In a moment of immense pride for the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (CBSO), its Music Director, Kazuki Yamada, has been honored as the 2025 Conductor of the Year at the prestigious Royal Philharmonic Society Awards.
Reflecting on the accolade in a press release, Yamada firstly expressed his deep gratitude: “This is such a special moment for me. My predecessor at the CBSO, Sir Simon Rattle, was the first to win this coveted conductor award back in 1990, and every CBSO Music Director since then has likewise been honoured in this way.
I am hugely thankful to receive the same recognition, and would like to thank my orchestra and colleagues at the CBSO and, more importantly, to my many friends in the wonderful city of Birmingham and around the world.”
Photo Credit for Featured Image: Hannah Fathers
A Musical Journey from Japan to Monte-Carlo and the UK
Born in Kanagawa, Japan, Kazuki Yamada credits his early experiences with orchestras there – which includes time under the close supervision of Seji Ozawa – for shaping his musical sensibilities. “I always carry my Japanese feeling for music with me,” he says. His journey has since taken him to international stages, including his work with the Orchestre Philharmonique de Monte-Carlo, another ensemble to which he extends heartfelt thanks.
Building a Musical Home in Birmingham
Yet, it is in Birmingham that Kazuki Yamada has found a second home, leading the CBSO with a vision that extends beyond the concert hall. “The CBSO is a big family, and I am so happy to be part of it. In recent years, we have been doing something so special in this city—pushing at the opportunity of what an orchestra can be in today’s world and celebrating it as a valued and cherished part of Birmingham’s artistic life.
Last year’s CBSO in the City week was a brilliant example, where I led the full orchestra in concerts at the Bull Ring Shopping Centre, and New Street Station. Our wonderful players were performing for free all over the city that week, and I even had the opportunity to play piano to commuters on the tram!” Yamada recalls with enthusiasm.
Artistic Firsts & Praise for the City of Birmingham Orchestra
His tenure with the CBSO has been filled with new experiences and artistic firsts including: “…the first time I conducted a symphony by a Japanese composer abroad, the first time I conducted a concert for children, the first time I collaborated with the brilliant Birmingham vocal group Black Voices, the first time I conducted the English version of “The Creation”.
The orchestra has such a busy schedule, but the wonderful players always keep a smile on their faces, always focus on the music, and always give the most wonderful performances. I am so lucky to make music with such a brilliant orchestra, and I can’t wait for the years ahead”.
Kazuki Yamada: Inspiring the Next Generation
Beyond the concert stage, Yamada is particularly passionate about nurturing young talent. He speaks with great pride about the CBSO’s partnership with Shireland CBSO Academy, a pioneering school dedicated to music education. “I also am so proud of our work at the Shireland CBSO Academy, and love spending time there with the brilliant pupils. I want us to develop more music projects in partnership. Perhaps I can display this award there as an inspiration to the school’s young conductors.”
As he looks to the future, Kazuki Yamada is excited about the continued evolution of orchestral music. He extends his congratulations to all those shortlisted for the RPS Awards, recognising the bright future of music in the UK: “to the Royal Philharmonic Society, a big and sincere thank you for their hard work in showcasing the talent from across our industry”.
A Heartfelt Thank You
Humbled by the honour, Yamada closes with heartfelt gratitude: “I cannot express my gratitude to you all enough, and I am truly humbled”.
Congratulations to Kazuki Yamada for winning the RPS Conductor of the Year award! It’s incredible to see a Japanese conductor at the forefront of the classic music scene in the UK. For those looking to catch Kazuki in action, please head over to the Kazuki Yamada website which has details on his upcoming schedule this year – including concerts at the Opera de Monte-Carlo and the Symphony Hall Birmingham.
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