Coventry is home to people from all walks of life, and the people around us have extraordinary stories to tell.

Local artist Paul O'Donnell has brought together six residents of Cov to tell their stories, supported by an epic score from the region’s most established chamber orchestra, Orchestra of the Swan. 

This is a unique theatrical symphony. It is a Symphony of Us.

These proud Coventrians, either born in the city or who have made it their home, are teachers, are parents, are quietly changing the world. They are a little part of ‘us’. The sort of people who rarely get a live orchestra to sing their praises.

Come and celebrate the funny, surprising and joyful stories that make up our city. Brought together by a full Cov creative team, including Ivor Novello winning Composer Daniel Fardon and ​award-winning Director Tessa Walker.

This is a unique theatrical symphony. It is a Symphony of Us.

Nor Aziz looking at the leaves of a plant she holds between her fingertips, image by Andrew Moore

Nor Aziz

The Community Pollinator

I believe that even when the flowers are not blooming they still talk to each other under the ground.

Born in Malaysia, Nor looks at the world through looking at her garden. She sees her six children blooming in their own ways, she creates community events in Canley inspired by the way her flowers exist alongside each other and feels her faith continue to grow.

WATCH NOR'S VIDEO

Moz Baker wears a Coventry City Football tracksuit top and smiles whilst holding a Coventry City FC scarf above their head. Image by Andrew Moore

Moz Baker

The Leader of a Movement

I will always remember my first visit to Highfield Road. The noise of the crowd, the smell of the stadium.

A Cov kid, born and bred. A father to two children. A lifelong CCFC supporter. Moz ‘just wanted to be a fan’ but accidentally became Chair of the Sky Blue Trust. So began his journey in the successful campaign to bring CCFC back home to Cov. Where they belong.

WATCH MOZ'S VIDEO

Duncan Brightside sits crossed leg on a classroom table looking at a book with their hand held up. Image by Andrew Moore

Duncan Brightside

The Supporter of Youngsters

I call them ‘my children’, whilst they are in my classroom they are ‘my children’.

A primary school teacher, a passionate LGBTQ+ advocate, a lover of Star Wars. Duncan
also accidentally became a Chair of Prism LGBTQ+, a network offering support to young people coming to terms with their gender and/or sexuality. He offers the support that he didn’t have as a child, he builds a logical family for those young people who need it, he lets them laugh and talk and be.

WATCH DUNCAN'S VIDEO

Sam Collinge stands with their arms crossed in a hospital doorway. Image by Andrew Moore

Sam Collinge

The Hand Holder

Often people say to me, I couldn’t do your job. But I don’t see it as a job, I see it as a great privilege. 

A mother of two. A wife of Mark. An NHS bereavement midwife. Sam offers love, support and care to families when they need it the most. An honorary Coventrian, the city grew her career, family and her children. And although they live in Stratford now, she never lets them forget that they are her ‘Cov Kids’.

WATCH SAM'S VIDEO

Lynette Coulston smiles to the camera wearing ceremonial dress. Image by Andrew Moore

Lynette Coulston

The Minister of Joy

I will always speak for Coventry because Coventry has been good for my children. And for me.

An 87 year old Minister and a retired secondary school teacher, Lynette was born in Guyana but she can talk for England. A newbie to the city, coming here first in 1955 she has lived in Coventry, the city she calls home, for more than half of her life. Lynette has given birth to 9 children, has 17 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren and supports families who have lost loved ones through PTSD.

WATCH LYNETTE'S VIDEO

Roze Navab stands with their hands in their pockets in front of some steps leading to the side of a building. Image by Andrew Moore

Roze Navab

The Global Connector

A show about me? In the cathedral? But I’m utterly boring!

Roze is a 22 year old who was born in Iran, coming to Coventry aged 2 she has lived as a ‘Cov kid’ ever since. After a chance encounter with a tapestry in the Town Hall she was inspired by Coventry’s Twin City history and aged 19 set up Twin Studios Projects. From Dresden to Volgograd, Cork to Kecskemét, from Coventry to Coventry (the one in Connecticut), Roze is building creative connections with our twins across the world.

WATCH ROZE'S VIDEO

An original idea by Paul O’Donnell

Created in collaboration with Nor Aziz, Moz Baker, Duncan Brightside, Lynette Coulston, Sam Collinge, Daniel Fardon, Roze Navab, Tessa Walker.

Writer - Paul O’Donnell

Original composition and conductor - Daniel Fardon

Director and dramaturg - Tessa Walker

Producer - Paul O’Donnell 

Producer Support - Sarah Jane Watkinson

Access Producer - Lisa Franklin

Production Manager - Thomas Langford

Sound Designer - Drew Coleman

Lighting Designer - Arnim Friess

Participation Advice - François Matarasso

The Cathedral benches aren't the most comfortable, we recommend that attendees bring with them a cushion for added comfort. A very small amount will be available at the venue.

Please note there is no cloakroom available. We encourage visitors to keep any coats or small bags with them at their seat and to not bring any large bags (bigger than 30cm x 40cm or A3 paper size) where possible. Bag searches will be in operation.

The Saturday evening performance will be filmed for broadcast.

Trigger warning: This performance will have references to bereavement, miscarriage, PTSD/Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and homophobia. Breakout spaces will be available for those for might like to make use of them.