A free classical concert is being held this weekend to launch Birmingham’s first independent music school.

Sally Alexander – Kimichi School

Kimichi School, which opens its doors on September 9, has been founded by professional musician and qualified teacher Sally Alexander from Billesley.

Ms Alexander has organised the concert on Sunday to showcase the ethos of the new instrumental specialist school – the first of its kind in Birmingham – based in Acocks Green.

The 39-year-old mother-of-two has put together an orchestra made up of amateur and professional musicians, including a member of the CBSO. The programme, conducted by Richard Laing, music director of the Midland Sinfonia, will include pieces by Beethoven, Mozart and Bach.

“I have long dreamed of opening a school that specialises in music and, at last, it has come to fruition,” said Ms Alexander, who has worked as a teacher in the Caribbean and runs a school choir in Moseley. “Now that Kimichi is about to open, it is fitting to launch it with a concert that showcases what the school is all about, which is nurturing children’s love for and understanding of music, especially orchestral and instrumental.

“I’m thrilled that so many brilliant musicians have agreed to give up their spare time to make the concert happen. It should be a wonderful evening for all the family.”

The free concert takes place at Acocks Green Methodist Church on the corner of Botteville Road and Shirley Road on Sunday, July 14, 7-9pm.

• For more details about Kimichi School, visit www.kimichischool.co.uk or phone 07515 654793