Out of the concert hall into the city: CBSO launches week of free performances in public spaces

City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra

The City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (CBSO) and music director Kazuki Yamada will fill Birmingham with music this August, when the orchestra presents a week of free performances in public spaces (26 August to 1 September). Over 25 events will present everything from Beethoven and Star Wars in the Bullring and brass quintets in Birmingham’s Botanical Gardens, to dinosaur themed family shows in libraries, string quartets in pubs, a day of open rehearsals at the CBSO Centre, and live music from Kazuki Yamada on the West Midlands Metro. There will be fun-filled interactive concerts for all the family, as well as performances for those living with dementia alongside their carers, family and friends.

The week will also see the launch of the ‘£1 tickets for Brummies’ offer on Sunday 1 September. For one afternoon, anyone with a Birmingham postcode will be able to buy a ticket for the CBSO’s 2024-25 Season for just £1. This offer will be available in person from the B:Music Box Office at Symphony Hall between 3pm and 6pm. 

The full CBSO will pop-up in front of commuters and shoppers, performing orchestral favourites including the Star Wars theme tune, Jurassic Park, and an excerpt from Beethoven’s 9th Symphony at the Bullring (as part of Birmingham Weekender) and at Birmingham’s New Street Station, when audience members will have the chance to volunteer to conduct the orchestra.

Smaller events include the CBSO string quartet at the Jam House and Spotted Dog, the CBSO's brass quintet and clarinet trio at the Botanical Gardens, the CBSO harp and flute duet at ThinkTank, more chamber music at The Gas Hall, Yorks @ Ikon Gallery, and Grosvenor Road Studios (as part of their Musical Garden event), a Dinosaur Disco at Wednesbury Library and the Library of Birmingham, and a sensory concert experience specially designed for people with special educational needs with Alice in Wonderland at Wednesbury Museum & Art Gallery.

Full details from the CBSO website.