Mars, Venus, Jupiter… everyone has their favourite bit of The Planets. But there’s far more to Holst’s masterpiece than just great melodies, and tonight, 100 years after Birmingham heard The Planets for the first time, Mirga and the CBSO introduce Thomas Adès’ Angel Symphony, specially created for the CBSO’s Centenary celebrations: a new work from the dazzling imagination behind the hit opera The Exterminating Angel.

CBSO+ 14 May, 12.45pm: Join composer, conductor and pianist Thomas Adès to hear more about this afternoon’s CBSO Centenary Commission – the world premiere of his new piece Angel Symphony. Thomas Adès will be interviewed by sub-principal double bass, Jeremy Watt. 

Please note the pre-concert talk will now start at 12.45pm, 15 minutes earlier than previously advertised, due to the Making an Entrance redevelopments. You will be asked to show your ticket for access into the pre-concert talk, and then invited to take your seat for the concert immediately after the talk concludes. Times of talks will be listed on the concert pages of the CBSO and THSH’s websites in advance, please check before making travel plans.

The performance of Thomas Adès' Angel Symphony has been commissioned with generous support from the John Ellerman Foundation.

The CBSO's youth ensembles are generously supported by the Clive & Sylvia Richards Charity, Helen Rachael Mackaness Charitable Trust and The Leverhulme Trust, with additional support from the Andor Charitable Trust, Angus Allnatt Charitable Foundation, The Millichope Foundation and The Irving Memorial Trust.