PRODUCTIONS PRESENT

LIVE

ON S TA G

E

DAILY MAIL

BASED ON THE BOOK BY

FRECKLEPRODUCTIONS.CO.UK

Stick Man © 2008 Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. Published by Alison Green Books, an imprint of Scholastic Children’s Books.

Freckle Productions present

STICK MAN

SUN 26 DEC 2021 – SUN 9 JAN 2022 | Town Hall | Various times, visit bmusic.co.uk for more information Touching, funny and utterly original, Freckle Productions’ delightful adaptation of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s Stick Man is back on stage in Birmingham!

What starts off as a morning jog becomes quite the misadventure for Stick Man: a dog wants to play fetch with him, a swan builds a nest with him, and he even ends up on a fire! How will Stick Man ever get back to the family tree in time for Christmas?

This award-winning production, from the team behind Zog, Tiddler and other Terrific Tales, and Tabby McTat features a trio of top actors and is packed full of puppetry, songs, live music and funky moves.

★★★★★ ‘Wonderfully exuberant and imaginative! Our 3 year old was engrossed from start to finish’ Time Out Critics’ Choice. ★★★★ ‘Julia Donaldson’s miniature epic. Sally Cookson and her team recreate the book with vigour and imagination’ Times. ★★★★ ‘Zesty and delightful. A clever compelling treat’ Independent. ★★★★ ‘More fun than you can shake a stick at’ Daily Mail.

Stick Man © 2008 Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.

Published by Alison Green Books, an imprint of Scholastic Children’s Books.

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Interview

Carol Pemberton MBE Community Spirit overcome tough times to remain on song in 2021. The community choir project, which is run by B:Music in partnership with their Associate Artists Black Voices, was forced to adapt last year due to the pandemic, but its outreach work across Birmingham and the West Midlands became more vital than ever through its new digital guise.

Community Spirit had been gearing up to celebrate its 10th anniversary with a momentous large-scale concert at Symphony Hall, a B:Music venue, in 2020. An array of local community choirs from across Birmingham and the West Midlands were primed to come together to share repertoire and perform as one collective body in Birmingham’s prestigious concert hall, but the pandemic ultimately forced the postponement of the show.

All was not lost, however, as Community Spirit found a new sense of purpose during lockdown by moving online and staging regular digital singing workshops, providing an uplifting source of inspiration, comfort and community during the toughest of times.

With the return of live music now on the horizon, and Community Spirit set to resume in-person workshops at Symphony Hall this summer, project leader and Black Voices founder Carol Pemberton MBE tells us about a year unlike any other for Community Spirit.

Community Spirit had been hoping to stage its 10th anniversary concert in 2020. How disappointing was it to have to postpone those plans? I thought it was the end of the world! We closed down just as we were preparing for the main concert last year. Community Spirit has become the high point of the year for a lot of our choirs: they look forward to having their own little space in Symphony Hall and interacting with other choirs. But very few choirs were geared up for working on an online platform at the start of lockdown: it was like having the heart ripped out of many community choirs. It was really, really hard.

The project did move online, though, with singing workshops kicking off in May 2020. How did that venture come about? After Black Voices found rehearsing online difficult – it just wasn’t the same – I spoke to Themba Mvula of Lichfield Gospel Choir about trying to move Community

Spirit online, and he said that he’d been doing his rehearsals on Zoom! When I said that you can’t sing together on Zoom, he replied: ‘But I can the play the piano, I can see that they’re singing and they can record themselves’. It’s just finding a different way of making things work. So I asked Themba if he could have a meeting with me and B:Music to see how it might work for Community Spirit - and the rest is history!

How successful has Community Spirit Online been? It’s given us much more flexibility. Community Spirit is normally based in Birmingham and we deal with choirs around the Midlands, nowhere else. But when we moved online we realised that we could use the network of choral leaders across the country to broaden the experience of our choirs they were doing things that they never imagined they could do. It’s been fun to work with choir leaders from across the country, from Scotland to Kent to Northern Ireland, and amazing to see all the different ways people work: the techniques, the choice of songs, the arrangements.

