About B:Classical 2022/23: Iceland Symphony Orchestra

Customer notice:

A pre-concert conversation will take place 6:30pm – 7:00pm in the Justham Family & Jane How Rooms ahead of the Iceland Symphony Orchestra concert for ticketholders only.

The conversation will be between Jonathan James and Anna Thorvaldsdottir (whose composition Metacosmos will be being performed as part of the concert). Jonathan and Anna will be discussing this composition amongst other elements of Anna’s career and compositions.

Please note that this event will be first come first served.

Running time  Event start - 7:30pm, Event end - 9:50pm

Iceland Symphony Orchestra

Eva Ollikainen conductor

Sir Stephen Hough piano

Anna Thorvaldsdottir Metacosmos

Beethoven Piano Concerto No 3

Tchaikovsky Symphony No 5

The Iceland Symphony Orchestra made their Symphony Hall debut in 2020 as part of their 70th anniversary tour, and their creative energy and distinctive character made it one of the highlights of the season, so it’s a thrill to welcome them back with their new chief conductor Eva Ollikainen at the helm in a programme of great musical monuments. They’re joined by the irrepressible Sir Stephen Hough for the Beethoven concerto he’s said he finds perhaps the most moving, and which progresses from the dark minor key opening, through an exquisite slow movement to the ebullient coda of the rondo finale.

Metacosmos is the latest offering by the orchestra’s composer in residence Anna Thorvaldsdottir whose striking sound world is often inspired by nature. Tchaikovsky’s dramatic and, ultimately, triumphant Fifth Symphony belies the difficulties the composer had with it. Full of enthusiasm at the outset, he soon found himself struggling for inspiration and, when complete, the best he could say was that the symphony was “no worse than my previous ones”. But the lyrical beauty, dramatic outbursts and unashamed romance ensured that audiences loved it – as did Tchaikovsky eventually – and it has remained enduringly popular.

B:Eats at Symphony Hall

Our daytime menu is full of Brummie surprises alongside some breakfast, brunch, lunch, and sandwich classics, while our evening menus offer a contemporary take on some firm favourites and some quick bite options.

Booking Info

Ways to Save

Buy 3-5 concerts and save 10%

Buy 6-11 concerts and save 20%

Buy 12+ concerts and save 30%

See all the other concerts available in this multibuy offer

KIDS GO FREE: One free ticket per child (aged 16 and under) for every adult ticket purchased

FAMILY PLUS: One free ticket per child (aged 16 and under) for every adult ticket purchased. £5 for additional child tickets (aged 16 and under), no additional adult ticket necessary.

16-25s FOR £5: Tickets for just £5 are available for every Birmingham Classical 2022/2023 performance for those aged 16-25.

Free (limited) ticket for Disabled Visitor’s Carers, as per Access Scheme

Ticket commission

*Some events may carry a £3 - £4 ticket commission; charged per ticket. This is charged when you book through B:Music’s Box Office – online, by phone or in person. Any advertised prices will include any per-ticket fee that may apply.

Wheelchair Users and Disabled Patrons

If you require a wheelchair position (subject to availability) please call the Box Office on 0121 289 6343.

A range of tickets and services are available under our Access Scheme. To find out more, or to join the Access Scheme, email boxoffice@bmusic.co.uk or call us on 0121 289 6343.

Getting here

  • Symphony Hall
    Broad Street
    Birmingham
    B1 2EA
  • More info