The City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (CBSO) today announces a two-year contract extension for Music Director, Kazuki Yamada – reflecting his ever-deepening relationship with the orchestra and increasing involvement in creative decision making.

The extension means that Yamada will remain as Music Director until the end of the 2028-29 Season.

In this season alone, he will have conducted more than 20 concerts in Birmingham, ranging from performances of landmark classical works, including an exploration of Ninth Symphonies by Mahler, Bruckner, Dvořák, and Beethoven. He appears twice with the CBSO Youth Orchestra and takes to the podium for the CBSO’s annual Schools’ Concerts.

Last summer, Yamada played a pivotal role in bringing free live music to thousands across Birmingham during the CBSO in the City event – including performances on a tram, at New Street Station, and within the bustling Bullring shopping centre. Yamada’s role with the orchestra extends far beyond Birmingham and this spring, he will take the orchestra on tour to both Europe and Japan.

Kazuki Yamada, Music Director, CBSO, says: “I am extremely happy to be renewing my contract with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra. Over the past few years, I have developed such a strong connection with the orchestra, and it has been a true privilege to build on the special relationship I have with these talented musicians. The CBSO is a super happy, positive, and motivated orchestra, and I have always been inspired by their passion and dedication. There’s so much potential for us to explore together, and I’m excited about the possibilities which lie ahead.

I love the audiences and people of Birmingham as I fully immerse myself in the culture of Birmingham as a Brummie conductor! To continue my time with the orchestra feels like a wonderful affirmation of the trust and mutual respect we’ve built, and I can’t wait to see what we will achieve together moving forward.”

The news of Kazuki’s extension follows the announcement of Catherine Arlidge MBE being appointed into the role of Director of Artistic Planning at the CBSO last month, further strengthening the orchestra's artistic team.

Simon Halsey CBE, who has served as Chorus Director with the CBSO since 1982, will also take on the new role of Director, CBSO Chorus later this year. In his new role, Simon will focus his work on the CBSO Chorus, working closely with leaders of Children's & Youth Choruses, and SO Vocal, to programme an incredible season of choral music.

Simon will hold the new position for two seasons, while the organisation recruits a new Director, CBSO Chorus, to begin in the 2027-28 season. Once a new Director is appointed, Simon will take on an honorary title with continued commitment to the organisation. This marks the beginning of a new chapter in his longstanding partnership with the orchestra, which will continue for many years to come – including his 50th anniversary in 2032.

Simon Halsey CBE, Chorus Director, CBSO, says: “As I enter my 43rd year as Chorus Director of the CBSO, I continue to be thankful for the extraordinary family of singers and players, adult and youth, that strive for the very best in our large and excitingly diverse city.

An informal calculation suggests that I’ve heard over ten thousand choral auditions and taken some three thousand rehearsals on behalf of our inspiring music directors! We have formed children’s, youth and community choirs in addition to the CBSO Chorus. And we’ve helped train 50 postgraduate choral conductors in association with the University of Birmingham.

I am beyond thrilled to extend my relationship with our choirs and orchestra in the long-term and grateful that the organisation - my musical family - will allow me to share more widely the responsibilities as the years pass; allowing me to be an active part of the organisation for 50 years.”

Emma Stenning, Chief Executive, CBSO, says: “I am thrilled that the brilliant Kazuki Yamada will remain Music Director of the CBSO until August 2029.

From working with students at our incredible school, the Shireland CBSO Academy, to leading the orchestra at the BBC Proms, he is truly at the heart of our music making.

More than that, he is totally committed to Birmingham, as a city of immense cultural breadth and creative opportunity. That he can delight audiences at Symphony Hall with performances of such emotion, depth and joy, jump on a tram to bring free music to commuters, or don a Halloween costume to lead us in a night of spooky adventure at the Hockley Social Club, he entirely embodies everything that CBSO hopes to be, and we are privileged to extend our relationship with him in this way.

Simon Halsey’s work with the CBSO Chorus is already the stuff of legend. Planning through towards celebrating a remarkable half century with him in 2032 has reminded all of us of the brilliance, creativity and absolute class of his creative leadership, and we all greatly look forward to the exciting work that is to come.

Along with Cath’s step out of the orchestra into her new Director of Artistic Planning role, the CBSO’s creative leadership shows exceptional strength, and I look forward to us working together over the coming years to bring great music to Birmingham, the West Midlands and beyond.”