CBSO to perform 'pop-up ' shows at New Street Station

The City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra is set to pack up its instruments and move out of the concert hall into one of the UK 's busiest train stations, for two special pop-up performances in New Street Station.

On Friday 18 November the CBSO will take to the 'stage ' on the station concourse for two free performances at 4pm and 5:30pm, giving passers-by the chance to experience world-class orchestral music on their commute.

Led by conductor Michael Seal, the orchestra will present a mix of music from the movies, ranging from Star Wars to Pirates of the Caribbean, before a special 'encore ' which will offer members of the public the opportunity to step onto the conductor 's podium and take the baton themselves to conduct the orchestra playing John Williams ' Imperial March from Star Wars.

Anna Melville, head of artistic planning at the CBSO said: “Taking the CBSO out of the concert hall and into Birmingham 's busiest train station is a treat for both the musicians and audiences alike. It 's a rare chance to see and feel the full force of a symphony orchestra up close for free. ”

Shakeel Mohammed, shift station manager at Birmingham New Street, said: “It 's fantastic to welcome the CBSO back for a second year, and we can 't wait to see what passengers think of the performances next month. ”

To apply for the chance to conduct the orchestra, members of the public need to visit https://cbso.co.uk/event/new-street-22 and fill out an application form by Friday 4 November.

All ages are welcome to apply, but young people aged under 16 years old need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian on the day.

The CBSO will choose a selection of respondents at random on Monday 7 November and contact them via email to check their availability and to give further instructions on what to do on the day.