Earlier this month, members of the orchestra, staff and CBSO Chorus swapped music for their trainers as they took part in the Great Birmingham Run.

On Sunday 3 May, participants ran either 10k or a half-marathon in the AJ Bell Great Birmingham Run to support our orchestra. After recent cuts to the CBSO's funding, participants decided to run this race to raise money and awareness for the CBSO, to ensure that live orchestral music continues to thrive in Birmingham.

Symphonic Six kept spirits high by performing to the 17,000 participants that ran past the CBSO Centre (even if that meant over a hundred performances of YMCA...).

We're so proud of all the hard work, training and enthusiasm that the CBSO runners gave, including those providing support and refreshments from the CBSO Centre on the day.

From seasoned runners to those training for the very first time, we asked some of the participants what motivated them to support the CBSO in this race.

I've been singing with the CBSO Chorus for nearly 10 years and am now the Chorus Chair. Last year, I took part in the Great Birmingham Run and noticed the route went straight past the CBSO Centre. I thought, "Wouldn't it be great if we could get the orchestra and chorus involved with this?", and here we are. It's amazing that members of the orchestra played outside the CBSO Centre as all the runners went past. It will be remembered as an epic day.

Ed Sykes, CBSO Chorus Chair

I started running more regularly during Covid as it was a great way for me to get out and about whilst getting rid of some of my frustration at being cooped up for so long! During Covid, I organised a running challenge for my colleagues at the CBSO, where we aimed to run 1000 miles in one month…fast-forward to January 2022 and we did it again, aiming to beat our mileage total from the previous year and this time raising money for both the CBSO and Help Musicians UK. We raised over £5000 to help our freelance friends during such a difficult time for the arts and for that, I am very proud. The CBSO is an invaluable asset to this vibrant, culturally-diverse city - I am so proud of everything we do and was super excited to run this race on its behalf.

Jess Tickle, CBSO Chair

I am running for the CBSO to celebrate both mine and my wife's 40th year of singing with the CBSO Chorus. I’m not a runner but have always been a keen walker, so the opportunity to do one with friends and colleagues from the CBSO encouraged me to take the plunge. The CBSO has provided me and many others with so many life-changing experiences. Another spur to doing this was the unexpected shock and sadness of losing a very dear friend last year, once a member of the chorus many years ago. I ran this race thinking of her and the many others who once contributed so much music to the chorus.

Lawrence Bacon, CBSO Chorus member

I'm running for the CBSO because it is where I first felt welcome and included after moving from the United States. The friends I have made will be lifelong, and I want to give back to the organisation that has given me so much! I am a choral conductor and music teacher, and having a place to come and sing that isn't a part of my job has always been important to me. I immediately found a family of like-minded musicians who welcomed me wholeheartedly when I joined. When I had my son just over a year ago, the CBSO community was so supportive and lovely. Part of my post-partum journey has been to get back to running! Joining the CBSO team has been the perfect opportunity to get back to physical fitness while also raising money for this amazing ensemble.

Sierra Farquhar-Wulff, CBSO Chorus member

In keeping with the spirit of the year of the horse… I found myself compelled to sign up to complete my first 10k at the Great Birmingham Run! I have attended concerts with the CBSO for 25 years since moving to Birmingham and feel that they are something for this city to be so proud of! I have had the great pleasure of working for CBSO as a pianist for various outreach projects and playing for the fabulous SO Vocal - I finally plucked up the courage to audition for the CBSO Chorus in 2023 and was overjoyed to be accepted. Singing with the CBSO has given me some of the most unforgettable musical experiences of my life, moments that lift me beyond the ordinary and into something almost otherworldly. The CBSO truly feels like a family and holds such a warm place in my heart. From an absolute non-runner, I had never done anything like this before, so I’m not sure what I have let myself in for, but I will give it my best shot even if I have to trot around.

Melissa Morris, CBSO Chorus member