BIRMINGHAM CATHEDRAL CENTENARY EVENTS

Three exciting art events are planned at Birmingham Cathedral this year to celebrate both the diocesan centenary and the centenary of the cathedral itself. These events have been organized by the Friends of Birmingham Cathedral working with the Dean and other cathedral staff.

The first event is an exhibition of student art from April 18th to May 13th. The second is a play, bringing to life the work of Sir Edward Burne-Jones - this will be performed on June 16th and June 18th. On June 24th the cathedral will host a concert of music, all with a special Birmingham connection. Visit the Cathedral website.

THE ART EXHIBITION

The student art exhibition will feature paintings by graduate and post graduate students from the university and secondary schools.An independent panel of judges will award a prize to the school submitting the best entry.

The Bishop for Birmingham, the Rt Revd Dr John Sentamu will open the exhibition and there will be a private view on 18 April, which has been sponsored by the House of Fraser.  Civic and business leaders will be invited.

BRINGING BURNE-JONES TO LIFE

Annamation, based at the Barber Institute, specialize in interactive and educational theatre. They will be performing a short play to bring alive the work of Sir Edward Burne-Jones, whose four stained glass windows grace the cathedral.

It will tell the story of Sir Edward’s turbulent childhood, in Birmingham, his artistic struggles and successes and the making of the magnificent windows in St Philip’s Cathedral.

A CELEBRATION OF BIRMINGHAM MUSIC

The concertwill feature music by composers have associated with Birmingham, past and present.  The Cathedral organ and choir will be supported by a small orchestra provided by the CBSO.

Composers to be featured include Handel, Elgar, the first professor of music at Birmingham University, Mendelssohn, Ridout and Sanders. The concert will be held at 7.30pm and tickets will cost £7.50