THE BRILLIANT Burt Bacharach had not played Birmingham until last year but he is coming back again.

Birds suddenly appeared and stars fell down from the sky when the 86-year-old performed at the Symphony Hall last July in one of the gigs of the year.

He said it was his first time in Birmingham and complimented the city for its architecture and feel, saying it made an impression on him.

Describing the Symphony Hall as one of his favourite venues, just like his contemporary Tony Bennett says, he must have been the truth because he is returning with an orchestra on Wednesday, July 1.

The sheer amount of songs in Burt's back catalogue is incredible - his song-writing partnership with Hal David produced some of the greatest pop songs ever written.

I Say a Little Prayer, Walk on By, This Guy's in Love, Raindrops Are Falling on My Head, Alfie, Do You Know the Way To San Jose? should all get an airing at the concert.

Not known for his singing, Burt will probably have guest singers alongside him, but you do not go to see the musical legend for his voice but for his arrangements which are breathtakingly beautiful.

Seeing him arrange his own music is akin to seeing Mozart or Beethoven, but they are dead and who knows how long Mr Bacharach will be touring for, this could easily be his last gig in the Midlands.

Singers including Dionne Warwick, Dusty Springfield, Scott Walker, Cilla Black (who perfectionist Burt made record Alfie 32 times before he was happy), Aretha Franklin, Tom Jones, Gene Pitney and Herb Albert recorded his songs.

His career spans six decades, eight Grammy Awards, nine number ones, 48 Top10 hits and over 500 compositions as well as a myriad of celebrity tales which he is happy to share with the audience.

If aliens ever did descend and have a debate whether the human race should be spared, Burt Bacharach's music should be held up as an example of the beauty which we are capable of.

His music has continually captured the greatest feeling in the world - falling in love.

The euphoria, joy, giddiness and fear are all within his greatest works as is the desperation, pain and humiliation when love walks out the door.

So if you have ever loved somebody - go and see Burt in Birmingham.

For tickets phone 0121 780 4949 or visit www.thsh.co.uk.