Birmingham evening is falling fast

One of the reasons orchestras organize choral concerts is that amateur singers have families who usually book to hear them.

Not in Birmingham, apparently.

One of our moles tells us that with three hours to go tonight’s concert, which features the UK premiere of John Luther Adams’ Vespers of the Blessed Earth, has only sold a fifth of its tickets. And this with two choirs singing.

The upper parts of Symphony Hall are closed to make the place seem less deserted.

The other work on the program is Sibelius’ Second Symphony.

This is turning into a season of great discontent.