I don’t know about you, but I have eaten far too much, had a lovely time with family and all that, but I am definitely ready for a new year, the children going back to school and having a chance to hear myself think once again. On the off chance that you haven’t spent absolutely all of your money and you’re looking for some things to do with the family to pass those long winter nights, maybe a night out at the concert hall will be in your future. So, here I have a roundup of the music and music-based (there is a lot of music in a Musical Theatre show or a ballet. for example) events going on in our Birmingham venues. At the time of writing, all of the events I have included below have ticket availability, though obviously this may well have changed by the time you read this post.
Living in a big city, as we do, there are always a lot of shows on every month for to choose from, and so I include a Table of Contents immediately below so you can have a quick look at all the events covered, and jump straight to the venue/show you are most interested in, or alternatively have a scroll through everything on the list.
- Birmingham Hippodrome
- Symphony Hall
- The Drifters on 3 January at 7.30pm
- CBSO 2024/25 Viennese New Year on 5 January at 3pm
- CBSO 2024/25: CBSO Explores – Friends in Love and War on 11 January at 7pm
- The Classic Rock Show on 12 January at 7.30pm
- CBSO 2024/25: Romeo and Juliet on 15 January at 7.30pm
- German National Orchestra: Official Partner of the Berlin Philharmonic on 16 January at 7pm
- Free Jazz Fridays: Celebrating Sanctuary Takeover: Rihab Azar on 17 January at 5pm
- Magic of Motown on 17 January at 7.30pm
- Sax In The City with The Notebenders on 18 January at 1.30pm
- CBSO 2024/25 Mendelssohn & Brahms on 23 January at 2.15pm
- Midday Mantra: Burns and Beyond on 25 January at 1pm
- ECHO Rising Stars: Quatuor Agate – Outlaws on 26 January at 11am
- BIMM at B:Eats on 30 January at 1pm
- Boyzlife on 30 January at 7.30pm
- Free Jazz Fridays: Giulia Marro Duo on 31 January at 5pm
- CBSO 2024/25: Musical Magic on 31 January at 7.30pm
- Birmingham Town Hall
- The Tiger Who Came To Tea on 27 December – 5 January at 11am and 1pm
- Black Dyke in Concert on 12 January at 2.30pm
- Lunchtime Organ Concert: Thomas Trotter on 13 January at 1pm
- Man In The Mirror on 15 January at 7.30pm
- A Tribute To Age Carpenters featuring The British Carpenters on 16 January at 7.30pm
- Get It On! The Glam Rock Show on 17 January at 7.30pm
- Sweet Caroline: A Tribute to Neil Diamond on 18 January at 7.30pm
- CBSO 2024/25: Wind Play Mozart on 26 January at 3pm
- Lunchtime Organ Concert: Thomas Trotter – Spaced Out! on 27 January at 1pm
- Thank You For The Music on 31 January at 7.30pm
- CBSO Centre
- Birmingham Rep Theatre
- The Alexandra Theatre
- The Crescent Theatre
- Midland Arts Centre (MAC)
- Royal Birmingham Conservatoire
- Barber Institute of Fine Arts/Birmingham University
Birmingham Hippodrome
Home to Birmingham Royal Ballet and the Welsh National Opera, the Hippodrome is a fantastic large venue that hosts touring arts companies who put on big shows like musicals.
What’s On page and booking information: Birmingham Hippodrome
The Jingleclaw on 13 December – 4 January at various times
In a cosy village nestled in the snowy mountains, the Shnootnoot Winter Festival is fast approaching. Astrid is busy practising to play with her school band. Everyone wants her to keep in time, but Astrid just wants to march to the beat of her own drum. Meanwhile, deep in the Winterwood, The Jingleclaw awakes, a mischievous monster who can’t STAND festive cheer and music.
Can Astrid find a way to keep the village safe? With original songs, festive magic (and a little bit of naughtiness!), The Jingleclaw is the perfect first musical for ages 3+.
Please note this show is recommended for ages 3+.
NB Some dates have limited availability for tickets, so book soon to avoid disappointment.
Peter Pan on 21 December – 2 February at various times
Following a triumphant season last year, and by popular demand, Birmingham’s own Alison Hammond returns to Birmingham Hippodrome’s panto, this year leading the cast as The Magical Mermaid!
Alison joins Hippodrome panto star and award-winning comic Matt Slack, who returns for an eleventh season as Smee, star of stage and screen Danny Mac as Captain Hook, resident dame Andrew Ryan and Billie-Kay who returns for a second year as Tink!
They will be joined by performers Rhiannon Chesterman as Wendy, and Noah Harrison in the title role of Peter Pan.
With amazing special effects, stunning sets and beautiful costumes direct from The London Palladium, Peter Pan will take your whole family on a magical trip to Neverland like never before!
