Live at the Centre: Walton's Façade

Live at the Centre: Walton's Façade invites you to an unforgettable night of musical exploration with the City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra under the vibrant direction of conductor Kazuki Yamada. Narrated by the brilliant soprano Jennifer France, the program promises an adventurous journey into the lesser‑known corners of 20th‑century music. Start with Jacques Ibert’s gleaming “Divertissement,” a sparkling, playful piece written for a play about a straw hat. Its quick movements swing from parody to pathos to outright party‑time, keeping the audience on their toes. Next, experience Darius Milhaud’s “The Creation of the World,” hailed by Leonard Bernstein as the definitive jazz–classical fusion—“not a flirtation, but a real love affair” – a serio‑funky, full‑balled, and irresistibly rhythmic score. And finally, immerse yourself in William Walton’s “Façade,” an elusive work that defies easy labels, blending chamber‑like textures, poetic recitation, and provocation. In the version for this concert, Walton has arranged selections from his earlier film scores, including the good‑humored “Spring Waltz,” the faux naïf “Waltz‑Scherzo,” and the charmingly kitsch “Barrel Organ Waltz,” all while Jennifer France tackles the fabulously tongue‑twisting poetry with lyrical precision. This dazzling concert film, “Live at the Centre: Walton's Façade,” showcases the magic of orchestral music and the power of poetry, all brought to life by world‑class performers. Get ready to be transported to a world where jazz meets classical, whimsy collides with emotion, and music refuses to be boxed into any single category. Enjoy the experience—tickets and detailed programme information are available through the provided external links.