Credit: Andrew Fox
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.
“For me, music is about connection,” says CBSO Music Director, Kazuki Yamada. “Taking the orchestra outside the concert hall helps us meet people where they are – and share something powerful, beautiful and unexpected.”
Credit: Andrew Fox
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.
‘CBSO in the City’ highlights:
- New Street Station: pop-up performances for commuters
- Library of Birmingham: including a space-themed family concert & string quintet with sitar in their wellbeing space
- Ikon Gallery and RBSA Gallery: showcasing chamber groups in gallery settings
- Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery: featuring flute and harp duets
- Birmingham Botanical Gardens: string quartets & wind quintets in serene garden surroundings
- Black Country Living Museum: brass quintets adding musical flair to the historic setting
- West Midlands Metro: a clarinet trio bringing music on the move
To see all ‘CBSO in the City’ events and exact times and dates, head here.