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'No tickets, no formalities' to orchestra's shows

News imageElephant Communications The view down towards the departure boards at a railway station. Members of an orchestra play in front of the signs, with a large number of people surrounding them.Elephant Communications
The orchestra expects to perform to thousands of people over the coming days

"We are leaving the concert hall for a week and taking the joy of orchestral music to people in their world."

Kazuki Yamada, the music director of the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (CBSO), has been outlining his vision for free performances at a range of varied and unusual venues, including the city's trams.

The orchestra will be popping up in unexpected spaces to connect with new audiences, beginning with a show in front of New Street station's departure boards between 16:00 and 18:00 BST on Wednesday.

The CBSO in the City programme is about the shared joy of music, with a "no tickets, no barriers and no formalities" philosophy, Mr Yamada said.

The free live performances allowed the orchestra to celebrate everything that was good about its Birmingham home, added CBSO chief executive Emma Stenning.

It was vital to go where the new audiences were, to share "joyful experiences", and remove any "perceived barriers", she said, stating ticket prices were a concern for many people amid cost-of-living pressures.

Generous support from a philanthropist and a legal firm had helped to make the free performances possible, Ms Stenning explained.

News imageElephant Communications A person raises their arms, as they stand in front of a large keyboard, which appears to be on a tram or train. There are people looking onElephant Communications
CBSO in the City had its debut in summer 2024

CBSO in the City events can be found in the following places:

  • Wednesday 23 July: New Street station departure boards, 16:00 to 18:00 BST
  • Thursday 24 July: Race through Space at the Library of Birmingham, 11:30 BST
  • Thursday 24 July: Classics Reimagined at IKON Gallery, 14:00 BST
  • Thursday 24 July: Live music on the city's tram network, from 14:00 BST
  • Thursday 24 July: String quartet at Birmingham Botanical Gardens, 14:30 BST
  • Thursday 24 July: Flute and harp at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, 14:30 BST
  • Thursday 24 July: Brass quintet at Black Country Living Museum, 14:30 BST
  • Thursday 24 July: Double bass and friends at the IKON Gallery, 16:00 BST
  • Thursday 24 July: String quartet at the Chapter Restaurant, 16:00 BST
  • Thursday 24 July: String quintet at the RBSA Gallery, 18:00 BST
  • Friday 25 July: String quartet at the Library of Birmingham, 14:30 BST
  • Friday 25 July: Woodwind quintet at Birmingham Botanical Gardens, 14:30 BST
  • Saturday 26 July: Canal boat performance starting from the Roundhouse, 12:30 BST
  • Monday 28 July: Return to New Street station, 13:00 BST and 15:00 BST
News imageElephant Communications Looking down on a shopping centre floor, with a large orchestra gathered in the middle of the space, and an audience on three sides.Elephant Communications
The orchestra will play music ranging from Star Wars to Brahms

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