While many may feel classical music is old-fashioned and boring, it still finds surprising ways to excite audiences. The City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra continues its commitment to reach new audiences across the West Midlands this month, with an exciting series of free, un-ticketed performances across the city.
After the success of last year’s inaugural ‘CBSO in the City’ took the orchestra out of the concert hall and into the heart of the community—with over 25 free performances in iconic and everyday locations across Birmingham—the much-anticipated second edition runs from Wednesday, July 23 to Monday, July 28.
Kazuki Yamada, Music Director at the CBSO, said: “And so with ‘CBSO in the City’ we leave the concert hall for a week and take the joy of orchestral music to people in their world – inspiring their day, adding a magical surprise to their routines and sparking a curiosity to discover. There are no tickets, no barriers and no formalities. ‘CBSO in the City’ is about the shared joy of music – and the role it plays to define the city we are proud to call home.”
The 2025 programme continues to bring CBSO musicians to unexpected places—from pop-up performances for commuters at New Street Station to a space-themed family concert at the Library of Birmingham. You can also catch performances at Ikon Gallery, Black Country Living Museum, West Midlands Metro and more.
From Star Wars to Brahms, each performance is designed to meet audiences where they are—whether in transit, at leisure, or exploring with family—and showcase the full diversity of the orchestra. While all events are free and unticketed, standard admission applies at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens, RBSA Gallery, and Black Country Living Museum.
When and where guide to CBSO in the City:
Wednesday, July 23
- New Street Station at the departure boards (4 pm and 6 pm): With a chance to conduct the CBSO as they perform rousing favourites including the Star Wars theme, music from Pirates of the Caribbean and Hungarian Dances by Brahms.
Thursday, July 24
- ‘Race through Space’ at the Library of Birmingham (11.30 am): An activity-based event set to ignite the inspiration of young children through the exploration of music through movement.
- Classics Reimagined at IKON Gallery (2 pm): Combining classical favourites with pop hits.
- Live music on Birmingham’s tram network (from 2 pm): A surprise rendition on a West Midlands Metro tram, as it travels to and from Wolverhampton (keep an eye on the CBSO’s social media for the most up-to-date times).
- String quartet at Birmingham Botanical Gardens (2.30 pm): A wellbeing tonic, delivering inspiring serenades for a beautiful location.
- Flute and harp at the Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery (2.30 pm): featuring Marie-Christine Zupancic and Katherine Thomas.
- A brass quintet at Black Country Living Museum (2.30 pm): An event celebrating the classical connection to Birmingham’s post-industrial history.
- Double bass and friends at the IKON Gallery (4 pm): An appreciation of the role the double bass plays in live performance.
- String quartet at the Chapter restaurant (6 pm): Music to dine to. Presenting a string quartet in the setting of a thriving independent restaurant.
- String quintet at the RBSA Gallery (6 pm): Schubert’s string quintet in beautiful surroundings.
Friday, July 25
- String quartet at the Library of Birmingham (2.30 pm): featuring Sitarist and composer, Tommy Khosla.
- A woodwind quintet at Birmingham Botanical Gardens (2.30 pm): the combination of music and location inspires positive wellbeing.
Saturday, July 26
- The canal boat performance (12.30 pm): follow a moving performance starting from the Roundhouse, as CBSO Principal Harpist, Katherine Thomas, delivers a performance aboard a 1930s Heritage Working canal boat.
Monday, July 28
- CBSO return to New Street Station (1 pm and 3 pm): The conclusion of ‘CBSO in the City’ will see the orchestra’s return to New Street Station. Passers-by will be invited to conduct the live orchestra.
To learn more about ‘CBSO in the City’ events, head here.