Cycle the Score Sunday 20 September 2026, 3–6.30pm Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham Tickets: £20 Book via the Midlands Arts Centre website Experience contemporary music by bicycle with this unique, participatory journey along the River Rea. Starting and finishing at Midlands Arts Centre in Cannon Hill Park, this event invites you to be part of 111 people travelling by bicycle on a guided route through Birmingham, stopping at a series of green spaces for live performances by BCMG musicians. Participants will visit Highbury Hall and Birmingham Brewing Company, where short, pop-up concerts unfold in the open air. Please note you will need your own bike to take part in this event and have proficient bike handling skills. At each stop, musicians from BCMG perform an eclectic programme of works by leading composers – from John Cage and Karlheinz Stockhausen to Carola Bauckholt and Harrison Birtwistle – transforming familiar surroundings into unexpected stages. The event culminates back at MAC with a joyful and participatory finale: A Breeze by Mauricio Kagel. In this playful and thought-provoking work, all 111 cyclists will ring their bells, sound their horns, sing and whistle, becoming part of the musical performance in a collective reflection on how we use space, time and air. Part of MAC’s Great Big Green Weekender, this family-friendly event celebrates creativity, sustainable travel and Birmingham’s green spaces. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or a casual rider, this is a chance to experience music in a completely different way. Bring your bike. Bring your curiosity. And be part of the performance. Key information To support your encouragement of this event, we strongly recommend that you attend the open rehearsal on Sunday 6 September at 6pm at MAC. Please gather in Cannon Hill Park, near MAC’s Outdoor Theatre. We will rehearse your participation in the unique finale performance (see above) where cyclists will ring bells, sound horns, sing and whistle. On the day, all participants will be split into three guided groups of approx. 37 people and cycle to different starting points. We cannot guarantee you'll be in the same group as your friends/family so we advise that you arrive early to ensure you are together. By booking your place you are confirming that you are fit and well to participate and that you have proficient bike handling skills. Please note you will need your own bike to take part in this ride. Artists Birmingham Contemporary Music Group Programme START: Midlands Arts Centre Karlheinz Stockhausen (1928–2007): Tierkreis – VII. Leo, 2′ (1974–75) STOP 1/2/3: Highbury Hall Harrison Birtwistle (1934–2022): Roddy's Reel, 3′ (2009)Jasper de Bock (b. 2003): 1001 Stokslagen, 6′ (2023)John Woolrich (b. 1954): Watermark, 6′ (2002) STOP 1/2/3: Birmingham Brewing Company John Cage (1912–1992): Ryoanji, 16′ (1983–85) STOP 1/2/3: Midlands Arts Centre Carola Bauckholt (b. 1959): Woodpecker, 3′ (2007)John Cage: Branches, 8′ (1976)John Cage: Trio – III. Waltz, 2′ (1936)Theo Loevendie (b. 1930): Doppleriana, 5′ (1978) FINISH: Midlands Arts Centre Mauricio Kagel (1931–2008): A Breeze, 5′ (1996)David Hindley (1933–2018): Fanfare for the Corn Bunting Fanfare, 3′ (1990, rev. 1994)Karlheinz Stockhausen: Tierkreis – VII. Leo and III. Aries, 4′ Presented as part of Midlands Arts Centre's Great Big Green Weekender in partnership with MAC and in association with Birmingham Brewing Company and Highbury Hall & Park, as part of A Thousand Journeys to Highbury and Birmingham Heritage Week. Book Manage Cookie Preferences