City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (CBSO)

Creative Associates

We were delighted to be one of two Creative Associates with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra between 2023 and 2026.

The Creative Associates programme was a collaboration between the orchestra and organisations and individuals making waves in the arts sector, with the aim of encouraging new thinking and different approaches to bring new audiences to the CBSO’s work.

Over three years we supported the ongoing development of the CBSO’s work in communities and for young audiences developing more theatrically-led programmes, as well as nurturing an audience focused, player-led approach, enabling more creative autonomy for the musicians at the centre of this work.

As part of the partnership we collaborated on various projects, including:

  • Creative development projects with CBSO players and Career Accelerator Musicians in 2023, 2024 and 2025 to develop performance practice and encourage a more creative and audience-focussed approach.
  • A training project with CBSO Youth Orchestra musicians introducing our approach and developing the performance practice of young musicians.
  • Producing new performances such as the CBSO Family Concert: Sports Day on Sunday 8th June 2025 and the new Primary Schools touring performance The Trail of Choices which has been nominated for an international YAM Award.