Birmingham Post - Birmingham Culture - Music

Our forefathers were electric conductors

Birmingham Post — Fri, 17 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT

The Baltic region has become a hot bed for talented conductors. Christopher Morley talks to Estonian maestro Neeme Jarvi about why the region has produced so much musical mastery.

Enigmatic composer Carl Davis premieres new soundtrack at Symphony Hall

Birmingham Post — Fri, 17 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Enigmatic composer and conductor Carl Davis prepares to premiere the new soundtrack to Harold Lloyd's famous film The Freshman at Symphony Hall tomorrow. Here he describes what it is about Harold that he finds so fascinating.

Alison Moyet: I'll never sell my soul for a record deal

Birmingham Post — Fri, 17 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Singer Alison Moyet was first thrust into the spotlight in the 80s with Yazoo. She talks to Sarah Probert about her proudest moment and why she is a reluctant celebrity.

Review: CBSO/Viva Italia! Symphony Hall

Birmingham Post — Fri, 17 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

No cause for alarm, but last Wednesday Andris Nelsons stopped conducting the CBSO. Not all the time, I stress, but frequently enough for us to appreciate the trust that exists between him and his beloved players.

Review: Ex Cathedra at Birmingham Town Hall

Birmingham Post — Fri, 17 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Ex Cathedra is undoubtedly one of the jewels in our region's glittering cultural crown.

Review: Benjamin Grosvenor with Orchestra Of The Swan, at Birmingham Town Hall

Birmingham Post — Thu, 16 May 2013 07:30:00 GMT

One of the hallmarks of the Orchestra of the Swan's success is the gift of collaboration.

Jazz Diary

Birmingham Post — Thu, 16 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Another solid week of good club gigs and free treats lies ahead, with some vibrant visiting players and strong support from the home teams.

Birmingham Opera Company's RPS Award for Stockhausen performance

Birmingham Post — Wed, 15 May 2013 08:01:00 GMT

Birmingham Opera Company has won the Opera and Music Theatre award at the Royal Philharmonic Society Music Awards.

Sumptuous feast of music with international flavour in Birmingham

Birmingham Post — Fri, 10 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Christopher Morley looks at the highlights of a busy classical music season in Birmingham.

Last of the Bee Gees goes it alone

Birmingham Post — Fri, 10 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Barry Gibb talks about life back on the road for the first time since the death of his brothers. Martin Hutchinson reports.

We British really know how to put on the pomp

Birmingham Post — Fri, 10 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Actress Jean Boht talks to Alison Jones about her celebration concert for the 60th anniversary of the Queen's Coronation.

Review: Cheltenham Jazz Festival at Various venues

Birmingham Post — Fri, 10 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

I restricted myself mainly to the Jazz Legends strand: US band leaders who have been plying their trade for quite a while now - in the case of vibes player Gary Burton for over 50 years.

Review: CBSO/Andris Nelsons and Mitsuko Uchida at Symphony Hall

Birmingham Post — Fri, 10 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

The juxtaposition of Mozart, Webern, Messiaen and Scriabin may have been a shock to some of Mitsuko Uchida's regular fans, but for those willing to embrace a challenge this CBSO: 2020 programme was intensely thrilling.

Review: The Song Of The Severn at Forum Theatre, Malvern

Birmingham Post — Fri, 10 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Ian Venables has always been a courageous composer, unafraid to bare his soul in music which speaks so communicatively to the listener.

Jazz Diary

Birmingham Post — Thu, 09 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Judged against the age of other academic institutions, the jazz course at Birmingham Conservatoire Jazz Department may be barely out of nappies, but its impact on the jazz music not only of this city but far beyond is being felt in increasing large ripples.

Review: Cheltenham Jazz Festival 2013

Birmingham Post — Tue, 07 May 2013 11:30:00 GMT

Peter Bacon attends some of the gigs in Cheltenham during this year's jazz festival

Review: Noah And The Whale, at Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry

Birmingham Post — Mon, 06 May 2013 17:31:00 GMT

A rare chance for fans to hear a glimpse of that new sound with its rousing strings and streamlined guitars.

Noddy Holder heads back out onto the road

Birmingham Post — Fri, 03 May 2013 11:00:00 GMT

Noddy Holder was just seven years old when he stood up on stage at a working men's club to sing. Sixty years on, he talks to Roz Laws about his glittering musical career - and what happened to that famous hat.

CBSO launches programme based on sound business sense

Birmingham Post — Fri, 03 May 2013 05:25:00 GMT

The chief executive of the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra says it has taken an entrepreneurial approach after unveiling its “broadest ever programme” for its 2013/14 season.

Philanthropy is music to Ernie Kay's ears

Birmingham Post — Fri, 03 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT

A Worcestershire philanthropist who is commissioning a range of musical projects talks to Christopher Morley.