The orchestra now standing…

CBSO announce pop-up performance at New Street.

The City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra is set to pack up its instruments and move out of the concert hall and into one of the UK’s busiest train stations, for two special pop-up performances in the heart of Birmingham at New Street Station.

On Friday 18th November the CBSO will once again take to the ‘stage’ on the station concourse for two free performances at 4pm and 5:30pm, giving passers-by the chance to experience world-class orchestral music on their commute.

Led by conductor Michael Seal, the orchestra will present a mix of much-loved music from the movies, ranging from Star Wars to Pirates of the Caribbean, before a very special ‘encore’ which will offer members of the public the once in a lifetime opportunity to step onto the conductor’s podium and take the baton themselves to conduct the orchestra playing John Williams’ Imperial March from Star Wars.

Anna Melville, Head of Artistic Planning at the CBSO said: “Taking the CBSO out of the concert hall and into Birmingham’s busiest train station is a treat for both the musicians and audiences alike. It’s a rare chance to see and feel the full Force of a symphony orchestra up close for free, playing hit after hit of beloved music from the movies. The soaring Jurassic Park theme will certainly make your commute home significantly more epic and set you on the right track heading into the weekend.”

Shakeel Mohammed, Shift Station Manager at Birmingham New Street, said: “It’s fantastic to welcome the CBSO back to Birmingham’s biggest station for a second year, and we can’t wait to see what passengers think of the performances next month. Being able to conduct the orchestra last year was a fantastic experience, but I’m sure lots of our passengers can do much better than me – I’d really encourage anyone who might be coming through the station on Friday 18 November to apply for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!”

To apply for the chance to conduct the orchestra, members of the public need to visit here and fill out an application form by Friday 4th November. All ages are welcome to apply, but young people aged under 16 years old need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian if chosen. The CBSO will choose a selection of respondents at random on Monday 7th November and contact them via email to check their availability and to give further instructions on what to do on the day.