Symphony Hall

I have a soft spot for the Symphony Hall. I have been coming here since I was a child and my uncle and aunt would take me to see classical concerts and since then I have been visited it a lot over the years. I think the hall itself is beautiful, I am as in awe now as I was as a kid. The sound is amazing (mostly because of how it has been built and designed) and offers so many amazing concerts from classical, pop, folk etc.
My only complaint is that you cannot take drinks into the hall. There is a bar where you can buy a drink up until showtime and yet they don’t inform you that you cannot take it into the auditorium.

A big 5 stars to Symphony Hall and their staff. How have I lived in Birmingham for 12 years and never been here? Last night I was a charity worker for the Queen Elizabeth Hospital and we were lucky enough to be allowed to view the show too. There’s a wonderfully chilled out and friendly atmosphere here and everyone seems to have a smile on their face. Everything is clean and fresh and very spacious. Going through into the auditorium the seating numbers aren’t so easy to see but by jove it’s certainly pretty in there. Whilst quite modern the inside is styled after the old theatre houses with a good view from pretty much anywhere. Whilst hanging around with my charity bucket I noticed the huge variety of acts coming before the end of this year and I will definitely be coming back.

What kind of people go to the symphony? Quite often the elderly, that’s true. But that’s because they know a good value night out when they find it. I’ve managed to get to a few performances in Symphony Hall since moving here a few months ago and I’ve already become attached and fond of it! I’m glad it lived up to my hopes/​expectations-​I was told by a conductor that he loved the hall, so at least I know he wasn’t just trying to make me feel better about moving to a new city!
Symphony Hall shares a massive building with the International Convention Centre and forms part of one of my favourite squares in the city-​also including the library and the Rep. The hall is pretty huge with particularly well designed entrances-​your ticket tells you what door to go to so there’s no wandering around wondering where on earth you’re going.
Sound seems to be good wherever you are, although I think I’m always going to like somewhere in the mid-​stalls best. Cheaper seats on the sides at the front are great-​the downside being a slightly restricted view. I’ve only been in the Grand Tier once, but found the sound a little muted. It may have been that particular programme though.
I love sitting in the choir section because you get to feel like you’re in the orchestra… and for a super low low price! A word of warning though: the B row has a gap in the back of your seat so don’t put anything beside you or behind you. It will plummet down to the back of the the stage, as I discovered when my coat vanished in the middle of the first half. Luckily this seems to happen quite often-​the usher had a little pile of belongings at the door when it was time for the interval!
As with most venues, there aren’t enough ladies toilets. I suggest a sprint to them at interval time or waiting until the queues have died down. You can stuff your face with ice cream or wander the convention centre in the meantime. Interval drinks can be pre-​ordered to avoid queuing too.
If you’re going to be going to a few concerts and ordering online, I highly recommend buying the THSH membership which eliminates the booking fee (£3.50 or so) and gives you discounts on various restaurants etc too. A steal at £15. It’s free to buy at the box office though and the staff are super helpful.
If I had a suggestion for THSH, I’d suggest rush tickets the day of the performance. It always makes me sad to see empty seats and selling them at a reduced price would surely be better than not selling them at all. Plus a bit of spontaneity adds some excitement to heading the symphony. It’s always pretty exciting though.
Go! Go to the symphony or go to something else. Put on your glad rags or don’t, but it’s on my list of must sees in my new home town.

I remember coming here school trip with my teacher when I did music GCSE. Was a lot of fin learning about what goes behind the scenes and setting up stage for the orchestra. Got to watch/​listen few orchestras perform and loved it. Was hooked since then.
I fell inlove with the type of music. My phone is filled with soundtracks (movies and tv shows mainly) Don’t need someone singing.
Back to the topic… I had my graduation here and loved every second of it. This place holds very special place in my heart. Everytime walking by I think of my graduation seeing everyone you’ve known for years and saying goodbye to some.
Hall is big and looks beautiful. Interior design is fantastic and there is an organ (piano) that reminds me of the scene in Pirates of the Caribbean 2 with Davy Jones: D. Confortable seats and great views all round.

