Across more than 100 performances, the CBSO journeys from the greatest orchestral masterpieces at Symphony Hall to fun-filled interactive concerts for all the family.
The orchestra also has strengthened its mission to reach new audiences across the West Midlands and beyond with an ambition to embed itself even further into the cultural life of the city.
Emma Stenning, chief executive of CBSO said: “I’m so proud of this season. It speaks to the future of this remarkable orchestra, puts the brilliant Kazuki Yamada at the heart of our music making, and solidifies our commitment to being an ensemble that truly explores both the creative potential of our glorious city, and the opportunity of creating work in new ways, that will speak to more people.
“There is an abundance of classical masterpieces and brilliant creative collaborations, alongside moments when the orchestra will try something genuinely new, for those who would like to adventure with us.
“At the core of it all, is a sense of joy and welcome, and a promise that wonderful music is for everyone. We can’t wait to share it all with you.”
Meanwhile, Kazuki Yamada has taken up the new title of music director, reflecting his ever-deepening relationship with the orchestra and increasing involvement in programming and creative decision-making.
Yamada leads 22 concerts in Birmingham across the 2024-25 season, from performances of landmark classical works to appearances with the CBSO Youth Orchestra, at the CBSO’s annual Schools’ Concerts, and at Hockley Social Club, as well as working with Shireland CBSO Academy, the UK’s first school run in collaboration with an orchestra which opened in September 2023.
A highlight of Yamada’s season will be an exploration of Ninth Symphonies, including the last symphonies of Mahler, Bruckner, Dvořák and Beethoven.
The focus launches with Beethoven’s dazzling ‘Choral’ Symphony, showcasing the full-force of the CBSO Chorus alongside soprano Lucy Crowe, mezzo-soprano Jennifer Johnston, tenor Nicky Spence and bass-baritone Jonathan Lemalu (19 September.
In the year that marks Bruckner’s 200th birthday, Yamada leads his Symphony No.9, a work which famously remained unfinished at his death (12 December); Dvořák’s 9th Symphony – his ‘New World’ symphony – is at the heart of two Yamada-led concerts, the first in a programme that also features music by Villa Lobos and Mendelssohn (14 February) and the second a deep-dive into the history and context of the work in a collaboration with Black Voices (15 February); and Mahler’s Symphony No.9 sits in a concert of two works both triggered by loss and grief – alongside Takemitsu’s Requiem (10 April).
Kazuki Yamada said: “I am very excited to announce the contents of our new season, which will be very fulfilling. As Music Director, I have renewed my determination to participate more actively in the CBSO's various activities than ever before.
“The CBSO is like a big family. While the orchestra is at the core, our ideal is to involve the entire city in an exciting way through music, including choral activities, educational activities, and collaborations with other fields.
“I hope that the CBSO can play a central role in raising the quality and level of cultural activities in Birmingham, and we want everyone to feel that they can join our family at any time.
“For me, the CBSO is a miraculous reality. Our special relationship of trust allows us to create magical moments with our audience at every concert.
“And new bonds can be created. At its core, music is about having fun and connecting with people – and we want to share music and have fun with as many people as possible.”
Click here to access the full season.
