The City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (CBSO) has announced several new artistic appointments. From 2026 to 2029, Ilan Volkov will serve as Principal Guest Conductor, while Alice Sara Ott and Jess Gillam join as Collaborative Artists for 2026–28. These additions accompany a two-year contract extension for Kazuki Yamada as Music Director through 2028–29, the continuing association with Mirga Gražinytė-Tyla as Associate Artist, and the ongoing collaboration with composer-producer Rushil Ranjan (2025–27).
CBSO Chief Executive Emma Stenning described the appointments as part of the orchestra’s aim to “be more adventurous, inclusive, and resonant in this changing world,” expanding its activity across concerts, recordings, touring, and education.
Known for his bold programming and commitment to contemporary music, Volkov founded the Tectonics Festival, an international platform for experimental creation. His upcoming role in Birmingham follows a period of global attention after his public statements on the war in Gaza. During a BBC Proms concert at the Royal Albert Hall in September 2025, the Israeli conductor paused to express “great pain” over the conflict and urged the audience “to do whatever they can to stop this madness.” Days later, he was briefly detained during a non-violent protest near the Israel-Gaza border. Volkov has since declared that he will not work in Israel “for the foreseeable future.”
Alice Sara Ott, a long-standing Deutsche Grammophon artist, has developed a distinctive approach combining classical performance with visual design and multimedia collaborations. Her projects often blend concert presentation with immersive experiences.
Jess Gillam, one of Britain’s most recognisable saxophonists, first came to prominence at BBC Young Musician and has since become known for her energetic performances and outreach work. Her collaboration with the CBSO will include artistic and educational projects in Birmingham and beyond.
Details of the first programmes led by the new collaborators will be announced with the orchestra’s 2026–27 season.
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