Musicians perform in tram, Bullring and more

A world-famous conductor has performed for tram passengers as part of a week of free events in public spaces by the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (CBSO).

Its music director, Kazuki Yamada, has been on the West Midlands Metro in one of more than 25 events scheduled across Birmingham and beyond.

The initiative, CBSO in the City, has included full orchestral performances at the Bullring and a brass quintet appearing in the surroundings of Birmingham Botanical Gardens.

The events are part of the "orchestra's mission to reach new audiences across the West Midlands".

Mr Yamada, who took up his role in the spring last year, was on a tram that left Birmingham for Wolverhampton on Thursday morning.

The orchestra said CBSO in the City would "present the huge breadth" of its music-making "from the greatest orchestral masterpieces to fun-filled interactive concerts".

Performances for those living with dementia, alongside their carers, family and friends, are also planned.

Over the week, musicians have been scheduled to pop up at locations including the Library of Birmingham, Ikon Gallery and Thinktank.

The CBSO will perform "orchestral favourites including the Star Wars theme tune, Jurassic Park and an excerpt from Beethoven's Ode to Joy" at New Street station on Friday from 16:00 BST.

People "could even have the chance to conduct the orchestra" there, the CBSO said.

Musicians invited young audiences to join them "on an exciting Jurassic adventure created for families" at Wednesbury Library on Thursday afternoon and the Library of Birmingham on Saturday.

CBSO Chief Executive Emma Stenning said the initiative was about bringing their music to local people.

"We recognise that not everybody in Birmingham knows about the orchestra and knows what fun music can be," she added. "[We're saying] come and join in, this could be for you."

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