Qatar Airways joins with CBSO to celebrate the Spirit of Birmingham

THE City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra has launched a new project encouraging primary school children to explore what their home city means to them through the creation of a new musical theatre song.
 
To apply, schools are being asked to submit pupils’ responses to the question ‘What does Birmingham mean to you?’ in any format they like – a poem, a piece of art, a video, song or dance. A panel of experts will then judge the final entries and select a number of schools to take part in the project.
 
One lucky Key Stage 2 class from each selected school will have the opportunity to work with award-winning composer Eamonn O’Dwyer and musicians from the CBSO to create the new piece of music, which will celebrate the ‘Spirit of Birmingham’.  

Each school will contribute towards the narrative, lyrics and music of the piece, which will receive its world premiere at Birmingham Symphony Hall in a performance sung by children from all participating schools with CBSO musicians.  
                                                                                    
The project has been supported by sponsorship from airline Qatar Airways, which has signed up as a major supporter of the CBSO and is the Orchestra’s Official Airline Partner.

Lucy Galliard, Director of Learning and Engagement, CBSO, said: “We are urging everyone to encourage their local primary schools to enter. Children are so creative, and able to generate the most original and imaginative pieces of work.

“Thanks to Qatar Airways’ we have a unique opportunity to give primary school children a platform to showcase their creative talent through the development of a new piece of music with an award-winning composer, and to perform the world premiere in the spectacular surroundings of Symphony Hall, accompanied by professional musicians.”
 
Richard Oliver, Qatar Airways’ UK and Ireland Country Manager, said: “This exciting initiative will provide local primary school children with the amazing opportunity to learn and work with the CBSO including the once in lifetime opportunity to sing with the musicians during a special performance at Symphony Hall. Qatar Airways is proud to be the Official Airline Partner of the CBSO and to be part of making the dreams of young children in the area come true.”
 
To enter the competition schools should download an application form from the CBSO website, and submit their entries by Monday June 27 to ‘Qatar Airways Spirit of Birmingham Project’ CBSO Centre, Berkley Street, Birmingham, B1 2LF or by email to education@cbso.co.uk