The City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (CBSO) has appointed Lord Hall of Birkenhead as its new Chair person.

Lord Hall of Birkenhead succeeds David Burbidge CBE who stands down after completing his successful five-year term of office. He says, “I am thrilled to be taking on the role of Chair of the CBSO. It’s an amazing world-class orchestra doing incredible work in a city I’ve known since I was at school there. I’ve always believed that everyone should have access to the best – and I can see that’s what motivates the CBSO too. The school set-up in partnership with Shireland Collegiate Academy in Sandwell shows that the orchestra is doing truly groundbreaking work. I know – together – there’s so much more we can do to bring the best music to everyone in Birmingham, the West Midlands and beyond.”

Tony Hall, Lord Hall of Birkenhead has held numerous executive and non-executive roles in the sector, including Director General of the BBC (2013-2020), Chief Executive of the Royal Opera House (2001-2013), and Managing Director, BBC News and Current Affairs (1989-2001). He is Chairman of the social work charity Frontline and is a crossbench member of the House of Lords, sitting on the Communications and Digital Committee. Lord Hall was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the 2006 New Year Honours for services to Opera and Ballet.

The appointment completes the CBSO’s new leadership team that will take the company forward. Recent appointments include the new Chief Conductor and Artistic Advisor Kazuki Yamada and a new Chief Executive Emma Stenning.