Kazuki Yamada Extends Contract at the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra

Yamada will remain in the post until the end of the 2028/29 season

The Japanese conductor Kazuki Yamada has signed a two-year contract extension as Music Director of the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (CBSO). First appointed to the post in 2023, Yamada is now contracted until the close of the 2028/29 season.

During his tenure in Birmingham, Yamada has led a large number of concerts, including 20 in the present season. He has also appeared in a number of prominent outreach performances, with the CBSO in the City concerts — which presented music in unconventional venues such as on trams.

Yamada studied music at Tokyo University of the Arts, and he received first prize in the 51st International Besançon Competition for Young Conductors in 2009. He was mentored by Seiji Ozawa and appears regularly in Japan with the NHK Symphony Orchestra and Yomiuri Nippon Symphony Orchestra.

Alongside his post in Birmingham, Yamada is Music Director of the Orchestre Philharmonique de Monte-Carlo. He has brought the two ensembles together on multiple occasions, having conducted collaborative performances with the CBSO Chorus of Mendelssohn’s Elijah in both cities in 2019 and of Orff’s Carmina Burana in 2023.

"I am thrilled that the brilliant Kazuki Yamada will remain Music Director of the CBSO until August 2029," said Emma Stenning, Chief Executive of the CBSO. "From working with students at our incredible school, the Shireland CBSO Academy, to leading the Orchestra at the BBC Proms, he is truly at the heart of our music making. More than that, he is totally committed to Birmingham, as a city of immense cultural breadth and creative opportunity."

"He entirely embodies everything that CBSO hopes to be, and we are privileged to extend our relationship with him in this way."

"I am extremely happy to be renewing my contract with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra," Yamada said. "Over the past few years, I have developed such a strong connection with the orchestra, and it has been a true privilege to build on the special relationship I have with these talented musicians. The CBSO is a super happy, positive, and motivated orchestra, and I have always been inspired by their passion and dedication. There’s so much potential for us to explore together, and I’m excited about the possibilities which lie ahead."

"I love the audiences and people of Birmingham as I fully immerse myself in the culture of Birmingham as a Brummie conductor! To continue my time with the orchestra feels like a wonderful affirmation of the trust and mutual respect we’ve built, and I can’t wait to see what we will achieve together moving forward."