After an extensive search the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra has appointed David Burbidge CBE as its Chair, succeeding Bridget Blow CBE who stands down after completing her successful six-year term of office.

David recently led Coventry’s successful bid to win the UK City of Culture title for 2021, and continues his role as Chairman of the Coventry City of Culture Trust.  He has previously served as Chairman of the Belgrade Theatre and Coventry Cathedral Development Trust, as a trustee of the RSC, and on the development boards of Garsington Opera and Compton Verney.  He holds a CBE for services to cultural philanthropy having led five multi-million-pound fundraising campaigns including the Central Campaign for the £112 million rebuilding of the Royal Shakespeare Theatre.

In his business career David was Managing Director of Burbidge & Son (a manufacturer of bespoke quality kitchen and bathroom furniture, of which he remains Chairman), Chairman of Burbidge Capital Ltd and a director of Coventry Building Society.  He was High Sheriff of the West Midlands in 1990-91, is a Deputy Lieutenant of the West Midlands, and holds two honorary doctorates.

Bridget Blow CBE commented “David is a nationally-admired advocate for the arts and will bring to the CBSO strong governance experience and a formidable fundraising track record.  I have enjoyed my time as Chair immensely and am pleased to be leaving the orchestra in such capable hands”.

During Bridget Blow’s time as Chair the CBSO has maintained its position as one of the world’s great orchestras and the flagship of musical life in Birmingham and the Midlands despite a challenging series of cuts to national and regional funding for the arts. As well as sustaining a wide-ranging concert programme at Symphony Hall and expanding its work in the region’s communities and schools, the CBSO has also more than doubled its fundraised income during this period.  In February 2016 the organisation appointed Mirga Gražinyt?-Tyla (described by BBC Music Magazine as “Europe’s most exciting young conductor”) as its Music Director, and her work to date has won global acclaim.

Stephen Maddock OBE, Chief Executive added “Bridget Blow has been a transformative Chair, having modernised our governance and helped us to significantly strengthen our finances over the last six years.  We are delighted that David has agreed to join us as we build on her legacy.  These are challenging times, but we have great opportunities ahead in the run-up to our centenary in 2020 and David promises to be an outstanding champion for our work.”

David Burbidge CBE said “I am honoured to have been invited to become Chair of the CBSO. I will do all that I can to secure and enhance the standing of our region’s world-class orchestra.”

Peter Knott, Area Director, Arts Council England, said: “We’re delighted to welcome David as the Chair of CBSO. His extensive knowledge and commitment to arts and culture has been key to shaping the cultural landscape of the Midlands including Coventry securing the City of Culture 2021 title.

“CBSO has an outstanding national and international reputation and his wealth of experience working in business, heritage and culture will stand him in good stead to continue their excellent work.

“Bridget has been instrumental in leading the orchestra over the past six years. These are exciting times for Birmingham as we approach the CBSO’s centenary in 2020 and the Commonwealth Games 2022 and we look forward to seeing what the future holds for top-class music in the city.”