Cliff Richard even sent in an encouraging video message – that must have been quite an endorsement for Community Spirit! Cliff sent his blessing after we did a song that he had previously covered. We’ve had lots of nice moments like that, like when Sara Colman did her session from her home in Somerset. We had Cassidy Janson pop in to chat with all the participants of the choirs about what it’s been like to manage lockdown and not being able to sing. The pandemic has been a leveller: it’s been the same for everyone, it doesn’t matter what you do. If you’re a performer, you’ve been grounded.

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned about music and community during the pandemic? Just to not take my art form for granted! It’s like we’ve stopped breathing for a whole year, but now we can breathe again - that’s how it feels to me.

I’ve understood more what singing brings to people’s lives, and how important the outreach work that B:Music enables with Black Voices is. The difference it makes to people: some of the comments in the workshops are unbelievable, some of them even make you cry. There’s been many moments in the workshops where you see people tearing up because it’s been so emotional. When you see a screen of 100 people participating with you on Zoom, it can be a bit overwhelming.

The array of stuff we’ve learned, the people who have been on the calls: it’s been amazing.

Community Spirit’s next in-person workshop, with Sara Colman and Cecelia Wickham-Anderson, will take place at Symphony Hall on 18 July, 2021. Booking is available now.

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City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra Resident Orchestra at Symphony Hall

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Calendar

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About Symphony Hall’s Resident Orchestra Music from the Heart

Home and Away

Under the baton of its Music Director, the young Lithuanian conductor Mirga Gražinytė-Tyla, the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra is the flagship of musical life in the Midlands, and one of the world’s great orchestras. In 2020 the orchestra celebrated its centenary and in that 100 years, the CBSO has grown from an ambitious band of local musicians into a family of ensembles with a global reputation. Based in Symphony Hall, the CBSO and its ensembles give over 150 concerts each year in Birmingham, the UK and around the world, playing music that ranges from the classics to Bollywood, Star Wars and symphonic disco.

With a far-reaching community programme and a family of choruses and ensembles, it’s involved in every aspect of music-making in the region. But at its centre is a team of 75 superb professional musicians, and a 100-year tradition of making the world’s greatest music, right here in the heart of Birmingham.

Rattle’s successors Sakari Oramo (1998–2008) and Andris Nelsons (2008–2015) helped cement that global reputation, and continued to build on that legacy, with extensive tours, recordings and international recognition for its adventurous approach and commitment to new music. As the only professional symphony orchestra based between Bournemouth and Manchester, the Orchestra tours regularly in Britain – and much further afield. The CBSO has appeared at all the major European venues and festivals, including regular appearances at the Lucerne Festival and BBC Proms, as well as at the Salzburger Festspiele and at New York’s Mostly Mozart. Critics voted a CBSO concert in Tokyo as Japan’s best orchestral performance in 2013, and the Orchestra returned to Japan and also toured China in 2016.

And its recordings continue to win acclaim. In 2008, the CBSO’s recording of Saint-Saëns’ complete piano concertos was named the best classical recording of the last 30 years

by Gramophone.

That local tradition started with the Orchestra’s very first symphonic concert in 1920 – conducted by Sir Edward Elgar.

Ever since then, through war, recessions, social change, civic renewal – not to mention global pandemics - the CBSO has been proud to be Birmingham’s orchestra. Under principal conductors including Adrian Boult, George Weldon, Andrzej Panufnik and Louis Frémaux, the CBSO won an artistic reputation that spread far beyond the Midlands. But it really came into the international spotlight when in 1962 it gave the first performance of Britten’s War Requiem in the newly rebuilt Coventry Cathedral. 18 years later it made history again when it appointed the 25-year old Simon Rattle as its principal conductor. Between 1980 and 1998 Rattle and the Orchestra became world famous, both for the energy and optimism of their music-making, and the way in which they worked together to put Birmingham on the musical map – not least through the 1991 opening of their magnificent Symphony Hall.

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Now, under the dynamic leadership of Mirga GražinytėTyla, Associate Conductor Michael Seal and Assistant Conductor Jaume Santonja Espinós, the CBSO continues to do what it does best – playing great music for the people of Birmingham and the Midlands.

Meet the Family The CBSO Chorus – a symphonic choir made up of ‘amateur professionals’, trained by Simon Halsey CBE – is famous in its own right. The CBSO Children’s Chorus, Junior Children’s Chorus and Youth Chorus showcase singers as young as six.

Through its community choir (which requires no audition)– CBSO SO Vocal in Selly Oak – the CBSO shares its know-how and passion for music with communities throughout the city.

The CBSO Youth Orchestra gives that same opportunity to young instrumentalists aged 14-21, offering high-level training to the next generation of orchestral musicians alongside top international conductors and soloists.

These groups are sometimes called the ‘CBSO family’ – over 650 amateur musicians of all ages and backgrounds, who work alongside the Orchestra to make and share great music.

But the CBSO’s tradition of serving the community goes much further with an extensive Learning and Participation programme ranging from workshops in schools to projects that engage whole communities. In 2019 the CBSO announced it is developing plans for the first non-selective, non-fee paying specialist music school to be established in partnership with an orchestra.

And everyone’s welcome at CBSO Centre on Berkley Street.

As well as being a friendly, stylish performance venue for the lunchtime concert series Centre Stage and contemporary jazz concerts by Jazzlines, the CBSO’s rehearsal base is home to Birmingham Contemporary Music Group and Ex Cathedra. The CBSO more than ever remains the beating heart of musical life in the UK’s Second City.

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A joyous return to Symphony Hall & live music with the CBSO! Mirga conducts Adès Wed 16 June | Symphony Hall | 2PM & 6:30PM Mirga Gražinytė-Tyla conductor Programme: Purcell (arr.Stucky) Funeral Music for Queen Mary Strauss Burleske Howell Lamia Adès The Exterminating Angel Symphony (CBSO Centenary Commission – World Premiere)

Mirga conducts Weinberg Wed 23 June | Symphony Hall | 2PM & 6:30PM Mirga Gražinytė-Tyla conductor Karen Cargill mezzo soprano Programme: Weinberg Rhapsody on Moldavian Themes Mahler Rückert-Lieder Weinberg Symphony No.3

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bmusic.co.uk Straight from the Heart Wed 30 June | Symphony Hall | 2PM & 6:30PM Kazuki Yamada conductor Alban Gerhardt cello Programme: Julian Anderson Litanies (CBSO Centenary Commission – UK Première) Dvořák Symphony No. 7

Summer Classics Fri 2 July | Symphony Hall | 2PM & 6:30PM Michael Seal conductor Jonathan Martindale violin Programme includes: Dvořák Carnival Overture Vaughan Williams The Lark Ascending Grieg Peer Gynt ‘Morning’ & ‘In the Hall of the Mountain King’ Mendelssohn Overture to A Midsummer Night’s Dream Vivaldi Summer, The Four Seasons Tchaikovsky Waltz of the Flowers

Season Finale Wed 7 July | Symphony Hall | 2PM & 6:30PM Edward Gardner conductor Alina Ibragimova violin Programme: Weir Heroic Strokes of the Bow Prokofiev Violin Concerto No. 1 Schubert Symphony No 4 (Tragic)

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Celebrate Christmas with the CBSO It was a tough start to the year, so we all need something to look forward to and what could be more uplifting than the CBSO’s annual Christmas concerts at Symphony Hall? Featuring the full City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra and our massed choirs and performers from across the whole city and beyond, these feelgood festive favourites are overflowing with good cheer, magical sounds and seasonal music old and new, all beautifully wrapped and delivered with a smile by our special guest celebrity presenter and our world-famous Chorus Director, Simon Halsey CBE. These concerts are hugely popular, so be sure to book early and treat the whole family to a feast of festive musical magic.

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A Choral Christmas with the CBSO Chorus, CBSO Youth Chorus & SO Vocal

A Choral Christmas with the CBSO Chorus, CBSO Youth Chorus & Children’s Chorus

A Choral Christmas with the CBSO Chorus, Youth Chorus & Junior Children’s Chorus

Thu 16 December | Symphony Hall | 7:30PM

Fri 17 December | Symphony Hall | 7:30PM

Sun 19 December | Symphony Hall | 3PM

Digital Concerts This is your last chance to see the current CBSO Digital Concert Packages which are only available to view until 30 June at cbso.co.uk/digital-concerts.

Don’t miss out on your opportunity to catch this wonderful selection of works to suit all tastes and moods, that you can enjoy in the comfort of your own home.

The CBSO Symphonic Collection – four stunning digital concerts filmed in the fabulous setting and acoustics of Symphony Hall. So whether you’re dressed to impress, or sitting comfortably in your slippers, it’s time to pour your favourite refreshment, dim the lights and turn the music up.

