Orchestra announces festive programme.
Christmas with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra will be fun for the whole family this year with a veritable selection box of musical treats on offer for the festive season.
Star of TV’s Outnumbered, Hugh Dennis, will host the CBSO’s annual Festive Favourites concerts at Symphony Hall, Birmingham. One of the city’s best loved seasonal highlights, these concerts – conducted once again by CBSO Chorus Director Simon Halsey – will be full of much-loved tunes and carols, humorous readings and a chance to join in and sing along. The concerts take place on the evenings of Friday 19th, Sunday 21st and Monday 22n d December, with an additional afternoon concert at 3pm on Sunday 21st. The CBSO Youth Chorus and Children’s Chorus sing with the CBSO Chorus in the evenings whilst acclaimed community choirs CBSO SO Vocal and Young Voices team up with the CBSO Chorus on Sunday afternoon.
There is a special treat for the under fives at CBSO Centre with Notelets: Christmas Crackers. Join members of the CBSO brass section for some festive musical treats bringing seasonal fun to this magical time of year. Each concert lasts 45 minutes and there will be lively presentation, lots to see and plenty of chances for fidgety feet to dance their way through the concert. Free craft activities take place from an hour before each concert and at the end there is a chance to meet the musicians and see their instruments close up.
Another audience favourite for this season of goodwill will be the Palm Court Christmas Party on Monday 22n d December at CBSO Centre, 1.10pm. Be transported back in time for a glitzy roaring twenties Christmas with the CBSO’s 10-piece Berkley Salon Ensemble alongside the CBSO Youth Chorus, performing a matinee concert which is sure to have audiences singing along to lovely lunchtime tunes and Christmas classics.
Finally, audiences can waltz into the New Year with The Magic of Vienna on Sunday 4th January, 3pm. An effervescent programme of sweet waltzes and sparkling polkas will feel like a musical glass of bubbly to toast the arrival of 2015, with conductor Duncan Ward and soprano Kate Royal.
Stephen Maddock, CBSO chief executive said: “Each year we look forward to sharing Christmas with all our audiences, from the long-term supporters of the CBSO to the youngsters who are just starting to experience the magic of music. Our Christmas concerts are much loved and we are delighted to have Hugh Dennis presenting this year. There is something for all the family to enjoy as we celebrate Christmas in Birmingham.”
Front page pic: Neil Pugh
