Kazuki Yamada extends contract with CBSO

The City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (CBSO) has today announced an extension to its contract with music director Kazuki Yamada. The two-year extension means that Yamada will remain in the role until the end of the 2028-2029 Season.

The contract extension reflects Yamada’s ‘ever-deepening relationship with the orchestra’ which has seen him conduct more than 20 concerts in Birmingham with both the CBSO and the CBSO Youth Orchestra. The news follows last month’s appointment of Catherine Arlidge MBE to the role of director of artistic planning at the CBSO.

Yamada said: ‘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 CBSO has also announced the appointment of current chorus director Simon Halsey CBE, to the new role of director, CBSO Chorus later this year. Halsey will hold the new position for two seasons, working closely with leaders of Children's & Youth Choruses and SO Vocal, while the orchestra recruits a new director for the chorus for the 2027/28 season. Once a new director is appointed, Simon will take on an honorary title with continued commitment.

Halsey said: ‘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… 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.’