Peer Gynt and The Sea

French Connections

Mirga Gražinytė-Tyla conductor Klara Ek soprano CBSO Chorus Norman Perryman artist Čiurlionis The Sea (UK premiere) Grieg Peer Gynt: Incidental Music

Ben Gernon conductor Mary Bevan soprano Bologne L’Amant anonyme: Overture Britten Les Illuminations Haydn Symphony No. 84

Alpesh conducts Mendelssohn Alpesh Chauhan conductor Stephen Hough piano Brahms Academic Festival Overture Mendelssohn Piano Concerto No.1 Mendelssohn Symphony No.1

Beethoven’s Seventh Michael Seal conductor Eugene Tzikindelean violin Berlioz Overture ‘Rob Roy’ Ravel Tzigane Beethoven Symphony No.7

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Jo Patton The show must go on(line): How the CBSO kept the music alive during the pandemic. Lockdown forced Symphony Hall’s resident orchestra to down tools last year. But the unexpected opportunity to reset and reflect led to the CBSO’s successful digital transition, expanding their audience like never before.

The City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra always love coming back to Symphony Hall, their B:Music home. But when the pandemic forced the CBSO to cancel their planned European tour and concert halls across the world closed their doors, a period of uncertainty descended.

But the response from the CBSO was one of resilience. Once they were able to safely reconvene as lockdown restrictions eased in the UK, the orchestra filmed a series of concerts for digital broadcast while also successfully utilising social media and online resources.

Principal Second Clarinet Jo Patton takes us inside the orchestra’s digital adaption, while also looking ahead to the CBSO’s welcome return to Symphony Hall this summer.

How much does the CBSO value having Symphony Hall as their home venue? People have often asked me what my favourite concert hall to play in is, but actually we’re always excited to get back to Symphony Hall. It has amazing acoustics, that’s the most special thing about it: real, genuine sound. In Symphony Hall you can almost feel the sound.

The pandemic-enforced shutdown of live music last year must’ve come as a real shock to the CBSO. I don’t think it’s an exaggeration to say that COVID has slightly decimated the performing arts. I’m very aware of my own privilege as a member of a full-time orchestra: with the furlough scheme and support from the government and by working closely with partners like B:Music, we’re still able to exist. For thousands of other people in the performing arts, particularly freelancers, it’s not the same, and that’s a really important thing to acknowledge. No two people, and definitely no two musicians, have had the same sort of lockdown. But I think the thing that has connected us all in the CBSO is that we are sociable, performing people; our raison d’être is to go to a hall and play to people. Not only could we not do that, but we couldn’t even play together: everything halted.

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The CBSO has embraced social media and online content like never before during the pandemic. How rewarding has that been? After doing a series of recorded concerts last year – including a socially distanced performance at a production warehouse in Longbridge to celebrate our 100th anniversary – there was huge momentum within the players to stay connected. But how can we do that when we can’t work? So we thought: ‘What happens if we try and make a digital Advent calendar on social media?’ It was all a player-led initiative.

I honestly can’t tell you the pride I feel in my colleagues in how they’ve approached this, and the resilience, ingenuity and creativity they’ve shown to create online content that would’ve been unheard of for us two years ago. We did videos for Burns Night and Pancake Day, as well as some lovely digital collaborations within the city.

Will the CBSO continue to operate online even when live music returns? I think the potential for what digital can do for all performing arts, like connecting us with both local and global audiences, is absolutely enormous. It’s one of the real challenges of the moment that artists, orchestras and venues alike are dealing with: how do we use digital to support the live event? What can it offer us that the live event can’t? I think there’s so much potential for what that can look like.

Both the CBSO and live, in-person concerts are set to return this summer. How much are you looking forward to that?

Being back in Symphony Hall is going to feel different for everybody I think, but in a positive way: all emotions, senses and sensations will be heightened. You can listen to a piece of music or watch it online, and you can connect with it for a variety of reasons. But being in the hall, in the event: there’s something that happens in that moment that can change you, even if it’s just for a short time. Being able to be part of something that offers that to people, and having more of a sense of how much I need it as a musician myself, feels really, really exciting.

What’s the biggest lesson you’ll take away from such an unprecedented year for the performing arts? I’ve learned more this year than I’ve ever learned my whole life: about myself, my colleagues and definitely about the value of music in connecting us. The power of genuine, human emotion, as well as resilience, perseverance and knowing that creativity is the single most important thing of what we do.

