Birmingham's tram passengers treated to a unforgettable performance - Here's what happened

Watch more of our videos on ShotsTV.com 
and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565
Visit Shots! now
A world-famous conductor play a special performance for passengers on metro services between two cities.

Passengers on the West Midlands Metro between Birmingham and Wolverhampton were treated to a unique musical experience on August 27 and 29, 2024.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Renowned conductor Kazuki Yamada, the music director of the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (CBSO), performed live piano sessions on the metro.

This initiative was part of the “CBSO in the City” event, a week-long series of free performances across various venues in Birmingham. The specially decorated CBSO tram departed from Centenary Square, Birmingham, at 10:30 BST and travelled to Wolverhampton, returning at 11:42 BST.

Music Director Kazuki Yamada performing onboard the tram heading to Wolverhampton.Music Director Kazuki Yamada performing onboard the tram heading to Wolverhampton.
Music Director Kazuki Yamada performing onboard the tram heading to Wolverhampton. | West Midlands Metro

Kazuki Yamada expressed his excitement about the event, stating that it was his dream to “jump out of the concert hall and share music with even more people.” His performances aimed to bring classical music to a broader audience, making the daily commute a memorable experience for passengers.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

In addition to the metro performances, CBSO musicians performed at various locations, including New Street Station, The Bullring, Library of Birmingham, IKON Gallery, Grosvenor Road Studios, Thinktank, and the Botanical Gardens.

These surprise performances featured a range of musical pieces, from Beethoven to Star Wars, and included brass quintets, string quartets, and family shows.

Michael Reading Skilton from West Midlands Metro expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "we’re sure his performances will make for some memorable journeys for customers who will have the chance to listen to one of the country’s top pianists for the price of a Metro ticket".

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The “CBSO in the City” event continues to bring joy and music to the people of Birmingham and Wolverhampton, transforming everyday spaces into concert venues and making classical music accessible to all.

The piano performances on the metro services generated a buzz on social media. Passengers and music enthusiasts took to platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram to share their experiences and reactions.

One wrote on X, “You don’t see [and hear] that everyday on your way into the city! The CBSO’s Music Director Kazuki Yamada playing the keyboard for the folks riding the tram into #Birmingham [from Wolverhampton].”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Another wrote on X. “Well it's not every day you have the director of the @TheCBSO entertaining passengers on a tram in normal service! Kazuki Yamada, who last week was conducting at the @bbcproms brings some tranquility to Brum.”

The “CBSO in the City” event transformed everyday spaces into concert venues and making classical music accessible to all.

Related topics:

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.

Follow us
©National World Publishing Ltd. All rights reserved.Cookie SettingsTerms and ConditionsPrivacy notice