Classic FM Hall of Fame

The evening is built around works that have consistently resonated with the public, offering a sequence of shorter, evocative movements rather than a single lengthy symphony. You will hear the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra navigate various moods, from the ceremonial weight of Walton’s Crown Imperial to the brooding intensity of Sibelius’ Finlandia. A significant portion of the programme highlights the violin, particularly in the melodic flow of Mendelssohn’s concerto and the folk-inspired textures of Bruch’s Scottish Fantasy. You should listen for the rhythmic precision required in Grieg’s In the Hall of the Mountain King, where the tempo builds to a frantic conclusion, and the contrasting, lyrical simplicity of Florence Price’s Adoration. The inclusion of Debbie Wiseman’s theme from Wolf Hall brings a modern cinematic perspective to the stage, while Mozart’s Symphony No. 40 and the Overture to The Marriage of Figaro provide a foundation of classical clarity and wit. John Suchet will be on hand to guide you through these transitions, providing context for each piece as the concert progresses.

The City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra is the resident ensemble at this venue, renowned for its technical versatility and its long history of serving the West Midlands. Under the direction of Michael Seal, the orchestra often champions both the core classical repertoire and contemporary scores. For this performance, they are joined by violinist Leia Zhu, a young soloist known for her technical dexterity and expressive playing. The presence of John Suchet as a presenter adds a narrative element to the event, drawing on his extensive experience in broadcasting and his deep interest in musical history to introduce the evening's selections.

This event takes place at Symphony Hall in Birmingham and lasts approximately 120 minutes. The format is particularly suitable if you are visiting a concert hall for the first time or prefer a varied programme of shorter works. With ticket prices starting at £27.50, it represents a standard entry point for an orchestral evening in the city. There is no specific dress code mentioned for the venue, so smart-casual attire is generally appropriate. The presence of a presenter ensures that the background of the music is explained verbally, removing the need for prior knowledge of the composers or their works.