City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra announces free public concert series

The City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (CBSO) is launching ‘CBSO in the City,’ a five-day event running from 27 to 31 August. The initiative features 20 free performances held in various public spaces throughout Birmingham to increase accessibility and engagement.

Performances are scheduled for locations including New Street Station, the Bullring, Birmingham Botanical Gardens, and the Birmingham Children’s Hospital. The program includes diverse musical offerings, such as family-friendly sets at the Birmingham Library, a mass ‘come and play’ event for clarinet and saxophone at Brindleyplace, and a walking opera titled ‘Open for Business’ in Digbeth.

Music Director Kazuki Yamada is set to perform piano on a CBSO-branded tram, and members of the public will have opportunities to conduct the orchestra. Additionally, attendees may find ‘golden tickets’ that allow them to book a 2026-27 season concert at Symphony Hall for just £1.