As Symphony Hall is an event location, it kinda depends on «what’s on» as to whether you’re going to have a fun night out or kill a couple of hours having a look around. Inside the mahoosive hall there are a selection of places to eat and drink, as well as a gallery and a shop to have a mooch around.
The events held here are really varied. I’ve been to comedy, classical music and contemporary music spaces (as well as some business fairs and functions). As you can imagine, the acoustics inside the venue are amazing! Each of the hall areas have been specially designed to give you the best audio experience wherever you are sitting.
For event tickets, there are tier systems with the pricing. At the last event I was at, the tickets varied from £12.50 right up to £47.50 (for front row centre). I sat behind the orchestra pit for my £12.50 and still had a cracking view of the performance.
The drinks (as you can imagine) aren’t the cheapest! I believe we paid around £3.50ish for a pint — but you expect some markup for basic beers at event locations.
Keep an eye out on the website for details of whats coming up! You never know, you might find something you will really enjoy!

A beautiful, light and spacial building where I have enjoyed many wonderful concerts! It’s easy to get to, and even when it’s really busy, it never feels too crowded in there as there’s room to move around. It is one of the many wonderful things about Birmingham.

One of the best things about Birmingham @THSHBirmingham is it truly lights up the ICC. I’ve heard more than once that it is known for it’s great sound and for that reason it’s a great place to play. It’s sure one of the best places to hear music in.
I’ve been reduced to tears on two visits for very different reasons; Glen Campbell because he’s just amazing and Beverley Knight when she got her deserved Broad Street star. I was there last for the jazz at OxJam, this years highlight of the festival. One day I’ll make the Friday night 5pm music slot. The place is a a joy to be in for any type of music.

A prominent part of Chamberlain Square in Birmingham, The Birmingham Symphony Hall is a great visit for people of all ages.
Situated in a great location with in walking distance from Broad Street and Brindley Place, the grande building attracts a lot of attention from locals and tourists alike.
Often housing large scale productions including ballet, opera and orchestra shows to name a few, the Symphony Hall tries to cater for people of all dispositions. The Hall also includes productions of a more informal accord, such as comedians, celebrities and art exhibitions.
Overall, the Symphony Hall can seat 2,262, providing top quality service throughout the ICC Building in which the hall is located.
You are able to check ahead of schedule on the Symphony Hall website, if you’re interested in scheduling a visit and booking some tickets. In my opinion, a trip here is well worth it, even just to experience the grande surroundings on offer.

Myself and my family love visiting the Symphony Hall, and believe it’s Birmingham’s little treasure. Located in the heart of the ICC, and within easy walking distance to Broad Street and Brindley Place.
They have great entertainment, family, religious & ballet shows, music variety & orchestra, comedy, celebs, pride balls, cultural and art extravagances. This place is open to everyone whatever cultural background or interests you may have.
A well recommended visit to anyone who visits Birmingham. The place is wonderfully decorated inside, with ample seating and boxes. Outside the venue, you have cafes, shops, a great square, canals and being on broad street, great nightlife.
(it even has a ‘stay smart’ service for polishing your shoes to look their very best situated in the outside mall).
A great venue in the heart of the city. You’ll not be disappointed! Book now.

So, everyone loves a down and dirty gig venue where sweat drips off the ceiling and it’s so squashed that you can count the change in your neighbour’s pocket. For something a little different though, the stage of Birmingham’s Symphony Hall welcomes some of music’s most renowned acts — and you can actually sit back, relax and enjoy the comfort of the plush venue during the performance.
Situated within the ICC building, Symphony Hall is a stately room and something to be admired even when the stage is empty. Whether you’re seated on the ground level or on one of the many balcony tiers, the view of the stage is unobstructed and allows for a fine night’s entertainment. Performers I’ve witnessed there include Rufus Wainwright, Joanna Newsom, Roy Harper and Tori Amos, all artists whose sets almost require a more hushed, bums-​on-​chairs reception. However, pop acts also make appearances (Rebecca Ferguson and Darren Hayes have been recent bookings) offering an alternative to arena showings, while more theatrical performances provide a bit of diversity too.
Pre-​show and interval drinks can be enjoyed at the venue’s bar, which is admittedly pricey but, as drinks aren’t allowed in the venue during the actual show, you will probably only shell out on a couple anyway. You’re also a short walk away from Brindley Place and Broad Street should you want to whet your whistle after the show itself.

Valentine’s Day is a day of celebrating partnership, relationship and most of all; Love. It’s an occasion where love is everywhere in every cultural practice location with props such as heart-​shaped balloons and roses. Within Birmingham, couples would not rather be anywhere other than Birmingham’s presentable auditorium; Symphony Hall.
Symphony Hall held a Valentine’s special musical — featuring John Rigby as the enthusiastic conductor and host, Capital Voices, Manchester Orchestra and Scarlett Strallen and Gareth Gates as the guest singers. Although the hall was not filled with balloons, rose petals and conventional Valentine’s Day decorations — a complementary Valentine’s basket was available to purchase for couples, containing a bottle of champagne and a single rose.
The concert was an amazing experience due to the wide participants of the orchestra beautifully maneuvering their fingers along their instruments creating perfect harmony within the hall. Especially when the atmosphere is filled with pleasant love.
The auditorium was magnificently structured to ricochet the high class music into an art more powerful than theatrical drama; evoking emotions and reactions from the audiences by a simple conjunction of instruments; and as a conventional entertainment production, the musical was also positioned center-​stage.
The musical itself was a delightful encounter for couples which was nicely combined with the greatest love songs of our time — including Disney classics from the ‘Lion King’ to ‘Aladdin’ as well as ‘On the street where you live’ from the film ‘My fair lady’. The atmosphere alone was inquisitive, with the traditional classic setting of a rich and long lasting relationship. Couples filled up the auditorium with care and love creating a nice setting for audiences whom came both alone or watched the superb performances as a part of a group.
This valentine’s treat that was given by Symphony Hall was an excellent suggestion as well as a marvellous couple’s experience for all age ranges and is definitely recommended for both lost and found hearts within Birmingham.

This is a great venue. The acoustics are perfect even when you are sat in the cheaper seats way up high & at the back like i was. My only moan is that the crowd at the bar during the interval was so big that i couldn’t get served before the alarm went for the second half.

Symphony Hall is fantastic! End of.

As live music and comedy venues go, the Birmingham Symphony hall is reassuringly expensive. Like the newly refurbished Town Hall, the Symphony Hall offers comfort and style, as well as an exquisite sound fidelity you simply won’t find in most venues of this size.
There are bars on each floor which are handy during intermissions, although they can get incredibly crowded if you take too long to get out of your seats.
The downstairs bar plays host to free, live jazz bands every Friday, which are a great way to start your weekend after a rough day at the office. All very chilled, no fuss and no attitude. Great stuff.

Comfy seats and good acoustics, this is a great venue. It’s located not far from Brindley place which is perfect for eating beforehand or drinking afterwards and is only a 10 minute walk from New Street Train Station. Air conditioned and always clean and calming.

A fantastic theatre and some of the best acoustics I’ve ever witnessed. Even sat up in the gods there is a brilliant view of the stage due to the staggered seating arrangements and not a beat missed.
I have been to see a variety of productions at Symphony Hall, from comedians through to school productions via ballet and classical recitals. I have never had a problem with any of them.
The staff are very helpful, interval drinks easily available and the facilities have always been very clean.
The handy location, so close to Broad Street and Brindley Place means that the production can either be the end or just the beginning of a fun night out in Birmingham!

A fabulous venue — i was a regular there when taking music A Level as there was always something on that was worth watching.
There are several different halls where performances take place, and bars as well to sit and relax in pre-​performance or post-​performance.
Within easy walking distance of Broad Street and the town centre, this is one place where you could enjoy your show and thenperhaps nip to a few bars afterwards.

Lovely venue that is the perfect place to catch a classical or jazz artist. The occaisional pop act makes it in, but there are only a couple of thousand seats, and most popular acts tend to choose other Birmingham venues.
The seating layout is odd, not banks of seats that you find in most venues, apparently it’s all for the acoustics

For my latest birthday my partner took me out for a concert at the symphony hall. We had a wee bit of trouble getting there as the signposting wasn’t too good, but maybe that’s only us.
The Hall is very modern and has great acoustics, we went to see Holsts The Planets, performed by the Irish Youth orchstra. Fantastic night out. Prices were very reasonable.

Symphony hall hosts a plethora of events throughout the year. From Ballet, to pop, Jazz, events etc. The venue is spotless with plenty of bars and toilets on each level. It’s free entry into the main area, where for example on friday night (January 11^th) there was a skat/​jazz/​funky indie band playing in the reception area.
Following this I attended a performance of Swan Lake, performed by St Petersburg ballet. The seats (£35) were excellent, absolutely immaculate although were slightly obscured by a safety rail. The accoustics were great and the stage, lighting and effects were impressive. There was mix of people in attendance and all the staff were friendly, proffessional and helpful.
Definitely worth a visit on a special occasion