B:Music’s flagship community choir project returns for its 13th year celebrating the region’s rich musical diversity.
Nearly 400 singers from across the West Midlands will come together at Birmingham’s Symphony Hall on Sunday 26 July for the spectacular return of Community Spirit, B:Music’s flagship community singing project delivered in partnership with Associate Artists Black Voices.
Now in its 13th year, Community Spirit celebrates the power of music to unite people of all ages, backgrounds and musical traditions. Following months of rehearsals, nine community choirs will join together to form one massed choir for a joyful afternoon of performance, friendship and shared music-making.
A highlight of this year’s concert will be the world premiere of Gospel Reels, a major new commission by acclaimed British composer, conductor and broadcaster Ken Burton, funded by the John Feeney Charitable Trust.
Commissioned by Black Voices, Gospel Reels explores the remarkable journey of Black spiritual song, tracing its influence from West African musical traditions through spirituals and gospel to contemporary styles. Presented as a series of interconnected musical ‘reels’, the work reflects the way stories and music are shared in today’s digital world while celebrating centuries of musical heritage.
This year’s Community Spirit Massed Choir brings together an exciting range of musical styles, from reggae and gospel to a cappella ensembles and a sign language choir, showcasing the extraordinary diversity of Birmingham and the wider West Midlands.
Community Spirit has been a cornerstone of B:Music’s community programme since 2009, offering local singers the opportunity to learn together, share repertoire and experience the uplifting power of massed singing. The project forms a key part of B:Music’s wider mission to make live music accessible to everyone through its extensive outreach and participation programme.
Ken Burton said: “There is nothing as compelling as the sounds of voices collectively telling their stories in song. It is always a most exciting highlight to be involved with the warm and wonderful singers from a wonderful diversity of choral groups.
It has been a massive pleasure to put this all together – both creatively and in rehearsals. The event will be a musical kaleidoscope – a bit of something for everyone, enthusiastically delivered, giving the audience something to think about, maybe weep about, and dance about.”
Rachel Cranny, Head of Development & Impact at B:Music said: “Community Spirit perfectly embodies everything that B:Music believes in. It brings people together through the shared joy of singing, creating friendships, building confidence and celebrating the incredible diversity that makes our region so special.
Seeing nearly 400 singers from different communities and musical traditions unite on the Symphony Hall stage is always an unforgettable experience, and we’re thrilled that audiences will also experience the world premiere of Ken Burton’s wonderful new commission. We’re enormously grateful to our funders, sponsors and supporters whose generosity makes projects like Community Spirit possible.”
Founded in Birmingham in 1987 by Managing Director Carol Pemberton MBE, Black Voices has become one of the UK’s most celebrated vocal ensembles, renowned internationally for their distinctive a cappella performances. Over nearly four decades they have performed alongside artists including Ray Charles, Nina Simone, Hugh Masekela, Miriam Makeba and Take 6, while championing Black vocal traditions and nurturing community singing across the region.
Community Spirit is made possible thanks to the generosity of individual donors, funders and sponsors, alongside support from Arts Council England. The new commission by Ken Burton has been funded by the John Feeney Charitable Trust.
As the charity responsible for Birmingham’s Town Hall and Symphony Hall, B:Music reaches more than 5,000 people each year through over 150 free community events, workshops and concerts. In 2025, the organisation received the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce Award for Excellence in Contribution to the Community in recognition of its pioneering work in social inclusion.
Community Spirit
Sunday 26 July, 4pm
Symphony Hall, Birmingham
Tickets are available from the B:Music Box Office: Community Spirit 2026 | B:Music