The CBSO returned to Symphony Hall from 19 May.

Interview

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Supporters Corporate Supporters Birmingham City University Browne Jacobson Holmes Noble Hyatt Regency Project Supporters BHSF PRS for Music Foundation Ronnie Scott’s Charitable Foundation Services for Education Westhill Endowment Business Partners AC Hotels Hotel du Vin Mazars Q-Park WMGC Corporate Members Mailbox Mills & Reeve PMP Consultants Trusts and Foundations Alan Woodfield Charitable Trust Alchemy Foundation Allan & Nesta Ferguson Charitable Settlement Angus Allnatt Charitable Foundation Assay Office Birmingham

Blackwell Charitable Trust Blakemore Foundation Boshier-Hinton Foundation Chairman of Birmingham Commonwealth Association Christopher Tobias Memorial Fund Cole Charitable Trust D’Oyly Carte Charitable Trust DMC McDonald Foundation Dr Diana & Peter Wardley Dumbreck Charity E H Smith Charitable Trust Edward & Dorothy Cadbury Trust Ernest Cook Trust Estate of Mr James Hirons Estate of Mr Martin Purdy Estate of Mr William Jones Eveson Charitable Trust Geoff Hill Charitable Trust GJW Turner Trust GNC Trust George Cadbury Trust George Fentham Birmingham Charity George Henry Collins Charity Grantham Yorke Trust Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce Grimmitt Trust Heathcock Charitable Trust Hinrichsen Foundation JMR Sales & Consultancy Ltd John Feeney Charitable Trust

Joseph Hopkins & Henry James Sayer Charity Levells Design Limited Lillie Johnson Charitable Trust Limoges Trust Loppylugs and Barbara Morrison Charitable Trust M K Rose Charitable Trust Mercers’ Company Michael Marsh Charitable Trust Miss A Copsey Mr Keith Stokes-Smith Mr Peter J Smith Oakley Charitable Trust Patrick Trust Peter and Jane How Trust R V J Cadbury Charitable Trust Roger and Douglas Turner Charitable Trust Rotary Club of Birmingham Roughley Trust Rowlands Trust Saintbury Trust Service Birmingham Staff Benefit Scheme Tyndallwoods Solicitors W E Dunn Charitable Trust Westhill Endowment William A Cadbury Charitable Trust Wilmcote Charitrust Youth Music

Makers Circle Mr P Ashen, Jayne Cadbury MBE, Paul Carter, Paul & Dee Cocking, W. Peter Dunne, G. Cm. & Fionuala A. Dunne, Roger G. Guest, Dr Brian Gwynn, P & J Hall, Vivianne Hollinshead, Dr C G Johnston, The Justham Family, Lynn Lawrenson, James & Meg Martineau, Ian McAlpine, Ian C Norton, Jenna & Jeremy Plewes, Ald. Mike Poulter MBE & Mrs K Poulter, Pat Poynton, Mr I & Mrs G Reaves, Nick and Carole Reed, Graham Russell & Gloria Bates, Helen Russell, John & Pat Rutter, Gillian Shaw, Bryan Smith, Tony Smith, David & Lucy Stanley, Isabel Stewart, Mr A Taylor, Robert & Julia Verrion, Howard & Judy Vero, Dr D & Mr P Wardley, Alan Woodfield and other anonymous donors.

Maestro, Icon & Director Supporters Mr B & Mrs V Adams, Mr M Archer, Mr & Mrs Bentley, Mr & Mrs H Buckingham, Mrs J Cadbury MBE, Paul & Dee Cocking, Mrs E Cooke, Mr J Cunningham-Dexter, Mr N & Mrs P Cunningham-Dexter, Lady G Curtis, Mr Mark Drugan, Mr Roger K Edwards, Mr R & Mrs C Evans, Mr R Guest, Mr & Mrs Martyn R Hale, Mr Philip Harrison, Mr Peter How, Dr Johnston, Dr & Mrs D Kett, Mr K Martin, Mr & Mrs P Maskell, Mr David R.Mayes OBE, Mr Richard Meek, Mrs E Murray, Mr Robert Pockney, Ms K Porter, Mr Adrian Quin, Mr Jim Quinn, Mr J Redshaw, Mr M Rogers, Mr Graham Russell, Mrs J Rutter, Mr M Somerville, Mr K StokesSmith, Mr & Mrs Stormont, Mr & Mrs G Tovell, Mr Neville Trumper, Dr Justin Varney-Bennett, Mr & Mrs Verrion, Mr Robert Vivian, Mr A Watson, Mr M Wilkes, Mr & Mrs Willis, Mr A J Woodfield and anonymous supporters.

