A Special Day for Kimchi at Symphony Hall
Today was an unforgettable day – our daughter Kimchi performed at Birmingham Symphony Hall!
She was invited to join the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (CBSO) Youth Project, a unique opportunity held once a year for students Grade 5 and above. According to the official website, applicants must be 11 or older. At the time, Kimchi was just 9, but we decided to apply anyway, never expecting much.
To our surprise, just before Christmas, we received the incredible news – she was accepted!
Weeks of Rehearsals
From January to early March, Kimchi attended weekly rehearsals at CBSO. Some weeks, the 1st violin section had additional practice, which meant going in twice a week. It wasn’t always easy travelling into Birmingham city centre, but Kimchi loved every moment of it.
Finally, the big day arrived – the concert at Symphony Hall. This wasn’t just any stage, but one where world-class musicians regularly perform. Knowing Kimchi would step onto that stage made us feel both proud and deeply moved.
The Concert Day
The concert began at 4:15 pm, but Kimchi had to arrive by 1 pm for rehearsals. She entered through the artist entrance and prepared with the rest of the orchestra.
When we finally stepped into the Symphony Hall auditorium, the view took our breath away. What a stunning venue!
Highlights of the Performance
- Musicians’ Entrance – Kimchi was small among the crowd, but with a bit of searching, we spotted her (like a “Where’s Wally” moment!).
- Orchestra Tuning – As always, the oboe played the A, and the hall filled with the sound of tuning strings.
- Orchestra Meets Vocals – A wonderful collaboration between singers and instruments.
- Kimchi Performing – Although she was hard to see from our seats, we moved closer and managed to catch her playing proudly.
- A Mario Surprise – Hearing the iconic Mario game theme played by a full orchestra was simply magical!
- Pop Meets Orchestra – Famous pop songs were transformed into rich, symphonic arrangements.
- Finale – Though the performers were young, the stage energy was powerful and inspiring.
When the concert ended, Kimchi spotted us from the stage and waved with a bright smile. One of her close friends also came to support her, bringing a thoughtful gift and sharing photos together afterwards – such a kind gesture!
Reflections
The concert was the culmination of two months of hard work. Weekly trips into the city weren’t always easy, but along the way, we even met fellow Koreans and enjoyed lovely conversations while the children rehearsed.
Although the project has now ended, we’re grateful for the experience – and happy to know it runs every year. Kimchi is already looking forward to applying again!
Final Thoughts
Watching Kimchi perform on such a prestigious stage reminded us why music is so powerful. It’s not only about practice and performance, but also about friendship, perseverance, and joy.
If you’re based in Birmingham or nearby and have a child who plays an instrument at Grade 5 or above, I highly recommend giving this project a try. It’s such a valuable opportunity for young musicians to experience playing with the CBSO.
Applications usually open around October and close in early December, with the project running once a year. Don’t miss out on this chance – it could be a truly inspiring experience for your child!
More details and application info can be found here:
Project Remix | City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra