Celebrating Sanctuary: Ilias Lintzos ft The River Speaks
17 Sept 2026
Thursday 1:00pm
FREE: No Ticket required

Overview
Ilias Lintzos
Born in Greece and based in Birmingham, Ilias Lintzos is a multi-instrumentalist, session Drummer/Percussionist, Drum Tutor and Producer. He is involved in several projects such as the Bonfire Radicals and he has performed at some of the biggest venues in the UK. He has released eight solo albums and produced several others. Alongside with Ilias we have multi-instrumentalists Angus Young and John Malan, two of the most active session musicians of the Midlands, who together form the River Speaks.
The River Speaks
The River Speaks is a cinematic acoustic trio featuring Ilias Lintzos on Tzouras and Percussions, Angus Young on Fado Guitar and Accordion and John Malan on Guitars. Creating lush soundscapes and weaving stories through acoustic melodies, this dynamic trio brings a unique blend of instrumental folk to life. All established session musicians, have been working with various projects for years but their passion for exploration and creativity, combined with their love for folk music, gave birth to The River Speaks. Get ready for a musical journey where every note paints a picture and each performance is an exploration of sound.
This event is in partnership with Celebrating Sanctuary
Celebrating Sanctuary Birmingham works through the arts to celebrate and raise awareness of the contributions that refugees make to Birmingham and more widely the UK. We work collaboratively with artists in exile and local communities to build relationships, share cultural identities and provide opportunities for our artists to perform, network and develop their careers in Birmingham. Their events celebrate the tradition of offering sanctuary in the UK to those fleeing persecution, affirming the message that sanctuary is a human right.
They are committed to promoting and showcasing the very best artistic practice from artists originating from or connected to areas of conflict, turmoil and/or unrest. Their programme seeks to highlight the positive impact arts can make in transforming people's lives.

Booking info
Please note: line-up may be subject to change
Running Times
Our performance running times are usually confirmed close to the show. Where available we'll post the times as soon as we can get them, so check back about a week before for updates. Performance running times are approximate and subject to change.
Unreserved Seating
This is a general admission event; seating is not assigned and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Wheelchair Users and Disabled Patrons
A range of tickets, wheelchair positions and services are available under our Access Scheme.
Plan your visit
We want you to have the best time when you visit the Jennifer Blackwell Performance Space (JBPS) at Symphony Hall
Here's everything you need to know to make your visit run smoother than a Sade Operator...
The JBPS is a smaller stage up one floor from the Symphony Hall Entrance with seating on several levels. Unless otherwise stated seating for events in this space are not assigned and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Food & Drink
B:Eats at Symphony Hall

B:Eats is the Symphony Hall cafe serving fresh, seasonal, delicious dishes for daytime dining or pre-show treats.
Home of the Brummie Bacon Cake™, a menu of classic dishes with contemporary twists and a selection of hot drinks and cake, B:Eats has many veggie, vegan and gluten-free options which are bound to hit the right note for a quick snack or pre-show dinner.
Opening Hours
Mon - Sat: 11am - 4pm
B:Eats is not open for evening performances in the JBPS space
Bars
With a bar on every level stocking a selection of beers, wines, spirits, alcohol free and soft drinks, plus delicious snackable treats, you can be sure everyone in your party will find a tipple to enjoy.
Getting to Symphony Hall
By Car
Parking
Convenient parking facilities for Symphony Hall can be found at Q-Park Brindleyplace and Q-Park Mailbox, click here for more information. Both car parks offer electric vehicle charging so you can park and charge during your visit.
Please note that due to temporary works, there is currently a reduced capacity at Q Park Mailbox.
Prebook your parking and receive a 10% discount at Q-Park. Simply enter the code 'BMusic10' during checkout. For each booking made with this code, Q Park will donate 10% of the transaction to B:Music in support of our charitable activities with young people and local artists.
Also, if you download the Q-Park Rewards app you can receive cashback from your parking and cashback from many high street brands.
Good to know
Birmingham City Centre is a Clean Air Zone. Please see Birmingham City Council website here for details.
Electric vehicle charging points within Birmingham can be found here
Check transport disruptions, find parking & find more transport information for Birmingham on the council webpage here
By Bus
We are easily accessible by bus. Plan your journey with Network West Midlands or call the West Midlands Journey Planner hotline on 0871 200 22 33 (charges apply)
By Train
Birmingham New Street and Snow Hill stations are within easy walking distance of Symphony Hall. Moor Street and Five Ways are slightly further away but still within walking distance. Train times can be checked at the National Rail website. There are taxi ranks at each station.
By Bike
There are lots of bike racks in Centenary Square. For information on cycle routes in the city, visit sustrans.org.uk or birmingham.gov.uk/cycling
By Tram
The Library tram stop is just by the Symphony Hall front entrance on Centenary Square. Plan your journey with West Midlands Metro.
Taxi Drop off
The nearest drop off point is Cambridge Street, it is then a 2 minute walk to the Symphony Hall entrance.
By Plane
Birmingham International Airport’s adjacent rail station – Birmingham International – has frequent trains to the city centre.