Meeting people where they are & sharing something powerful, beautiful & unexpected: CBSO in the City 2025, Birmingham’s week of music in unexpected places

CBSO at New Street Station in August 2024 (Photo: Hannah Fathers)

The City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (CBSO) returns this Summer with the second-edition of CBSO in the City, a week-long musical takeover running from 23 to 28 July 2025. 2024’s inaugural CBSO in the City saw over 25 free performances in iconic and everyday locations across Birmingham. This year repeats that winning formula with free, unticketed performances across the city. Performance to look forward to include:

• Pop-up performances for commuters in New Street Station
• A space-themed family concert and string quintet with sitar in the wellbeing space at Library of Birmingham
• Chamber groups showcased in gallery settings at Ikon Gallery and RBSA Gallery
• Flute and harp duets at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery
• String quartets & wind quintets in the serene garden surroundings of Birmingham Botanical Gardens
• brass quintets in the historic setting of Black Country Living Museum: 
• A clarinet trio bringing music on the move to West Midlands Metro

Each performance is designed to meet audiences where they are – whether in transit, at leisure, or exploring with family – while showcasing the full diversity of the orchestra. From Star Wars and Brahms in New Street Station, to strings & winds among the blooms at Birmingham’s Botanical Gardens, a string quartet at the Ikon Gallery, and even a clarinet trio riding the West Midlands Metro.

As part of the celebrations, the orchestra is calling on Birmingham residents to nominate their street for the chance to host an unforgettable pop-up performance later this year.

The CBSO’s music director Kazuki Yamada commented, “For me, music is about connection. Taking the orchestra outside the concert hall helps us meet people where they are – and share something powerful, beautiful and unexpected.”

Full details from the CBSO website.