Farewell, But Not Goodbye

The end of a ten-year tenure: Sakari Oramo bows out as Music Director in truly spectacular style, with a thrilling pair of life-affirming masterpieces. This is the last chance to see Sakari conduct the CBSO in Symphony Hall, until he returns in a new guise as Principal Guest Conductor for the 2008/09 season. Janácek's Sinfonietta is one of the greatest of all 20th-century scores, its brassy fanfares (featuring an extra nine trumpets in addition to a large orchestra) surrounding a work of astonishing originality and power. Beethoven's final Symphony is also a summation of a life's work, and its culminating vocal setting of Schiller's 'Ode to Joy' has become an anthem for all humanity. A great team of soloists and our own magnificent Chorus join the Orchestra for what is certain to be the hottest ticket of the season - be sure to book early!

• Sakari Oramo - conductor
• Lisa Milne - soprano
• Jane Irwin - mezzo-soprano
• Gordon Gietz - tenor
• Matthew Rose - bass
• City of Birmingham Symphony Chorus

6.15pm pre-concert talk

• Janáček: Sinfonietta, 25’
• Beethoven: Symphony No. 9 (Choral), 67’

£39, £36.50, £31.50, £27.50, £23, £20, £16.50, £13, £9.50