CBSO x BCMG Centre Stage: An Exploration of Kurtág at 100 Thursday 12 February 2026, 7:30pm CBSO Centre, Birmingham Tickets: £12 | Children, Students and Benefits Recipients £5 Book on the CBSO Website Pre-concert performance at 6:30pm Jointly presented by Birmingham Contemporary Music Group and City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, this unique concert forms part of the CBSO’s well-loved Centre Stage series, featuring BCMG musicians positioned spatially around our shared home. On György Kurtág's 100th birthday, we celebrate one of the most singular voices in contemporary music – a composer of profound intimacy, wit and emotional depth. Selections from Kurtág’s Signs, Games and Messages are performed alongside pieces from his celebrated Games (Játékok) series for piano. Many of these short movements are rich with hidden connections to the traditions of European music. The evening takes you through a visceral journey, compered by musicologist Paul Griffiths, highlighting elements of the music as you hear it and providing insight into the composer’s life. Artists Paul Griffiths Presenter Birmingham Contemporary Music Group Programme Selections from: György Kurtág (b. 1926):Signs, Games and Messages (1990–2005) for string trio, violin, viola and celloJátékok (Games) (1973–2022) for pianoLigatura – Message to Frances-Marie (The answered unanswered question) (1995) for string quartet and celesta J.S Bach (1685–1750):Goldberg Variations (1742)Notebook for Anna Magdalena Bach (1722, 1725)The Well-Tempered Piano, Vol II (1741) Pre-concert performance Join us at 6:30pm for a performance by BCMG musicians of new music by young composers. Inspired by Kurtag's Signs, Games and Messages, these pieces are the culmination of our Spring 2026 Creative Composing Lab — BCMG's weekend of creative music workshops for people aged 14 to 18, led by composer David Horne. CBSO Centre Stage concerts are generously supported by John Osborn CBE. Book on the CBSO Website Booking for this event has now closed. Manage Cookie Preferences