New free concert series at Symphony Hall announced

See the best young Conservatoire musicians at lunchtime.

A free lunchtime concert series is being launched on Monday 8th November, giving audiences a chance to see some of Royal Birmingham Conservatoire’s most exciting musicians perform in Symphony Hall’s brand new Jennifer Blackwell Performance Space.

Newly-formed percussion trio Tresonant will give the first of the monthly concerts at 1pm on Monday 8th November, animating the space with their vision to bring contemporary percussion repertoire to wider audiences. Then, on Monday 13th December, soprano Rose Johnson and pianist Henry Reavey perform some of the most romantic songs in the repertoire, from Puccini, Strauss and Clara Schumann, to Bernstein and Novello.

The new Music on Mondays series and associated Prize is the result of a partnership between Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, part of Birmingham City University, and B:Music, the charity which looks after Symphony Hall and Town Hall. Further concerts will follow in the New Year and a Prizewinner selected from them.

Chris Marshall, Head of Professional Development at Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, said: “The relationship that RBC has enjoyed with Town Hall and Symphony Hall is one that is highly valued, and the opportunity to refresh that relationship with B:Music is very exciting. We have together come up with a revamped version of the long-running Prize awarded to an RBC student, focused on the expectations of a 21st century promoter. This year it’s based around the theme ‘Together’, and the Prize is a paid performance opportunity in the Jennifer Blackwell performance space on 14th June 2022.”

Chris Proctor, Head of Programme, B:Music, said: “We’re delighted to be building on the longstanding relationship between the two organisations over the years. The new performance spaces at Symphony Hall allow us to democratise the venue back to the communities in the city, to come and own them on their own terms, and enable us to support the next generation of musical talent from Birmingham, West Midlands and the wider regions too. These free lunchtime performances will be a chance to hear musical talent from across the whole musical spectrum of the Conservatoire in a relaxed and welcoming environment.”

Music on Mondays with Royal Birmingham Conservatoire starts on 8th November, 1pm, at the Jennifer Blackwell Performance Space, Symphony Hall. Tickets are free. Details from bmusic.co.uk.