Be part of the panto magic at Britain’s biggest regional panto! Hook your tickets today…
Please note, this show is recommended for ages 5+.
NB Some dates have limited availability for tickets, so book soon to avoid disappointment.
Symphony Hall
Symphony Hall is a wonderful purpose built concert hall, famous for its amazing acoustics. The Hall is part of the International Convention Centre on Centenary Square and next door to Birmingham Rep Theatre.
What’s On page and booking information: Symphony Hall
The Drifters on 3 January at 7.30pm
Age Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult 18+
Running time 2 hours 20 minutes incl. interval
The Drifters are back performing all their classic hits including ‘Saturday Night at the Movies’, ‘You’re More Than A Number,’ ‘Come on Over to My Place’, ‘Under the Boardwalk’, ‘Kissin’ In The Back Row’ and many more!
The legendary group have been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, performed for the President of the United States and listed among the Greatest Artists of All Time by Rolling Stone magazine.
Under the guidance of Tina Treadwell (daughter of the group’s original founders, George & Faye Treadwell) The Drifters have enjoyed a remarkable resurgence in recent years.
CBSO 2024/25 Viennese New Year on 5 January at 3pm
Age Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult 18+
Running time This concert will last approximately 2 hours.
The glitz and glamour of Vienna in Birmingham’s Symphony Hall.
The perfect pick-me-up for a Sunday afternoon in early January, offering the sparkle of Vienna right here in Birmingham. There’s something incredibly romantic and truly joyful about elegant waltzes, playful polkas and light-hearted operetta. So, let the CBSO whirl you into a new year feeling romanced, revitalised and ready for 2025!
CBSO 2024/25: CBSO Explores – Friends in Love and War on 11 January at 7pm
Age Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult 18+
Running time This concert will last approximately 2 hours.
Contemporary French and British art and music combine.
In collaboration with Ikon Gallery, we’re further exploring visual elements within the concert hall. FRIENDS IN LOVE AND WAR is an exhibition which looks at the theme of friendship through France and Britain. This concert responds to the theme through a programme of exploratory French and British pieces, including a world premiere by French-born, London-based composer and soprano Héloïse Werner.
The Classic Rock Show on 12 January at 7.30pm
Age Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult 18+
An amazing opportunity for rock fans, young and old, to celebrate three decades of the world’s greatest classic rock music with a stunning multi-million dollar sound and light show to match. Note-for-note, anthem after anthem, riff after riff and solo after solo – culminating in a show-stopping guitar duel, that is definitely not to be missed.
CBSO 2024/25: Romeo and Juliet on 15 January at 7.30pm
Age Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult 18+
Running time This concert will last approximately 2 hours.
A celebration of Ukraine, and the most famous romance in literature.
This programme showcases a fabulously rich heritage of Ukrainian musicians: from conductor Kirill Karabits, to Lyatoshinsky, who studied with Glière, who taught Prokofiev! Experience this astonishing wealth of talent with an unusual concerto for voice (the amazing Jennifer France scales its dramatic heights) and two colourful treatments of Romeo and Juliet.
German National Orchestra: Official Partner of the Berlin Philharmonic on 16 January at 7pm
Age Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult 18+
A blockbuster of a concert! And one that showcases every instrument in the orchestra – literally, in the case of Britten’s Young Person’s Guide. Britten turns the spotlight on each orchestral section in turn, then puts it all together in an incredible fugue to create a breathtaking climax. Holst takes us deep into the universe, giving the planets astrological characters and bringing them to life in cinematic technicolour with his masterly use of the orchestra. There’s pounding, militaristic Mars, The Bringer of War; Jupiter, The Bringer of Jollity; and Neptune, the Mystic, whose celestial chorus dissipates into the cosmos to leave us floating in space.
In between, is Gershwin’s Jazz Age masterpiece, Rhapsody in Blue. Wayne Marshall is a celebrated interpreter of Gershwin’s music who perfectly balances “the jazzman’s freewheeling, rhapsodic manner alongside a concert pianist’s formality” (Gramophone). With the superbly talented musicians of the German National Orchestra – official partner of the world’s most famous orchestra, the Berlin Philharmonic – you can expect youthful high spirits, vital energy and impeccable playing.
Highly recommended for newcomers and old hands alike!
Free Jazz Fridays: Celebrating Sanctuary Takeover: Rihab Azar on 17 January at 5pm
Age Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult 18+
Rihab Azar is a Syrian oud player, composer and music facilitator. Strongly influenced by Middle-Eastern music, as well as frequently collaborating with musicians, ensembles and orchestras with different genre focuses, Rihab has played and written music for projects involving storytelling, visual arts, film, TV programmes, radio and theatre plays.
Free event.
