The orchestra is to make up to 5,000 free tickets available to NHS workers, once concerts resume following the coronavirus pandemic  

Mirga and CBSO

Mirga Gražinytė-Tyla conducts the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra

The City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (CBSO) has today announced that it will make up to 5,000 free tickets available to NHS workers, once concerts resume following the coronavirus pandemic.  

The CBSO family, including the CBSO Chorus, Youth Orchestra and Youth Chorus, have launched the initiative as a way of thanking the NHS for working tirelessly at this time.

Tickets will be made available for selected future concerts at venues including Birmingham Symphony Hall and Town Hall and the CBSO Centre, with up to 5,000 tickets set aside. NHS workers can register their interest on the CBSO website. Full details of available concerts will be announced at a later date.

To mark the announcement, members of the CBSO Chorus have released a video performing ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow’ from their homes. Around 10% of the Chorus members themselves work for the NHS.

Chorus member Dr Helen Chamberlain said: ‘In normal times an evening of singing is my favourite way to unwind from a busy day in the hospital. The CBSO Chorus is like another family where we share fabulous musical experiences - and a few drinks from time to time! At the moment the NHS is another family too - one that I am seeing a lot of. I am looking forward to many things when this crisis lessens, one of which is the joy of singing with my friends again.’

CBSO Chief Executive, Stephen Maddock, said: ‘We know that in these uncertain times music is bringing many people comfort, joy and solace. While we’re doing everything we can to keep music alive through online and digital work, we can’t wait to get back to performing for our live audiences once again here in Birmingham. And when we do, we would like to say a huge thank you to NHS workers by offering them tickets to the next concerts in our centenary season and beyond. We hope that they will be able to join us to celebrate their incredible work.’

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