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How to book How to book Online: bmusic.co.uk By phone: 0121 780 3333 Telephone lines open Monday to Saturday, 10am – 2pm.

In person: Symphony Hall’s Box Office is open Monday to Saturday. Closed Sundays and Bank Holidays, except when there is an event (open two hours before event starts) Town Hall’s Box Office is open two hours before the start of a performance.

How to reach us: Symphony Hall is located in Centenary Square, Birmingham, B1 2EA Town Hall is located in Victoria Square, Birmingham, B3 3DQ

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Accessibility Everyone is welcome at Town Hall and Symphony Hall, and we will do whatever we can to ensure that you have an enjoyable visit.

We know that sometimes the best way to prepare for a trip is to have a look around, that’s why our friends at Autism West Midlands created a fantastic interactive Google street view available at bmusic.co.uk. Explore both venues all the way from the street to the stage, ahead of your visit from the comfort of your home.

Access line: 0121 289 6343 Data protection Once you have booked tickets 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 the programme of events at Town Hall and Symphony Hall using any one of the contact methods provided. Other arts organisation and companies carefully selected by B:Music may also be interested in sending you information on events and product they think will be of interest. If you do not want your details to be passed to another organisation, please let us know at time of booking. If you wish to amend your consent, please log into your online account or contact Box Office on 0121 289 6333. To read our full Data Promise, visit bmusic.co.uk Disclaimer Information in this guide was correct at the time of going to press and published in good faith. Unforeseen circumstances, however, may result in changes to the published programme or names of artists: please check prior to booking.

Staff list Chief Executive Officer Nick Reed Chief Operating Officer Nick Loveland Commercial Director of Commercial Sales Nicole Evans Kitchen Manager/Chef Lee Hollington Head of Food & Beverage Isabel Hyams Event and Contract Administrator Caroline Manders Development Development Manager Guy Oddy Executive Head of HR Rachel Adams Executive Assistant Sarah Coward Facilities Facilities Manager Michelle Walker Finance Director of Finance Janine Bradley Sales, Events & Purchase Ledger Glenn Hughes Financial Accountant Karen Rowbottom Management Accountant Gillian Tuby Front of House Customer Services Manager Philip Thomas IT IT Manager Garry Albrow IT Systems Administrator & Support Analyst Joshua Williams

Programme Jazz Programme Producer Richard Foote Jazz Programme Producer Rohit Jepegnanam Head of Programme Chris Proctor Contemporary Programme Producer Laura Tellwright Jazz Programme Manager Mary Wakelam Sloan Sales & Marketing Marketing & Communication Assistant Lerah Barcenilla Ticket Sales Assistant Darren Coleman Ticket Sales Assistant Steven Gardner Ticket Sales Assistant Emma Grainger Events and Ticketing Officer Vicky Heath Director of Sales and Marketing Richard Loftus Events and Ticketing Officer Kerrie McGoldrick Digital Content Manager Eva Phillips Box Office Manager Rebecca Steen Customer Services Adviser Simon Wade Marketing Manager Danny Watkins Customer Communications Assistant Gemma Whitfield

Contributors Interviews by Sam Moore Born and raised in Selly Oak, Birmingham, Sam is a writer and journalist now based in south-west London. He primarily writes for NME, and has previously written for the BBC, The i and Birmingham Mail, among others.

Brochure Design by Luke Tonge Luke is a graphic designer, lecturer, and events wrangler in Birmingham. He specialises in identity & editorial work for brands, agencies and charities – google him for more info.

Production & Technical Technician Greg Andrews Production Coordinator Des Hall Production Manager Kat Hodgkinson Technician Alex Nankivell Technical Manager Rebecca Pratchett Technician David Shephard Technician Mitch Siviter Production Coordinator Sarah Taylor

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Return address B:Music Ltd, Symphony Hall, 8 Centenary Square, Birmingham, B1 2EA.