Centre Stage: Kazuki Yamada & Alice Sara Ott

We are invited into a concentrated hour of French chamber music that moves from delicate, transparent textures to the dizzying energy of a fractured waltz. You will hear Ravel’s Introduction and Allegro, a work that places the harp at the centre of a luminous web of strings and woodwinds. This is followed by two of Satie’s Gnossiennes, pieces known for their sparse, hypnotic qualities and unconventional structural freedom. The programme continues with Debussy’s Danse sacrée et danse profane, which explores contrasting moods through the distinct voices of the harp and a small string ensemble. The performance concludes with the piano arrangement of Ravel’s La Valse. In this version, you can listen for the way the two pianists navigate the work's evolution from a gentle rhythmic haze into a turbulent, mechanical collapse. The sequence provides a clear arc from the quiet introspection of Satie to the grand, expressive demands of Ravel’s writing, showcasing the versatility of these instruments in a close-knit setting.

The City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra is the city's resident professional ensemble, widely respected for its versatility and its history of championing both core symphonic works and contemporary commissions. In this chamber configuration, the orchestra’s string, woodwind, and harp players move into a more intimate spotlight. They are joined by Alice Sara Ott and Kazuki Yamada, both performing on piano. While Yamada is frequently seen leading the full orchestra from the podium, this event allows you to hear him contributing as a physical part of the ensemble alongside a soloist renowned for her technical precision and thoughtful interpretations.

This performance takes place at the CBSO Centre in Birmingham and lasts approximately sixty minutes without an interval. Given the shorter duration and the familiar, melodic nature of the French repertoire, the concert is well-suited if you are new to classical music or prefer a concise midday event. The venue offers a more informal environment than a traditional large concert hall. There is no specific dress code for this event, so you should wear what makes you feel comfortable. Tickets are available starting from fifteen pounds, making this an accessible way to experience live chamber music.