Symphony Hall Tours and Activities

Opened by the Queen in June 1991, this 2,262-seater venue is home to the City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra or CBSO. It hosts around 300 concerts and receives over 300,000 visitors each year. The programme of events is hugely varied and in addition to classical music concerts, you can choose from some of the world’s biggest names in jazz, folk, rock and pop. Other events include comedians and spoken word performances.Whilst primarily known for its classical music recitals, the hall has also hosted big names including Bruce Springsteen and Van Morrison. It’s advisable to buy tickets in advance from the website or at the box office.There are two stand out features in this striking contemporary building. The ceiling of the main hall or ‘acoustic canopy’ can be altered in height so as to alter the acoustic quality of the music being performed. The hall’s organ has an incredible 6,000 pipes and can be heard during orchestral performances.A good way to see these details up close is via a 90-minute guided tour, which is available once a month. During the tour, you will get to see how the ceiling and the organ work as well as touring the backstage area. It is advisable to book your place on the tour in advance.Other events here include regular stand-up comedy performances from the likes of Lenny Henry and Bill Bailey. There are photography exhibitions in the hall’s Broad Street Gallery and other music themed exhibitions such as A Tribute To Reggae In Birmingham. Visit the hall’s website for programme details and ticket prices.Symphony Hall can be found in Centenary Square, a short walk from Birmingham city centre. The nearest train station is Birmingham New Street and is in easy walking distance. Several buses stop on nearby Broad Street. Paid parking is available at Brindleyplace and the NIA (National Indoor Arena). For tickets, the box office is open daily except for Christmas Day and Boxing Day.