Celebrating Sanctuary: Ling Peng
Overview
Ling Peng - Chinese musician and erhu player. Child prodigy at the age of seven, Ling performed to thousands during the Cultural Revolution in China. Her virtuosity won her a place at the prestigious Sichuan Conservatory of Music as their youngest ever student of the erhu, a two stringed traditional instrument. On moving to Nottingham in 1990 Ling has since performed with the London Chinese Orchestra bringing Chinese classical music to UK audiences. She founded a Chinese folk ensemble which has toured extensively in the UK. Ling returned to China to source and preserve traditional Chinese folk music which she has arranged herself and introduced to the repertoire of her ensemble.
Ling has performed for Celebrating Sanctuary at several events as a solo artist, also a collaboration with Congolese musician and singer Niwel Tsumbu. We are delighted to welcome Ling to our Symphony Hall Lunchtime programme to share her music with us. A perfect way to end the year!
Access info
Everyone is welcome at the Jennifer Blackwell Performance Space (JBPS) and we will do whatever we can to ensure that you have an enjoyable visit.
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.
A range of tickets and services are available under our Access Scheme. To find out more, or to join the Access Scheme, email boxoffice@bmusic.co.uk or call us on 0121 289 6343.
Wheelchair Users and Disabled Patrons
If you require a wheelchair position (subject to availability) please call the Box Office on 0121 289 6343.
JBPS Access Provision
Standing & Queuing
There is limited seating available on each of our foyers Level 3 (Stalls) to Level 5a (Grand Tier). This a mixture of padded dining style chairs and stools. None of these have armrests.
In B:Eats café there are tables to sit at. These can be reserved by contacting our Food and Beverage department.
We do not have a specific accessible entrance into the venue.
Flat & Wheelchair Access
There are level access seats available on every level of the venue. Please contact the venue for more information about where these are.
If you would rather transfer to a seat your wheelchair/scooter can be stored at the door.
There are two lifts that can access each level of the venue.
5a – Grand Tier
5 – Upper Circle
4 – Circle
3 – Stalls
There are accessible toilets on every level including a changing place on Circle level (Level 4).
At Symphony Hall we have one wheelchair that is used to transport customers around the venue when needed. This chair cannot be booked in advance and is primarily for emergencies.
There are lowered counters on all the bars and at the Box Office.
Distances
Some of the distances you may need to walk:
- ICC Mall entrance to lifts: 50 paces
- B:Eats Centenary Square entrance to lifts: 60 paces
- ICC Mall entrance to Box Office: 90 paces
- B:Eats Centenary Square entrance to Box Office: 35 paces
Essential Companions & Access Scheme
If you need the assistance of a companion to attend an event, we offer a free companion ticket(s). These tickets are available for the majority of our events.
There is a limit on the number available for each show, so we advise you to book early where possible.
Please use the dedicated phone line for access patrons when booking your tickets so we can discuss your needs. Our access line is (0)121 289 6343
To be eligible for free Assisting Companion tickets, please join our Access Scheme by completing the appropriate form and returning it to boxoffice@bmusic.co.uk
Passenger Lift Specifications
Door Width: 109 cm [3 ft 6.5 in]
Internal Depth: 127 cm [4 ft 2 in]
Internal Width: 142 cm [4 ft 7.5 in]
Urgent Toilet Needs
There are toilets on every level including accessible toilets. These can be opened using a RADAR key. If you do not a RADAR key the toilet can be opened by a member of staff.
Most of our toilets are located on the Broad Street side of the venue.
There is a ‘Space to Change’ in the accessible toilet on Level 4 (Circle). This toilet does not require a radar key. It provides an accessible space to accommodate both you and companion with a:
- Peninsular toilet WC with support arms
- Ceiling track hoist
- Wall-mounted adult-sized height adjustable changing bench
- Height adjustable washbasin
- Privacy screen
Assistance Dogs
We welcome assistance dogs. They can be kept with you or they can be looked after by a member of staff in the foyer. Please notify us in advance so that our Front of House team are prepared.
Some areas of the space may be more suitable for assistance dogs to remain so please contact us if you have any questions.
Please note that some performances include loud noises and special effects.
Visual Information
No provisions at current time
Audible Information
Please contact Box Office for BSL and captioning provisions.
Miscellaneous
There is level access to Symphony Hall Level 3 (Main Entrance, Box Office & B:Eats) from the ICC Mall and Symphony Hall external entrance on Centenary Square.
The Symphony Hall external doors and the ICC doors are automatic.
There is level access from Centenary Square, Broad Street and Cambridge Street to these entrances.
ICC entrance Brindley Place side is not level access.
There are six spaces for Blue Badge holders that have to be booked before the day of the event. These are located at Bay B at the ICC (B1 2NP).
Nearest Car Parks are the Q-Park in Brindley Place and Utilita Arena Birmingham’s North Car Park. Both are accessible.
There is sometimes street parking on Cambridge Street.
Nearest bus stops are on Broad Street approximately 150m (164yds) of the venue.
Nearest tram stop is ‘Library Centenary Square’.
The nearest mainline train station is Birmingham New Street.
To book Bay B parking you must have tickets for the event taking place in Symphony Hall and be a member of the B:Music 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.