Magic of Motown on 17 January at 7.30pm
Age Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult 18+
Seen by millions, The Magic of Motown is back with its 20th Anniversary Tour!
It’s no surprise that this show is one of the biggest success stories in British theatre history.
Come celebrate our brand-new show for 2024 as we Reach Out and show you there ain’t no mountain high enough with the biggest Motown party of the year.
Get ready for all the hits, glittering costumes, dazzling dance routines and outstanding musicianship in this breath-taking live concert spectacular.
You will be going Loco down in Acapulco as we take you back down memory lane with all the Motown classics from artists such as: Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder, The Temptations, The Supremes, The Four Tops, Martha Reeves, The Jackson 5, Smokey Robinson, and many, many more.
Celebrate the sound of a generation with one very special night of The Magic of Motown!
This is a tribute show and is no way affiliated with any original artists/estates/management companies or similar shows.
Promoter reserves the right to alter the programme.
Sax In The City with The Notebenders on 18 January at 1.30pm
Age Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult 18+
Running time Event start: 1:30pm, Event end: 3pm
B:Music welcome back the Ladywood-based community big band The Notebenders to Symphony Hall to uplift with their unique mix of jazz and calypso music
CBSO 2024/25 Mendelssohn & Brahms on 23 January at 2.15pm
Age Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult 18+
Running time This concert will last approximately 2 hours.
Charm, wit – and a well-earned triumph!
“I wrote it in but a few days and almost carelessly”, said Mendelssohn (perhaps too modestly!) about his first Piano Concerto. Benjamin Grosvenor sparkles in the solo role. Mozart’s ‘Prague’ Symphony is effortless elegance itself, while hinting at a dark side. Brahms, on the other hand, laboured over his first symphony for nearly 20 years. It was well worth his trouble – personal, powerful and with a glorious (possibly relieved) finale.
Midday Mantra: Burns and Beyond on 25 January at 1pm
Age Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult 18+
Sampad’s Midday Mantra series stands as a celebration of South Asian musical traditions, enriching cultural experiences for audiences. In collaboration with B:Music, this programme encapsulates classical, folk, and contemporary styles, creating a captivating blend of world-class performances. Renowned musicians showcase their talents, providing a dynamic platform for artistic expression and cultural exploration.
Each installment of Midday Mantra is a journey into the soul-stirring melodies that define South Asian music. The series invites audiences to immerse themselves in the rich sounds of traditional ragas and contemporary compositions. By bringing together top-tier musicians from across the world, Sampad contributes to the preservation and evolution of South Asian musical heritage.
Midday Mantra is more than a concert series; it is a cultural odyssey that transcends boundaries, fostering appreciation and understanding of the diverse musical traditions that shape the South Asian diaspora.
ECHO Rising Stars: Quatuor Agate – Outlaws on 26 January at 11am
Age Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult 18+
From 16th century composer, prince and assassin Carlo Gesualdo, to the outspoken lesbian and imprisoned suffragette Ethel Smyth, via Dmitri Shostakovich, declared an ‘enemy of the people’ by Stalin’s regime, all have had to answer for their actions or opinions. Quatuor Agate bring together the unique lives of ‘outlaw’ musicians who not only composed outside the musical norms of their time but also acted on the fringes of societal norms. With costumes, lighting and image projections, this immersive and fascinating Sunday morning concert is introduced by Princess Eleonora d’Este, the second wife of Carlo Gesualdo (he had murdered his first), who narrates the dark legend of her husband.
The Paris-based Quatuor Agate have been performing and innovating since 2016. Just weeks after their inception, they created the CorsiClassic festival in Corsica to bring chamber music to diverse audiences, and have gone on to collect armfuls of competition prizes, garner critical acclaim and perform around the globe.
Rising Stars are nominated by the artistic directors of Europe’s most prestigious venues which are members of the European Concert Hall Organisation (ECHO).
An hour-long Sunday morning concert, with coffee/tea and a slice of cake available before the concert, included in your ticket
BIMM at B:Eats on 30 January at 1pm
Age Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult 18+
Celebrating emerging talent from BIMM University Birmingham
Boyzlife on 30 January at 7.30pm
Age Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult 18+
There are few acts that accomplished the level of success that Boyzone and West life respectively achieved as two of the defining groups of 90s and 00s boyband era, with an incredible 21+ UK No.1 singles and countless millions of audience members performed to worldwide.
Now, Boyzlife, the supergroup comprised of Boyzone’s Keith Duffy and Westlife’s Brian McFadden, will celebrate the iconic and defining hits from both acts with their first tour in two years.
Free Jazz Fridays: Giulia Marro Duo on 31 January at 5pm
Age Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult 18+
Giulia Marro is a jazz clarinetist and vocalist from Northern Ireland and is now based in Birmingham as she studies at the conservatoire.
Over the past three years, Giulia has led her own bands around the West Midlands and Belfast performing music of the swing era in popular jazz venues such as The Spotted Dog, Scott’s Jazz Club, 1000 trades and many more.
Giulia’s sound is characterised by her warm tone and fast vibrato typical of the 1920’s – 40’s and her inspirations include Barney Bigard, Jimmy Hamilton, Edmond Hall and more.
CBSO 2024/25: Musical Magic on 31 January at 7.30pm
Age Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult 18+
Running time This concert will last approximately 2 hours.
The wonderful world of musicals!
Settle in for some of the most well-loved songs from the world of musicals – from classic Disney and Roald Dahl’s Matilda to a flying car and a flying house – and magical kingdoms of all kinds. With amazing singers from the West End stage, alongside conductor Michael England and the full CBSO, it’s sure to be a magical evening.
In association with West End International.
Birmingham Town Hall
Symphony Hall’s sister venue, Birmingham Town Hall is just a little way down the road.
What’s On page and booking information: Birmingham Town Hall
The Tiger Who Came To Tea on 27 December – 5 January at 11am and 1pm
Age 3+
Direct from the West End, the Olivier Award nominated smash hit show, The Tiger Who Came to Tea returns on tour.
The doorbell rings just as Sophie and her mummy are sitting down to tea. Who could it possibly be? What they certainly don’t expect to see at the door is a big, stripy tiger!
Join the tea-guzzling tiger in this delightful family show; packed with oodles of magic, sing-a-long songs and clumsy chaos. Don’t miss this stunning stage adaptation of the classic tale of teatime mayhem… expect to be surprised!
Black Dyke in Concert on 12 January at 2.30pm
Age Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult 18+
Since its formation in 1855, the record of achievement of the Black Dyke Band can be considered without parallel in the Brass Band world. Everything that has been accomplished stems from a core principle held by all band members, past and present, that the Band exists to promote the very highest quality of musicianship at all times.
It is no accident that amongst its ranks Black Dyke has been fortunate enough, throughout its history, to have some of the greatest exponents of their instruments as playing members. This has also been true of conductors and the musical associations the band has enjoyed through the decades. The virtuoso ensembles that have formed Black Dyke, at different times, have all been able to contribute to and develop a unique musical legacy.
Another critically important factor in this success has been the camaraderie and sheer joy experienced by all members in coming together to play Brass instruments as part of a band. Many players have been world-class soloists in their own right, and when they have come together under the Black Dyke banner, they have achieved and sustained musical excellence.
Lunchtime Organ Concert: Thomas Trotter on 13 January at 1pm
Age Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult 18+
Birmingham City Organist since 1983, Thomas Trotter is one of the world’s top-ranking virtuoso organists and was awarded the 2020 Queen’s Medal for Music. His fortnightly lunchtime concerts last around an hour and showcase the organ’s sublime delicacy and awesome power – as well as his own technical wizardry – in some of the most inventive programmes you’re ever likely to hear.
Man In The Mirror on 15 January at 7.30pm
Age Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult 18+
Running time 2 hours and 20 minutes incl. interval
Join us for a Thriller of an evening, as we celebrate the legendary music of the King of Pop. This is the “Man in the Mirror”– The brand new must-see, electrifying tribute concert to Michael Jackson. Starring CJ, one of the world’s greatest Michael Jackson Tribute Artists and supported by a talented cast of performers and musicians who capture the essence of Michael Jackson’s unique style and charisma like no other.
A Tribute To Age Carpenters featuring The British Carpenters on 16 January at 7.30pm
Age Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult 18+
Running time Approximately 2 hour 20 mins including a 20 min interval
It’s time to get over that rainbow and make the smallest of dreams come true with A Tribute to the Carpenters.
The original Carpenters tribute is back with a brand-new show for 2025!
Featuring Gordy Marshall’s, The British Carpenters, starring the fantastic Sally Creedon as Karen Carpenter and with an incredible cast made up of musicians straight from London’s West End.
Join us for one very special night, on top of the world, to create a dream come true, celebrating the legendary music of the Carpenters.
Bringing to life all the hits including, ‘Close to You’, ‘Top of the World’, ‘Rainy Days and Mondays’, ‘Please Mr Postman’, ‘Goodbye to Love and many more’ and we recreate the soundtrack of our lives.
This is a tribute show and is no way affiliated with any original artists/estates/management companies or similar shows.
Promoter reserves the right to alter the programme.
Get It On! The Glam Rock Show on 17 January at 7.30pm
Age Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult 18+
Running time 140 mins (inc. interval)
It’s time to bang a gong and Get It On for – The Glam Rock Show! Girls rock your boys as we bring you the biggest glam rock show of a generation! An outrageous celebration of a golden age, live on stage. The costumes, the make-up, the music. You ain’t seen nothing yet! So, bring your tiger feet and join us for a night like no other. We will transport you back to a time dreams were made of!
