Some of Europe’s finest orchestras are to perform on Westside as the Birmingham Classical Series is unveiled for Symphony Hall.
The exciting programme of concerts includes a debut appearance at the iconic Centenary Square venue by the Sinfonia of London as it embarks on its first UK tour.
And there are ‘first-ever’ performances at Symphony Hall by leading European orchestras, including the Belgian National Orchestra.
The programme of concerts for Symphony Hall and its sister venue at the nearby Town Hall forms the 2022/23 Birmingham Classical Series, its first full classical season in more than two years after the Covid pandemic.
The new season will feature a host of world class soloists, orchestras and conductors.
Nick Reed, chief executive of B:Music, which runs the venues, said: “After two challenging years, we’re delighted to present a full season of great orchestras, acclaimed soloists and exciting rising stars.
“There are thrilling musical experiences on a grand scale but there are also more intimate and informal performances to enjoy. We hope this will be a comeback season to remember.”
The Sinfonia of London, a hand-picked ‘super-orchestra’ of leaders and section principals from the UK’s finest orchestras, performs at Symphony Hall on 26 November.
Pianist Martin James Bartlett joins conductor John Wilson for a performance which includes music by Walton, Ravel, Gershwin and Debussy.
The following day sees saxophonist Jess Gillam and pianist James Baillieu playing in Symphony Hall’s new Jennifer Blackwell Performance Space, in the first of four ECHO Rising Stars concerts by the European Concert Hall Organisation on Sunday mornings.
Jess, who reached the BBC Young Musician final and presented her own award-winning BBC Radio 3 show, will be followed in the series by Vanessa and Jessica Porter on 19 February, James Newby and Joseph Middleton on 23 April, and Diana Tishchenko and José Gallardo on 14 May. Other performances include:
- Norwegian-Mexican artist and producer Carmen Villain in the Jennifer Blackwell Performance Space with the Manchester Camerata Ensemble.
- The Belgian National Orchestra in Symphony Hall, which includes Mozart’s masterpiece Piano Concerto No 25.
- The return of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra with guest conductor and world-renowned virtuoso violinist Nikolaj Szeps-Znaider.
- The Armenian State Symphony Orchestra featuring violinist Jennifer Pike performing works by Rimsky-Korsakov, Khachaturian and Tchaikovsky.
- Ex Cathedra Choir and Baroque Orchestra with Bach’s St Matthew Passion.
Full dates and tickets for concerts priced from £13 are available from www.bmusic.co.uk.
Main picture: Jess Gillam
