Future Faces attend CBSO Rush Hour concert

Future Faces members recently had the chance to attend a City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (CBSO) performance.

The network attended a CBSO Rush Hour Concert which featured the Saint‑Saëns’ Organ Symphony. The Rush Hour Concert concept is rather than sitting in the rush hour traffic, attendees can enjoy some live music in the Symphony Hall.

The concerts are very accessible, with tickets priced at just £10. The concert itself is very informal, making it accessible to anyone who may not have been before. A musician from the orchestra explains what you are going to listen to before it starts. 

Claire Tilt, director of Development at the CBSO, said: "What a privilege it was to host the Future Faces networking event at our CBSO Rush Hour Concert.

“Engaging Birmingham’s young professionals and introducing them to the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra—especially during an epic performance of Saint‑Saëns’ Organ Symphony—was truly special. Hearing the orchestra for the very first time clearly resonated with many of them. We can’t wait to welcome them back next time!”

Anna-Symone Bateman, Student Engagement Tutor at University College Birmingham, attended the concert. She said: “Attending the CBSO Rush Hour concert was a welcome end to my day. It was my first time just sitting and being able to listen to and watch music coming together.

“The passion from the musicians and the conductor was so inspiring and I loved every second of it, especially the finale.” 

Sophie Poduval-Morrell, manager of Future Faces, said: “It was lovely to see so many young professionals blown away by their first experience with a live orchestra. We are so grateful to CBSO for making this happen. These are exactly the types of opportunities we want to make accessible to all young professionals, it helps them learn, grow and connect.”