Featuring the biggest hits from T.Rex, Mud, Slade, Bowie, Suzi Quatro, Wizzard, Sweet and many more. Come on feel the noize and dress to impress for this feel-good show of the year!
Sweet Caroline: A Tribute to Neil Diamond on 18 January at 7.30pm
Age Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult 18+
Running time Approximately 2 hour 20 mins including a 20 min interval
It’s time for that night out you have been dreaming of ! As we invite you to celebrate the life and work of Neil Diamond – starring the renowned tribute artist Gary Ryan, as seen on Stars in Their Eyes. The show will take you for one special evening, back to where it began. A musical journey celebrating 50 years of some of the greatest songs ever written. From Brooklyn to Hollywood, Neil Diamond has left a legacy of great songs which have been covered by every great vocalist.
CBSO 2024/25: Wind Play Mozart on 26 January at 3pm
Age Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult 18+
Running time This concert will last approximately 1 hour.
Two pearls of beauty for wind ensemble.
Anna Clyne was inspired by Emily Dickinson’s enigmatic poetry for Overflow in which the poet flirts with the mighty power of the sea. The wind ‘dectet’ portrays both the seabed, and the playful, sometimes sinister, creatures and forces within. Mozart’s Gran Partita is simply sublime – in the 1984 film Amadeus, Salieri is overcome with wonder on hearing it: “This was a music I’d never heard. Filled with such longing…”
Lunchtime Organ Concert: Thomas Trotter – Spaced Out! on 27 January at 1pm
Age Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult 18+
Birmingham City Organist since 1983, Thomas Trotter is one of the world’s top-ranking virtuoso organists and was awarded the 2020 Queen’s Medal for Music. His fortnightly lunchtime concerts last around an hour and showcase the organ’s sublime delicacy and awesome power – as well as his own technical wizardry – in some of the most inventive programmes you’re ever likely to hear.
Thank You For The Music on 31 January at 7.30pm
Age Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult 18+
Running time 2.5 hours approx. (includes a 20 minute interval)
Calling all Dancing Queens, this is your night to say, Thank you for the Music! This international smash-hit tribute show brings all ABBA’s number one hits to the stage in a production like no other. With a brand-new show for 2024, the show combines the unmistakable harmonies, colourful costumes, and dazzling performances by our all-star cast. Join us for the party of the year as we bring you all the hits, including Waterloo, Dancing Queen, Mamma Mia, and many many more! Thank you for the Music! For without a song or a dance what are we?
CBSO Centre
The CBSO is a world class orchestra, right on our doorstep. They have performed all over the world, and are absolutely fantastic. The orchestra performs regularly at both the Town Hall and Symphony Hall in Birmingham and in their own home just down the road and nearer the canal, the CBSO Centre. You will see above in the listing for both Symphony Hall and Town Hall that concerts by the CBSO are being performed at those venues this month, in this section I am talking only about the concerts that will take place at the CBSO Centre.
What’s On page and booking information: CBSO Centre
CBSO 2024/25: Centre Stage – Arensky, Schubert, Mozart on 24 January at 2pm
Age Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult 18+
Running time This concert will last approximately 1 hour.
Join us at the home of the CBSO for a series of short, informal afternoon concerts, programmed and introduced by CBSO musicians.
Programme and performers to be announced.
Birmingham Rep Theatre
Located right next door to the ICC, the building that contains Symphony Hall on Broad Street, Birmingham Rep is a Producing Theatre (means the shows on at the Rep are usually rehearsed, designed and made at the Theatre rather than the venue having all touring shows on their stage). I don’t always feature the Rep, as they have few music-based shows, but as there is a musical on there this month, here we are!
What’s On page and booking information: Birmingham Rep Theatre
The Snowflake on 5 December – 12 January at various times
Direct from the West End comes the most magical of shows for Christmas…
Wherever the wind takes us, we all find a place to land…
Based on the timeless Christmas story by Benji Davies, The Snowflaketells the tale of a snowflake, a little girl and her Grandpa – all longing for their own special place in the world.
The perfect show to introduce youngsters to the magical world of theatre”
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I Am Birmingham on Jack and The Magic BeanstalkUnwrap the magic at The Rep this festive season and find out how everyone can find their way to shine like a star!
an enchanting tale, perfectly adapted with little ones firmly in mind”
Yorkshire Times On The Storm Whale – Adapted & Directed By Matt AstonOur beloved Christmas production returns in The Door, offering the perfect introduction to theatre for our younger audiences.
Lively and engaging”
Culture Bab on Little Red Riding HoodPlease note that this show is recommended for ages 3-6.
