The University of Birmingham partnered with Birmingham Royal Ballet for a reception in the U.S. ahead of a landmark performance of Black Sabbath – The Ballet.
Soloist Riku Ito and guitarist Marc Haywood
Fusing heritage, innovation, and civic pride, the University of Birmingham marked its 125th anniversary by spotlighting one of the city’s most iconic cultural exports - Black Sabbath.
In partnership with Birmingham Royal Ballet (BRB), the University co-hosted a reception at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. ahead of the company’s landmark performance of Black Sabbath – The Ballet, bringing the sound of heavy metal to the world of classical dance.
More than a creative experiment, this extraordinary collaboration is a celebration of Birmingham’s unique cultural DNA. Black Sabbath, formed in Aston in 1968, gave voice to the working-class spirit of the city, transforming global music forever.
This was a terrific example of prestigious civic Birmingham institutions from the arts, government and education coming together to create impact in the US. We were proud to showcase the very best of Birmingham’s cultural and educational excellence to new audiences.
Four working-class lads from Aston - Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward - gave birth to heavy metal, a musical genre forged in the industrial heart of England, fuelled by the raw energy of a city in transformation.
Attended by British Ambassador to the United States Lord Mandelson and the Deputy Lord Mayor of Birmingham Cllr. Ken Wood, the joint reception acted as a curtain-raiser for the performance. Hosting our alumni, friends and collaborators at the ballet was the centrepiece of a week-long programme of events led by the University to celebrate its anniversary and deepen transatlantic ties.
The University delegation hosted a roundtable on creative industries at the British Embassy in Washington – chaired by Daniel Moore, Professor of English Literature. Bringing together leaders from the Folger Institute, NAFSA, and the National Institute, the event explored how cities like Birmingham and Washington might harness the arts for cultural diplomacy and economic growth. It also featured a performance by guitarist Marc Haywood and soloist Riku Ito.
Andréa Edwards, Director of Global Relations, Andréa Edwards commented: “This was a terrific example of prestigious civic Birmingham institutions from the arts, government and education coming together to create impact in the US. We were proud to showcase the very best of Birmingham’s cultural and educational excellence to new audiences.”
The ballet itself, directed by BRB’s Carlos Acosta, is the second in his ‘Birmingham Trilogy’ and features full orchestrations of Black Sabbath classics like Paranoid and Iron Man, alongside new compositions inspired by the band’s music. The production has been praised for its daring blend of genres and its ability to reach new audiences—both ballet aficionados and metal fans alike.
As part of our 125th anniversary celebrations, we’ve launched a series of global initiatives, including international scholarships, academic appointments, and exhibitions, but it is this partnership with BRB that perhaps most vividly captures the spirit of Birmingham—bold, collaborative, and unapologetically creative.
Professor Daniel Moore commented: “The University of Birmingham’s involvement in the project reflects our broader commitment to cultural leadership and civic engagement. As part of our 125th anniversary celebrations, we’ve launched a series of global initiatives, including international scholarships, academic appointments, and exhibitions, but it is this partnership with BRB that perhaps most vividly captures the spirit of Birmingham—bold, collaborative, and unapologetically creative.”
The Kennedy Center reception offered the opportunity to celebrate the University’s global alumni network of more than 300,000 graduates. Guests included Birmingham alumni now working in diplomacy, the arts, and academia across North America - underscoring the University’s growing international footprint and its role in shaping global conversations around culture and education.
“The University has grown into a global institution, known for its research, teaching, and civic engagement, but it’s also deeply rooted in the city it calls home,” said Andréa Edwards. “This is city that has given the world everything from Cadbury chocolate to cutting-edge science, and from J.R.R. Tolkien to heavy metal.
“Our collaboration with BRB is a testament to the University’s belief in the power of culture to connect people, challenge perceptions, and celebrate identity. It’s also a reminder that Birmingham’s story is still being written—loudly, proudly, and with a killer guitar solo.”
Professor of English Literature
Biographical and contact information for Professor Daniel Moore, Professor of English Literature at the University of Birmingham.
