Piano performances take to metro services

The performances form part of a wider event across Birmingham, which sees musicians from the orchestra make surprise performances.

A world-famous conductor will play the piano for passengers on metro services between two cities.

People travelling on the West Midlands Metro between Birmingham and Wolverhampton on 27 and 29 August will have the chance to hear Kazuki Yamada, who is the music director at the City of Birmingham Orchestra (CBSO).

A specially decorated CBSO tram will leave Centenary Square, Birmingham, at 10:30 BST and travel to Wolverhampton, before returning at 11:42 BST.

Mr Yamada said it was his dream to "jump out of the concert hall and share music with even more people."

"For me, this week will be a series of moments that make that dream come true," he added on X.

The performances on tram services form part of a week-long series of free events, held by the CBSO, called CBSO in the City.

Musicians will turn up at venues such as New Street Station, The Bullring, Library of Birmingham, IKON Gallery, Grosvenor Road Studios, Thinktank and the Botanical Gardens.

"We can’t wait to welcome Kazuki aboard our trams, and 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," said Michael Reading Skilton, from West Midlands Metro.