The Snowman on 9 – 12 January at various times
When a young boy’s snowman comes to life on Christmas Eve, the two set off on a night-time quest for adventure. They meet Father Christmas, dancing penguins, reindeer and crowds of The Snowman’s friends, but will they escape evil Jack Frost and get back home for Christmas morning?
Based on Raymond Brigg’s much-loved book and featuring Howard Blake’s classic song Walking In The Air, this enchanting live show has thrilled audiences throughout the world since first appearing on stage over twenty-five years ago. Be a part of the magic.
The Alexandra Theatre
The Alexandra Theatre is a Receiving House Theatre (it receives productions, and does not rehearse, desig, direct the show in house) in the heart of Birmingham.
What’s On page and booking information: The Alexandra Theatre
The Simon & Garfunkel Story on 22 January at 7.30pm
Few shows have experienced the phenomenal global success of The Simon & Garfunkel Story, with multiple sold-out shows in over 50-countries worldwide and over 20 headline performances in London’s West End, including multiple appearances at the world-famous London Palladium.
Using huge projection photos and original film footage, the international hit show tells the story of the origins and meteoric rise of Simon & Garfunkel blended together seamlessly with a full live band performing all the hits including Mrs Robinson, Cecilia, Bridge Over Troubled Water, Homeward Bound and many more.
With standing ovations at every performance at the show Art Garfunkel himself loved, you don’t want to miss this international sensation.
Please note this is recommended for ages 12+.
Sing-a-long-a Matilda on 25 January at 2pm
Calling all revolting children and their parents – come and be a little a bit naughty at Sing-a-Long-a Matilda the Musical From the producers of Singalonga Sound of Music and Singalonga Frozen.
Now is your chance to interact with this incredible tale of a little girl making her great escape!
Find the “magic” inside of you and join our gang at the latest film to get the singalong treatment, the Tony and Olivier Award winning Matilda the Musical based on Roald Dahl’s novel.
Matilda is an extraordinary girl, who armed with a sharp mind and a vivid imagination, dares to take a stand to change her story with miraculous results.
Our host will help you have “a holiday in your head” as they teach you some dance moves, show you how to use your free props bags and have you booing the villains and championing the heroes.
YOU the audience are the stars!
It couldn’t be easier or more fun! The first rule of Sing-a-long-a is THERE ARE NO RULES! Fancy dress is strongly encouraged and full audience participation essential.
Do you want to change your story and be a little bit naughty? Well, this is your chance…
Please note this is a screening of the movie not a live stage show
Please note, this show is recommended for ages 4+.
Sing-a-Long-a The Greatest Show on 25 January at 7pm
From the producers of Singalonga Sound of Music and Singalonga GREASE, the smash hit film musical that everyone can’t stop singing.
Look out ‘cause here it comes….
Cheer on Hugh Jackman, lust after Zac Efron as you experience The Greatest Showman in the greatest way possible – with lyrics on the screen so you can join in as loud as you want.
And it’s marching on to the beat we drum.
Our live host will teach you a unique set of dance moves that will truly make you come alive. As they show you how to use our interactive prop bags.
YOU the audience will rewrite the stars!
It couldn’t be easier or more fun! Fancy dress is strongly encouraged and full audience participation essential.
Please note this is a screening of the movie not a live stage show.
Please note, this show is recommended for ages 5+.
The Crescent Theatre
The Crescent Theatre is a smaller Theatre near Brindley Place. It has a 300 seat auditorium and a 100 seat Studio Theatre.
What’s On Page and booking information: The Crescent Theatre
The Rat Pack – Swing Into ’25 on 1 January at 5pm
Swing into 2025 with this special New Year’s Day performance by the award winning Rat Pack.
The Pack return to The Crescent direct From The West End, The 02 and a Royal Command Performance. The acclaimed David Alacey (Lovejoy) stars as Frank Sinatra, with Paul Drakeley as Dean Martin and Central Television’s “Mr Weather” Des Coleman as Sammy Davis Jnr in the original Rat Pack show, now celebrating its 25th record breaking year. Including all the classics hits – the show also features the Buddy Greco band and Special Guest Maria Lara as Liza Minnelli. Memories are made of this!
Snow White on 10 – 12 January at 2.30pm and 7.30pm
In the enchanted kingdom of a fairytale forest, Snow White’s beauty enrages her wicked stepmother. Queen Lucrecia. Jealous and desperate to remain the fairest of all, orders Snow White’s death. Escaping into the forest, Snow White finds refuge with seven peculiar characters, but the Queen’s dark magic locates her, and, disguised as an old hag, she delivers a poisoned apple. With Snow White under a spell, her newfound friends, along with a hilarious Dame and brave Prince, must save her. Filled with laughter, music, audience participation and unlikely heroes, this pantomime is filled with humour and memorable moments for all the family.
