Birmingham Royal Ballet: Carlos Acosta receives honorary degree, names a guest conductor

Birmingham Royal Ballet (BRB) announced on 9th July 2025 that Artistic Director Carlos Acosta received an honorary degree from the University of Birmingham.

The university's website says, "An honorary degree is the University's highest honour. We award honorary degrees to eminent individuals who have made an exemplary contribution of regional, national, or international significance to their field. We recognise a diverse range of inspiring individuals from all walks of life, including academia, industry, and the arts."

Professor Adam Tickell, Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of Birmingham said about Acosta;

"Carlos Acosta is one of the most influential and innovative figures in the Arts today. As Director of Birmingham Royal Ballet, he has made an outstanding contribution to the city, positioning Birmingham as a globally renowned centre for arts and culture. Through his work and achievements, Carlos Acosta embodies our University’s values of ambition, innovation and collaboration, and we’re incredibly proud to award him an honorary degree. Carlos will inspire this year’s graduates to follow his lead by going out into the world and making a real difference."

Congratulations! Acosta is known for having overcome childhood poverty in one of Cuba’s poorest districts and becoming an international ballet super star.

In a separate announcement on 17th July, BRB said Thomas Jung has been appointed as Principal Guest Conductor for three seasons, starting with The Nutcracker later this year.

Jung is returning to BRB as he was appointed as the inaugural the Constant Lambert Fellow in 2018 for BRB and The Royal Ballet. Since then, he has conducted many productions for BRB.