Richard Bratby – författare

Over a century of history, the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra has taken different names and forms. It has weathered war, recession and social change, evolving from a part-time municipal ensemble into a symphony orchestra with a worldwide reputation. But throughout it all, the CBSO has been Birmingham's orchestra - the musical embodiment of one of the world's great cities, in all its ambition, complexity and diversity. In its centenary year, Forward: 100 Years of the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra celebrates a truly pioneering institution, at home and abroad.The CBSO's list of 'firsts' is striking: the first major orchestra to present children's concerts, the first to appoint permanent education staff, a pioneer in its attitude to female musicians and management, and a globally recognised example of the power of the arts to drive urban renewal. Each of its conductors brought something new, from the quiet determination of Leslie Heward and the rejuvenating energy of George Weldon to the revolutionary transformation of the Simon Rattle years, and the bold new vision of Sakari Oramo, Andris Nelsons, and Mirga Grazinyte-Tyla.But the CBSO's history extends far beyond the concert platform, embracing Edward Elgar and Neville Chamberlain; Jean Sibelius and Benjamin Britten; rock bands, film scores and Bollywood legends. Through tragedies and triumphs, gruelling tours and an unwavering commitment to new music and new audiences, the orchestra has survived and thrived, taking as its watchword Birmingham's own motto: Forward. This is its story.

Financial Times – BEST BOOKS OF 2023PRESTO MUSIC – BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR 2023‘This superb account of how that glorious institution came into being will give you deep and abiding pleasure’ Stephen FryWhen harpsichordist Christopher Hogwood and record producer Peter Wadland founded the Academy of Ancient Music in 1973, their mission was to create Britain’s first orchestra devoted to recording baroque and classical music on period instruments. They went on to change the musical world. Their success brought the AAM global fame – bringing historically informed performance into the mainstream and putting Vivaldi into the pop charts. But then the orchestra faced a new challenge: reinventing itself to survive and thrive in the world its own success had created.For the first time, Richard Bratby tells the story of this trailblazing orchestra and the people who shaped it: fifty years of innovation, exploration and musical adventure, from the pioneering days of the early 1970s to new directions – and new triumphs – in the 21st century. ‘An uplifting, anecdote-packed account of the Academy of Ancient Music […]’ Lucie Skeaping‘The refiner’s fire of AAM still burns brightly: this book tells us why. From the Marquis of Granby to the Hollywood Bowl; an illuminating account of a musical revolution.’ Catherine Bott‘Using a mass of archival material and many interviews, Refiner’s Fire is a lively account of the orchestra’s history, of Christopher Hogwood himself and of the other essential players (literal and figurative).’ Emma Kirkby

The story of Classical Music in picture, word and sound, from Hildegard of Bingen to Saariaho. Introduces the greatest composers and lets readers hear their most famous works as they read. Shows the instruments and how they are played and combined to make music. Presents a selection of the most well-known operas, symphonies, ballets and concertos. AGES: 8 plus AUTHOR: Richard Bratby is deputy music critic at The Birmingham Post and writes regularly for Gramophone and The Spectator. He is passionate about communicating the joy of classical music to audiences of all ages. Nik Neves is a Brazilian illustrator and graphic artist whose work is widely published in editorial and advertising. SELLING POINTS: . Compelling text is full of fun facts and snippets of information on the life and times of great musicians . Features an app with 100 short audio clips and 90 minutes of listening time . Listen to the music as you read . Includes a good selection of women composers & musicians . The perfect gift for young music lovers