Midland Arts Centre (MAC)
MAC is a multi-purpose venue, meaning that there is an art gallery both a separate gallery space and one around the cafe areas, workshop spaces, a theatre, a cinema, and other performance spaces. It is also located in Canon Hill Park making it a great place for a day out. It is definitely worth having a look through their website to see if there is something for you and your child(ren) to enjoy. During October half term it will be worth checking out their range of activities and courses for children and families, as there is always a lot going on! If you are heading to MAC in the near future, it is worth checking out my Venue Guide:
Venue Guide for Parents – Midland Arts Centre, or MAC
What’s On page and booking information: Midland Arts Centre (MAC)
Wicked on 27 December – 2 January at various times
Wicked, the untold story of the witches of Oz, stars Emmy, Grammy and Tony winning powerhouse Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, a young woman misunderstood because of her unusual green skin who has yet to discover her true power.
Grammy-winning, multi-platinum recording artist Ariana Grande also stars as Glinda, a popular young woman, gilded by privilege and ambition, who has yet to discover her true heart.
Rating: PG
Moana 2 on 20 December – 2 January at various times
Walt Disney Animation Studios’ epic animated musical Moana 2 takes audiences on an expansive new voyage with Moana, Maui and a brand-new crew of unlikely seafarers.
After receiving an unexpected call from her wayfinding ancestors, Moana must journey to the far seas of Oceania and into dangerous, long-lost waters for an adventure unlike anything she’s ever faced.
This film contains several sequences with flashing lights that may affect those who are susceptible to photosensitive epilepsy or have other photosensitivities.Rating: PG
Afreen Afreen Qawwali Night with Qalandar Band on 26 January at 4pm and 7.30pm
Featuring Qalandar Qawwali Band.
They are one of the best Qawwal groups in Europe. Qawwali is a Sufi devotional form known as the “path of the heart.”
Come enjoy 2 hours of your favourite Qawwalis of Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan.
Qawwal: Nafees Irfan
Host: Salman Malik
Jim Moray on 31 January at 8pm
Over the past two decades of British folk music, Jim Moray has marked himself out as having a singular, idiosyncratic vision that has rarely wavered in style and substance.
The cinematic vision of albums such as Skulk (2012), Upcetera (2016), and his game-changing debut Sweet England (2003) show just how far the old songs can be taken.
As Moray embarks on his third decade as a professional musician, he finds himself as one of the most celebrated interpreters of folk song in the UK. And never satisfied with staying still, there’s a sense that he has only just begun.
Royal Birmingham Conservatoire
Part of Birmingham City University, Birmingham Conservatoire is a music school with a number of purpose-built concert venues, both large and small.
What’s On page and booking information: Royal Birmingham Conservatoire
Melodies of a New Dawn on 12 January at 2.30pm
We’re excited to invite you to Melodies of a New Dawn, our student recital on Sunday 12 January 2025 at Royal Birmingham Conservatoire.
This year, we’ve upgraded to a professional venue, promising an inspiring experience for performers and audiences alike. Come and support our talented young musicians as they showcase their passion and hard work in this beautiful setting.
Bring your friends and family for an afternoon of unforgettable music.
Running time approx. two hours with a 10 minute interval
Pre CBSO Showcase: Vagabond Trio on 23 January at 1pm
Vagabundo Trio
Luanah Lefebvre violin
Gen Li cello
Maria Linares Molero pianoRavel Piano Trio
Formed in 2024, the Vagabundo Trio brings together French violinist Luanah Lefebvre, Chinese cellist Gen Li, and Spanish pianist Maria Linares, who met at Royal Birmingham Conservatoire and bonded over a shared performance of Chausson’s Concert0 Op.21, which initiated their path as an ensemble.
The name “Vagabundo,” meaning “wanderer” in Spanish, reflects the trio’s diverse cultural backgrounds and strong distinct personalities. Between them, they have garnered prestigious awards, including the Leamington Music Prize, Musician’s Company Award, Harrison Frank Foundation Award and Myra Hess HelpMusicians Award.
In addition to performing, the trio is committed to music education. Vagabundo Trio recently provided piano trio coaching with Young Sounds, the UK’s Attune chamber music programme, sharing their expertise and passion with the next generation of musicians.
This concert takes place before the CBSO performance of Mendelssohn and Brahms at Symphony Hall at 2.15pm.
Free event.
VoxBox: The Songs of André Caplet on 24 January at 7pm
Unlike most early twentieth century French composers, Claude Debussy did not engage in any formal institutional teaching. However, he did have one “disciple”, André Caplet, (1878-1925) a brilliant young French pianist, conductor and composer, who effectively became his assistant, almost his musical secretary, conducting many of the early performances of “Pelléas et Mélisande” including its first London performance.
