Birmingham on tour

Had a trip to the Proms on Saturday to follow the CBSO on tour at the BBC Proms at the Royal Albert Hall, in a wonderfully entertaining concert with excerpts from Verdi, Strauss Waltzes, a Dvorak symphony (number 8) and plenty of enthusiasm from the conductor, Andris Nelsons, as well as beautiful singing from his wife Kristine Opolais.
Really enjoyed following our local orchestra on tour, so to speak, and we found that other Midlanders were around as witnessed by a members' coach outside the Albert Hall and one half of a friendly retired couple who was heading back to Berkeswell near Coventry on the train from Euston after the concert (unfortunately the train wasn't stopping there ...).
The Proms audiences are so enthusiastic and obviously warmed to orchestra and the charismatic conductor and his wife.
The CBSO is a great advert for Birmingham, to the point where I'm not sure how much we deserve the rich mix of talent from across the world, players and administrators working harder than ever when resources to support them are getting ever tighter and commercial pressures greater.
The blend of national and international, local and worldwide gathered in the city, is for me though a hallmark of Birmingham and the CBSO is at the cultural heart of this blend.
Do try and get to a concert if you can, keep an eye out for special offers if cost is a problem.
Town Hall Symphony Hall or CBSO website for concert details.

Location:London