Live musical experiences in schools,  in Symphony Hall and a road safety concert are ensuring that thousands of children experience music like never before.

This is thanks to individuals from two Birmingham based businesses who have been honoured with the title ‘Jaguar Land Rover Business Champions for Arts & Business’ at an awards ceremony today.

The awards, which highlight the strength of relationships between the CBSO and private sector with particular reference to individuals who champion the benefits of working with the arts, saw Paul Hutchins of Deutsche Bank and Zeeshan Masood of DBS Law awarded for their ongoing support of the CBSO.

Calum Nisbet, Corporate Relations Manager for the CBSO said: “We are incredibly thrilled that two of our key business supporters, Deutsche Bank and DBS Law, have been presented with this prestigious award that celebrates both their commitment to the arts and to the children of Birmingham. Both companies have really added value to the work that the CBSO does to ensure that every child should have access to live music”.

Under Paul’s direction, Deutsche Bank became major supporters of the CBSO School Programme, with particular focus on working with schools from deprived areas, giving children access to a world of music they may not otherwise have had the opportunity to experience. Through Stay Tuned almost 12,000 children have attended workshops and have  experienced live performances in their schools and at Symphony Hall, Birmingham.

DBS Law, through Zeeshan, championed a collaboration which saw the creation of a number of bespoke concerts focusing on road safety. The concerts which were also in partnership with Birmingham City Council and Brake were performed at the CBSO Centre and engaged more than 2,500 school children. Musicians of the CBSO, armed with bells and horns and donning high visibility jackets, took to the stage (via a Zebra Crossing and a road) for a performance featuring original music and lyrics.

Stephen Maddock, Chief Executive of the CBSO said: “These projects have only been successful due to the partnerships that have allowed them to be realised. As a charity, the support from business and individuals is paramount to the work that we do. Both Deutsche Bank and DBS Law, through their very individual support have really made a difference, and we have certainly had a lot of fun along the way.”

The event which took place at Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery was hosted by ITV’s Business Correspondent, Mark Gough, and featured performances by Jazzlines Trio.

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