City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra Appoints New Director of Artistic Planning

The orchestra's Sub-Principal Second Violin, Catherine Arlidge MBE, will step into the role

The City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (CBSO) has announced that Catherine Arlidge, who currently serves as the orchestra's Sub-Principal Second Violin, has been appointed as its Director of Artistic Planning.

Arlidge will work alongside CEO Emma Stenning, Music Director Kazuki Yamada, and the CBSO’s players to expand the orchestra's reach, while also developing its quality.

Arlidge has been playing in, touring with, and making recordings with the orchestra since 1990, and has worked with five different Music Directors during that time.

She is a founding member of the CBSO's Artistic Think Tank, which was formed to involve the orchestra's players in programming decisions. She was also a central force in the orchestra's player-run chamber music series Centre Stage, and its children's concerts, titled Notelets.

Since 2017, she has been the Artistic and Educational Director of the National Children’s Orchestras of Great Britain (NCO), and during her time in that role, she has reimagined the role of the charity and its activities. Arlidge was made an MBE for services to music education in 2016.

"I am so happy to welcome Catherine into this vital new role," said CBSO Chief Executive Emma Stenning. "Catherine is well known to the CBSO as a longstanding member of the orchestra, and is widely respected for her transformative work at National Children’s Orchestras and her remarkable leadership voice within the sector."

"Her compelling vision for the CBSO’s program and her ambition for our international life, combined with her deep understanding of the orchestra's values and her passionate commitment to Birmingham, will be invaluable as we continue to create music that connects, inspires, and brings joy to audiences everywhere."

"I am thrilled to have this new opportunity to help shape the artistic vision and journey of the CBSO," Arlidge said. "Together, this incredible group of musicians and singers, passionate staff team and board, and of course Kazuki create the ingredients of something that is artistically unique and truly remarkable. I couldn’t be more excited to see where we can go together."