Performance Opportunities

City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra

The CBSO is the flagship of musical life in Birmingham and the West Midlands – and one of the world’s great orchestras.

The CBSO works as Partners in Orchestral Development with the Conservatoire, including:

•  Research
•  Conductor and ensemble workshops
•  Unique performance opportunities
•  CBSO Orchestral Training Scheme
•  A bespoke Master’s award in Orchestral Performance specifically for String players

Working with the CBSO Learning and Participation team, Conservatoire Students also have the opportunity to support CBSO Family Concerts at Symphony Hall and Notelets concerts for early years groups at the CBSO Centre, as well as working alongside CBSO musicians on education projects throughout the West Midlands.

CBSO Orchestral Training Scheme

The CBSO Orchestral Training Scheme enhances employability by providing the opportunity for selected students from the Strings, Woodwind, Brass and Percussion departments to gain first-hand professional experience by observing and playing in CBSO rehearsals. Students on the Scheme also have the opportunity to perform in CBSO masterclasses and receive orchestral audition training and mentoring from CBSO principals.

Auditions for the scheme reflect professional orchestral audition procedures. Supporting workshop activities extend the benefit of the Conservatoire’s involvement with the CBSO to all of our orchestral students.

Conservatoire’s Symphony Orchestra

Outside of the Scheme, the Conservatoire’s Symphony Orchestra performs at Symphony Hall four times a year before CBSO concerts, and many Conservatoire students also perform with the CBSO Youth Orchestra, tutored by CBSO musicians and some of the world’s leading conductors, as well as singing with the CBSO Chorus in Birmingham and beyond. 

In Conversation: Stephen Maddock and Julian Lloyd Webber