Symphony Hall

The Symphony Hall is, quite simply, a fantastic venue. Amazing acoustics, brilliant design and the kind of place where you know special things are going to happen. Wherever you sit the sound quality is stunning - and the feel of the place itself is enough to make your night special.

Miranda's profile     Other reviews by Miranda     Miranda likes    

I'm sorry but I have to take issue with Robert Heath's review of Kate Rusby at the Symphony Hall on Friday 28th Sept. I, and the three people I was with, had a thoroughly enjoyable night.Mr Heath didn't like the 'contrived encore'; sorry to disappoint, but all encores are contrived! Rick Wakeman once summed it up by saying 'I hate encores...I'm waiting back here wondering when to go out and you're out there wondering when I will come out"."When various songs...were requested they were all turned down and she admitted she couldn't play them". One song (Little Jack Frost) was requested and turned down. Had you considered that maybe most of her band hadn't played on that recording and therefore didn't know it? Maybe it hadn't been rehersed as it wasn't on the set list. Do you expect artists just to pluck a song out of their arses at the drop of a hat?Boos? I don't seem to remember any boos. "The lights stayed down for several minutes while the audience applauded but then the house lights came on..." This happens at, maybe, 90% of the concerts I attend...And as for the set; again this is pretty much the same as the last few times I have seen Kate. Yes, it's minimalist, but are you expecting pyrotechnics and vidoes screens?Anyway, A thoroughly enjoyable night. See you next time Kate.

pk's profile     Other reviews by pk     pk likes    

With the usual anticipation of a great night out I went to the Kate Rusby concert on Friday (Sept 28th). What a disappointment!! Kate came on stage to a far from full Symphony Hall 5 minutes late and played for just 50 mins (10 mins of which was her band alone on the stage). After the interval another 50 minutes with a contrived encore. When various songs she has on albums or played in the past were requested they were all turned down and she admitted she couldn't play them. Following the encore the lights stayed down for several minutes while the audience applauded but then the house lights came on and no more Kate was to be seen that night. Many boos followed and as I walked out there was great disquiet amongst the audience. What has happened to you Kate? The usual professional sat has been replaced by a stage that looked as if it had been set up in a hurry and the 'value for money' you have always givene has been replaced by an apparent attitude of getting as much as you can for the least effort. I am sure your fan base will have diminished in Birmingham since Friday and I am certainly a fan who will not be going to the next tour venues. Very disappointing.

robert's profile     Other reviews by robert     robert likes    

As the kick off for his English tour,this was a vintage JT evening.Mixing an acoustic set with a family slide show created an intimate evening. Just like your favorite uncle bringing out the family album to share some long forgotten friends and funny moments with you. Top that with a back catalogue of all his hits you have one great evening;no one left the symphony hall dissapointed.

ed's profile     Other reviews by ed     ed likes