The City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (CBSO) today announce a new partnership with the Wye Valley Brewery, to celebrate these two companies made in the Midlands. The Brewery are making 900 bottles of a limited edition CBSO beer called ‘Podium,’ tastings of which will be available as a Christmas treat for audiences at the Orchestra’s Festive Favourites concerts with actress Jessica Hynes on Friday 16, Sunday 18 & Monday 19 December.
On Monday 21 November, four members of the Orchestra, violinist Gabriel Dyker, Percussionist Toby Kearney and trumpeters Richard Blake & Jon Quirk visited the brewery in Herefordshire to help brew the beer.
Wye Valley Brewery Head Brewer Gareth Bateman comments:
“A violinist, two trumpeters and a percussionist walked into a bar’… well, Wye Valley Brewery actually!!! As a long-time fan of the CBSO, Wye Valley Brewery’s Chairman, Peter Amor, was delighted to hear we would be collaborating with them to brew a Limited Edition bottled beer. What we didn’t realise, was what big beer connoisseurs the orchestra are!
Together with the enthusiastic help of the four CBSO musicians, we’ve brewed a true masterpiece. ‘Podium’, which will be available to taste at the CBSO’s Christmas Concerts, is a premium golden ale, that boasts a symphony of hops, including the aptly named Calypso variety.”
The annual Festive Favourites celebrations at Symphony Hall, Birmingham feature traditional and new seasonal music, interspersed with humorous readings as well as the opportunity to join in and sing along. Special guest presenter Jessica Hynes joins the whole family of CBSO choruses across four performances, conducted by Simon Halsey.
Simon Halsey – conductor
Jessica Hynes – presenter
CBSO Chorus – (all performances)
CBSO Youth Chorus – (Friday & Sunday evenings)
CBSO Children’s Chorus – (Sunday 3pm only)
CBSO SO Vocal – (Mnoday)
Friday 16 December, 7:30pm
Sunday 18 December, 3pm & 7:30pm
Monday 19 December, 7:30pm
Symphony Hall, Birmingham
Book at: www.cbso.co.uk
For further press information please contact
Rebecca Driver Media Relations
web: www.rdmr.co.uk
email: rebecca@rdmr.co.uk | nasarene@rdmr.co.uk
tel: 020 7247 1894
Notes to Editors:
About the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (CBSO)
The City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra is one of the world’s great orchestras, and the flagship of musical life in Birmingham and the Midlands.
Based at Birmingham’s spectacular Symphony Hall, the orchestra and its ensembles give over 150 concerts each year in the UK and worldwide, playing a wide range of music including everything from Wagner operas to world premieres, film music and family concerts. With a far-reaching education and community programme, six choruses and a Youth Orchestra, it is involved with every aspect of music-making in the Midlands. But at its heart is a team of 90 superb professional musicians, and a 95-year tradition of making the world’s greatest music.
The orchestra was founded by future Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain in 1920, and Elgar conducted its inaugural concert. But it was when it discovered the young British conductor Simon Rattle in 1980 that the CBSO became internationally famous, and showed how the arts can help give a new sense of direction to a whole city. Rattle’s successors Sakari Oramo and Andris Nelsons cemented that global reputation, and continued to build on the CBSO’s distinguished tradition as one of the UK’s leading musical ambassadors.
Under the artistic leadership of Osborn Music Director Mirga Gražinytė-Tyla the CBSO will continue to do what it does best – playing great music for people in Birmingham and beyond. As it approaches its centenary in 2020, the CBSO remains one of the most vibrant cultural organisations in the UK.
About Wye Valley Brewery
Wye Valley Brewery is a family business that takes great pride in brewing the best cask-conditioned beer possible and supporting local pubs as places to enjoy the perfect pint.
We are also immensely proud of the team of talented people who make all the magic happen… Incredible as it may seem, there are fewer than 50 of us at Wye Valley Brewery ensuring around 10 million pints of beautiful beer are enjoyed every year! From the brewers and production team who brew, batch and bottle our tasty ales, to the friendly draymen who deliver daily to your local… Not forgetting our sales and customer service teams who make sure Wye Valley Brewery beers are served in your favourite free houses on a regular basis!