Though hugely influenced by his close association with Debussy, Caplet developed a highly individual style, writing songs of great intensity, more often of ecstasy than despair. This evening we bring you many of those songs written between 1902 and 1924. Some of the grandest were written while on active service in the trenches as a soldier in the French army during World War 1, including one which Pierre Bernac, the great French baritone for whom Poulenc wrote more than half of his songs, declared on one occasion to be in his opinion the finest song in the entire repertoire of piano-accompanied French song, and which will be among the songs you will hear.
After the war, his style evolved further, in one set of three songs espousing a technique akin to Schönbergian “Sprechstimme” but with a French accent, also to be included in our programme of about one hour’s duration. However, his health had been seriously compromised by his wartime experiences, and he died at the age of 46 in 1925. We will end with one of his last and finest songs – heart-rending and yet serene – and which seems to me to sum up more eloquently than any other song known to me, what was lost in Western culture as a result of the catastrophe of World War 1.
Running time approx. 60 minutes
PRISM on 26 January at 4pm
Composers Chloe Knibbs, Marie Jaëll
Melissa Morris piano
Lighting Design Joe PriceA reimagining and exploration of Marie Jaëll’s piano work Prisme (1888) for solo piano, spatial audio and immersive lighting.
Part of Royal Birmingham Conservatoire’s French Concert Series, Prism is a 40-minute theatrical work for solo pianist and electronics, that is a musical conversation between French composer and pianist Marie Jaëll (1846 – 1925) and Chloe Knibbs.
Centring around Jaëll’s two movement work for solo piano Prisme, the piece considers Jaëll’s multi-faceted relationship with the piano through a wide variety of compositions for the piano, to her career as a virtuoso pianist and touring duo with her husband Alfred Jaëll, as well as her extensive research into piano pedagogy and technique.
The concept of the prism will also be bought to life through a collaboration between the composer and the lighting designer, in which creative lighting of the piano will take inspiration from prismatic shapes and movements. Electroacoustic material will offer different lenses with which to view Jaëll’s work, ranging from victimhood, curiosity, and playfulness as the conversation is played out.
With thanks to the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire Research Fund and the Midlands4Cities Doctoral Training Partnership.
Running time approx. 40 minutes
Lunchtime Music on 25 January at 1.05pm
Haoen Li piano
Chopin Preludes Op.28, No.19-24
Chopin Etudes in G flat major Op.10, No.5
Chopin Etudes in E minor Op.25, No.5
Chopin Nocturne in C minor, Op.48, No.1
Chopin Ballade in A flat major, Op.47Other performers tbc
Haoen Li is a Chinese pianist currently studying in his second year on the undergraduate course at Royal Birmingham Conservatoire. He began his journey with the piano at the age of eight, and it has been a defining passion ever since.
He played euphonium in orchestra during his junior school, going on to spend three years studying in the Xinghai Conservatory of Music Affiliated Middle School in China. His formative teacher in China was Jing Ouyang, he currently studies with Daniel Browell.
Running time approx. 55 minutes
Free event.
QUARTERED – RBC Percussion on 28 January at 8pm
RBC Percussion RBC
Stage Management
Produced by Sam Wilson and Toby KearneyProgramme to include
Ryan Lott Quartered
Mathis Saunier Contact
and music by Julius Eastman, Steve Reich, Meredith Monk, Andy Akiho and Vratislav KlemeraRBC percussionists and stage managers join forces at Centrala for their annual showcase of cutting-edge repertoire for percussion and multimedia. In a programme of minimalist music spanning the lifetime of the genre, virtuosic playing is elevated to another level by immersive lighting, visuals and electronics.
Experimental musician and composer Ryan Lott (founding member of the hugely successful post-rock band Son Lux, with whom he composed the Oscar-nominated score to A24’s Everything Everywhere All at Once) is featured here in the first UK performance of Quartered – his installation for four percussionists flexing and contracting identical material to create disorienting irrational rhythms in four dimensions. Along with other ultra-modern works from Mathis Saunier, Andy Akiho and Vratislav Klemera, the ensemble present exploded multimedia versions of works from giants of minimalism Julius Eastman, Steve Reich and Meredith Monk.
Running time approx. two hours
Please note, this show takes place at Central, Minerva Works.
Barber Institute of Fine Arts/Birmingham University
As well as the Birmingham Conservatoire Birmingham University also has a thriving music department which regularly puts on concerts and events.
What’s On page and booking information: Birmingham University
Barber Baby Musical Picnics on 16 January at 11am
Experience the magic of live music in the galleries every third Thursday of the month. Ideal for ages 0-4 and their grown-ups, enjoy a varied mix of performers, styles and instruments and revel in the vivid connection between art and music.
No need to book- just turn up!
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