DiscoverCEO Stories: Conversations with Greater Birmingham business leadersEmma Stenning | Driving change in the face of personal criticism
Emma Stenning | Driving change in the face of personal criticism

Emma Stenning | Driving change in the face of personal criticism

Update: 2025-05-04
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Emma Stenning is CEO of the globally-renowned City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra - an organisation she says is "shorthand for excellence" in the classical music world.

Emma comes from a successful theatrical background -leading major theatres in the UK and Canada, being involved in the London 2012 Olympics and working with pop stars such as Damon Albarn and Rufus Wainwright.

However, her vision for the CBSO - designed to reach new audiences in light of declining attendances at classical concerts across the UK - has received criticism in the press and among fans.

Emma talks to Henrietta about the challenge of bringing new ideas to the historic CBSO while protecting its traditions.

She opens up about driving change while dealing with personal criticism.


Key topics:

· Starting up her own theatre company

· Reviving Bristol's Old Vic theatre

· Working alongside pop stars

· The opportunity to work in Canada

· Why she joined the CBSO

· Dealing with personal criticism

· The CBSO's global reputation

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Emma Stenning | Driving change in the face of personal criticism

Emma Stenning | Driving change in the face of personal criticism

Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce