The City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra is an official partner of Classic FM, led by dynamic musical director Kazuki Yamada. Working under the direction of such conductors as Adrian Boult, Andrzej Panufnik, Mirga Gražinytė-Tyla and, most notably, under the 18-year leadership of Sir Simon Rattle, the CBSO has gained a worldwide reputation.
Sir Edward Elgar first conducted the inaugural concert of the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra in November 1920.
The CBSO continued to flourish under the Finnish conductor Sakari Oramo, who was appointed Principal Conductor in 1998 and Music Director in 1999, a post he held until 2008. In 2005, a new post of Assistant Conductor post was created for Michael Seal, who combines this with a performing career in the CBSO’s violin section.
Latvian conductor Andris Nelsons took up the position of Music Director in September 2008 and has received world-wide recognition ever since. Mirga Gražinytė-Tyla held the post from 2016 until 2022, when Japanese conductor Kazuki Yamada was appointed chief conductor and artistic advisor.
As the resident orchestra of Birmingham’s Symphony Hall, the CBSO performs over 80 concerts each year in one of the world’s finest concert halls. The orchestra is in demand globally, acting as an ambassador for the city in venues and festivals across Europe, Asia and America. Its many recordings have won numerous international prizes.
Ignite, the CBSO’s programme to engage audiences and the community, includes an acclaimed family of choruses, chamber groups, youth ensembles and an education programme that in total reaches upwards of 53,500 people each year.
The CBSO became Classic FM's official partner in 2015, and celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2020. On the launch of the orchestra’s 2026/27 season, CEO Emma Stenning said: “Our partnership with Classic FM is very special, and is something we’re incredibly proud of at the CBSO. We’re absolutely kindred spirits – we are both clear in saying that this music is for everyone, we both want to advocate for it as a joyful part of people’s lives, and we both do that by working to share it with as many people as possible.”
