Emma Stenning, the recently appointed Chief Executive of CBSO, brings a wealth of experience in the arts sector. Having previously held leadership roles at renowned cultural institutions, she is passionate about making orchestral music accessible and relevant to contemporary audiences.

She discusses the role of classical music in modern society and how the orchestra is evolving to engage new generations of listeners.

Birmingham’s cultural heartbeat has always pulsed with innovation, and at its core is the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (CBSO), one of the most prestigious ensembles in the world. Now, under the leadership of its new Chief Executive Emma Stenning, it is embarking on a bold new journey – one that intertwines classical tradition with the dynamism of a modern, diverse city.

It was not an obvious transition for a woman whose career has been deeply rooted in theatre. “I’ve had a very long career in the performing arts, but really in theatre, not in orchestras,” Emma explains. “Of course, there’s a huge amount of similarity, but they’re also completely different. You know, putting on a play is not the same as putting on a concert, and so I was really excited for the idea of change.”

Originally from Hampshire, Emma spent three years directing theatre in Toronto before taking on a very different role as Chief Executive of Belvoir Castle. “The orchestra was something completely different, and the minute I was approached about the job I came to Birmingham and just watched a concert.” That first experience sealed the deal.

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An Orchestra for Everyone

What truly excites Emma is the chance to redefine what it means to be “Birmingham’s orchestra.” It’s a bold vision – one that elevates the CBSO’s global reputation while rooting it firmly within the local community. “We’ve got a big tour through Europe in May, we’re in Japan in July. CBSO sits at this extraordinary position of being among the elite orchestras of the world, but our project over the next few years is asking how does that really matter for Birmingham and how do we find the collaborations that really celebrate Birmingham culture?”

Part of that mission involves taking music beyond Symphony Hall’s stage and into unexpected corners of the city. “We had a brilliant event this summer called CBSO in the City, where we did 27 free concerts all across Birmingham. The whole orchestra performed at the Bullring, at New Street Station, and then split into smaller groups – string quartets, brass ensembles – playing at places like the Botanical Gardens and the Jam House.”

The goal is to engage with those who might not typically buy a ticket to a classical concert. “We want to bring music to the city. That’s part of our job – bringing joy and connection.”

For an orchestra with such a rich heritage, it would be easy to remain within the traditional classical sphere. Instead, CBSO is embracing cultural diversity in new and exciting ways. This April, it takes on an ambitious collaboration with Punch Records featuring some of Birmingham’s biggest grime artists, including Lady Leshurr, Jaykae and Big Dog. “Because we want to showcase Birmingham and show off about this amazing city, we’re taking this project to the Southbank Centre in London to say, ‘Look, this is what Birmingham’s orchestra can do. This is what Birmingham can do’.”

It’s this desire to integrate classical music with the cultural fabric of the city that’s truly invigorating. “Of course, a huge part of what we do is celebrating and playing the repertoire, which is invariably western originated music, but now we’re doing partnerships with Cavalli musicians and Bollywood musicians that really look to celebrate the cultural breadth of our city.”

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Investing In The Next Generation

One of CBSO’s most groundbreaking initiatives is its partnership with the Shireland Academy Trust. Now in its second year, the free school is home to 300 students, each immersed in a music-rich education. “The whole school revolves around music,” Emma says proudly. “Every kid there is learning an instrument of their choosing, has a relationship with the orchestra and has music lessons day in, day out. Our players are in and out all the time, performing concerts every term.”

For her, it is about more than just nurturing future musicians. “There’s a real urgency to put music back at the heart of our schools, particularly in state education. We see that private schools have fabulous music provision, but increasingly state schools don’t. What we’re starting to see is putting music into the school life actually makes you better at maths and gets you a better English grade, and it teaches discipline, teamwork and collaboration.”

So, how does an orchestra with such deep classical roots balance tradition with modern expectations? “You will see week in week out that we are performing the likes of Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet, and we will always be doing Mahler, Mendelssohn, Brahms, Stravinsky – that is the lifeblood of what we do. But around that, we can pack so many more opportunities and different projects.”

One such initiative has taken CBSO to Hockley Social Club. “Our players love it because it stretches them in a new way, and for someone who might not want to see a Mendelssohn symphony at Symphony Hall, grabbing a beer and a burger while watching a fun night film music is a totally different offer.”

It’s not just about diversifying venues, either. CBSO is actively working with faith communities and cultural groups to create new, inclusive experiences. “We did our first event in November called Bringing the Light with lantern-making workshops, a parade along the canal, and an evening celebrating gospel music, Bangladeshi music and tabla playing. It’s about us saying: this is a home for music, and anything goes.”

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The Mobile Phone Debate

Recent discussions surrounding CBSO has been its policy on mobile phone use during concerts. While some argue for a strict no-phone policy, others see social media as an important tool for engagement.

“It’s really simple,” says Emma. “During a concert performance there are moments where people stop and clap, and if at that point you want to take a picture to share with your friends and put on social media, that’s great – it’s a brilliant way of marketing what we do. Your friends see it, see you having a good time and think well maybe I’ll go too. But when you’re actually watching the performance, be in the moment and have a shared experience with the audience around you.”

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A City To Be Proud Of

For Birmingham, CBSO is more than just a world-class orchestra – it’s a cultural ambassador, a community unifier and a beacon of musical innovation. “I’d like to think we get to a place where people in the city are really proud of their orchestra and see that it does a great job of bringing moments of happiness and celebration. One of the things I’ve loved about being part of CBSO is in the music world, the name Birmingham is elite. So, when we’re in Germany and I meet someone, I say ‘I’m from the CBSO’ and the response is ‘Oh my gosh, CBSO, oh my gosh’.

“The last year has been tough for people that live in this city because the dominant headlines have been about bankrupt Birmingham. But I hope we can be part of saying ‘let’s be proud of our city, let’s celebrate its brilliance. Let’s really enjoy our cultural heritage, let’s be proud of our diversity’. If we can be part of rediscovering the pride of our city that would be a great thing.”

For more information and to see what’s on at CBSO, click [here].