Members'
Directory

City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra

Did You Know?

Our Education and Outreach programme involves 34,000 people each year.

About the Member

Sir Edward Elgar conducted the inaugural concert of the City of Birmingham Orchestra in October 1920. Over the nine decades since, under the direction of such conductors as Adrian Boult, Andrzej Panufnik, Louis Frémaux, and most notably under the 18-year leadership of Sir Simon Rattle and 10-year tenure of Sakari Oramo, the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (CBSO) has gained a worldwide reputation.

From the 2008/09 season, Sakari Oramo becomes becomes Principal Guest Conductor and the talented young Latvian conductor Andris Nelsons takes up the position of Music Director. In 2005, a new post of Assistant Conductor was created for Michael Seal, who combines this with a performing career in the CBSO’s violin section.

As the resident orchestra of Birmingham’s Symphony Hall, the CBSO performs around 80 concerts each year in one of the world’s finest concert halls. It’s in demand globally, acting as an ambassador for the city in venues and festivals across Europe, Asia and America. Its recordings win international prizes. And it supports and sustains an unparalleled diversity of world-class music-making in Birmingham and beyond – including its acclaimed family of choruses, chamber groups and youth ensembles, its own rehearsal and concert hall - CBSO Centre - and an education programme that reaches upwards of 36,000 young people each year.

The CBSO plays the broadest possible range of music to a wide audience. This includes the symphonic and contemporary classical repertoire for which the Orchestra is famous, but also lighter music – the popular Friday night series features everything from Bond themes to Mohammad Rafi! Matinee, Schools and family concerts all help ensure that the CBSO offers something for everyone.

The CBSO’s mission is to share its passion for music through world-class music performed by a world-class orchestra in a world-class city.

Contact details

Telephone: 0121 616 6500

information@cbso.co.uk

Website

Full Members Associate Members
Affiliate Members Corporate Members