A Birmingham Celebration with the BBC Symphony Orchestra

A showcase of music and spoken word celebrating Birmingham and the West Midlands. Featuring the BBC Symphony Orchestra under the baton of principal guest conductor Dalia Stasevska, the concert is an emotional and energetic fusion of world-class musicians alongside some of the most exciting vocal talent from the city and area.

From the splendour of Birmingham Symphony Hall, with more than 100 musicians, and arrangements and orchestrations by Jules Buckley, this special one-off event explores the city’s musical heritage and spirit alongside an honest telling of the people’s love for Brum.

It is introduced by Casey Bailey, alongside a cast of performers including rapper SANITY, poet John Bernard, slam champion Jasmine Gardosi, artist TrueMendous, singer-producer Agaama and Birmingham vocal ensemble Black Voices.

Titled Beyond the Bricks of Brum, the concert is split into three parts:

Create the City is about the creation of Birmingham - its heritage, its people, its architecture and its spirit.

Interrogate the City is an exploration of people’s love for what is known as England’s second city, told honestly without glossing over its imperfections and showcasing the real Birmingham.

Celebrate the City is a round of applause to Birmingham as an important UK city and the home of the performers.

Recorded in June in the run-up to Birmingham’s successful Commonwealth Games.