Newport Music Coach

The new programme, published this month, advertises seven concerts at Birmingham’s Symphony Hall in March, April and May.

The first is a concert version of Gilbert and Sullivan’s Yeomen of the Guard on 4 March. Works to be performed in this series include Beethoven’s first three symphonies, the Emperor Concerto and Romance for Violin and Orchestra No.1. Other works included are Respighi’s Fountains of Rome and Mendelssohn’s Italian Symphony.

The City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra’s new music director, Mirga Grazinyte-Tyla, returns to conduct an interesting programme including Rachmaninov’s 3rd Symphony on 8 April. The popular programme on 4 May with Alison Balsom on trumpet and local conducting hero Ben Gernon, includes Haydn’s Trumpet Concerto and Dvorak’s Symphony No.8.

A CBSO special Friday night concert called British Blockbusters showcases music from favourite British films and is presented by film expert Mark Kermode.

Also included are two visits to Birmingham Hippodrome taken from the Music Coach’s summer programme. Birmingham Royal Ballet presents three contrasting one act ballets including the delightful Pineapple Poll and, a week later, Welsh National Opera perform Die Fledermaus sung in English.

Newport Music Coach welcomes new members. Please make contact if you would like to receive a programme and joining details. Our pick-up points include many stops on our route from Wellington, through Apley, Donnington, Lilleshall, Church Aston, Newport and Cosford on our way to the M54. All details from Anita Davies on 01952 813340. •