Loading...
Loading...
Featured
Celebrating Musical Masterpieces: A Journey with BBC National Orchestra of Wales
Join the BBC National Orchestra of Wales as they embark on an incredible journey through the world of orchestral music. From honoring icons like Pierre Boulez and Shostakovich to exploring the nuances of folk tunes and compositions from Wales, these events promise a rich blend of tradition, innovation, and passion. Conducted by renowned maestros and featuring exceptional soloists, each performance offers a unique experience for every music enthusiast. Discover the details and highlights of these must-attend events happening from March to May 2025.
Feb 24, 2025
Share1. Boulez at 100
In celebration of the 100th birthday of Pierre Boulez, conductor Daniel Cohen joins BBC NOW for an evening of 20th Century gems, kicking off with Boulez’s own Livres pour cordes. Unsurpassable beauty and depth run deep in this angular and fragmentary work, which is nothing but lyrical throughout.
Mar 6, 2025
BBC National Orchestra of Wales
Cardiff · BBC National Orchestra of Wales
2. Shostakovich 9 with Christoph König
2025 sees the 50th anniversary of Shostakovich’s death, so in celebration of his life we take his firecracker Ninth Symphony on the road to Aberystwyth and Bangor this March. Small in scale, but full of humour this symphony came as a surprise to everyone at its premiere, with its touches of slapstick, jaunty themes and spirited dance-like feel.
13 - 14 Mar, 2025
BBC National Orchestra of Wales
Penglais Campus · Aberystwyth Arts Centre
3. Fireworks of Passion
Soaring melody, quirky bravado, and fiendishly tricky virtuosity radiate in Bruch’s passionate Violin Concerto. From soloistic fireworks to its rich orchestral backdrop there is little wonder this concerto remains a favourite with soloists and audiences alike, and to perform we’re delighted to welcome back violin sensation, Eldbjørg Hemsing. Similarly passionate is Rachmaninov’s Third Symphony – striking climaxes give way to soulful solos, forceful marches to thunderous celebration, all based on one musical motif skilfully transformed and developed throughout.
20 - 21 Mar, 2025
BBC National Orchestra of Wales
Cardiff · Wales Millennium Centre + 1 other locations
4. Composition: Wales - Open Workshop
Discover the latest in composition in Wales this spring as composers deserving of wider exposure have the opportunity to work with conductor Jac van Steen and Composer-in-Association Gavin Higgins on their latest orchestral composition.
24 - 25 Mar, 2025
BBC National Orchestra of Wales
Cardiff · Wales Millennium Centre
5. Composition: Wales - Culmination Concert
Discover the latest in composition in Wales this spring as composers deserving of wider exposure have the opportunity to work with conductor Jac van Steen and hear it come to life with BBC NOW.
Mar 26, 2025
BBC National Orchestra of Wales
Cardiff · Wales Millennium Centre
6. Elegant Romantics
Fanny Mendelssohn’s elegantly romantic Overture sets the mood for this concert of classical favourites. Rhapsodic melodies accented by pizzicato allusions lead the way to virtuosity and British bravado in Elgar’s much-loved Cello Concerto, although his post WW1 moroseness is never far from the surface, with assertive yet austere themes, a jaunty energy and meditative qualities. As soloist we welcome BBC NOW debutant, the multi award-winning cellist Bryan Cheng.
3 - 4 Apr, 2025
BBC National Orchestra of Wales
Brecon LD3 7EW · Theatr Brycheiniog + 1 other locations
7. Missa Solemnis
Regarded by Beethoven as his greatest work, his Missa Solemnis is surely a ‘bucket list’ piece to experience and marvel at for all music lovers.
10 - 11 Apr, 2025
BBC National Orchestra of Wales
Cardiff · Llandaff Cathedral
8. CoLaboratory: Fiona Monbet
Back by popular demand, Fiona Monbet and her trio return to Cardiff for an evening of folky jazz alongside the BBC National Orchestra of Wales.
Apr 27, 2025
BBC National Orchestra of Wales
DEPOT Cardiff
9. Expressions of Folk
Snippets of folk-like tunes weave together in Holst’s kaleidoscopic Capriccio, and taking an equally central role in Stravinsky’s Symphonies of Wind Instruments are the Russian folk elements and original meaning of ‘symphony’, that of sounding together. Short litanies between the different instruments draw together contrasting episodes at three different but still related speeds.
1 - 2 May, 2025
BBC National Orchestra of Wales
Cardiff · Wales Millennium Centre + 1 other locations
10. Reformation & Invigoration
Busy whispers and buzzing excitement lead to gargantuan climaxes in Mozart’s ever-popular overture to the opera Le nozze di Figaro. Witty, scampering and joyful throughout, it’s the perfect opener to any concert. Mendelssohn’s Fifth Symphony foreshadows a similar elegant melodiousness – intended to symbolise Protestant Reformation, this symphony journeys through dramatic outbursts, aria-like solos and jaunty chorales towards triumph in the face of reform. To conduct we’re delighted to welcome Jörg Widmann to make his debut with BBC NOW.
May 15, 2025
BBC National Orchestra of Wales
Cardiff · Wales Millennium Centre
Conclusion
From honoring legendary composers to spotlighting contemporary talent, the BBC National Orchestra of Wales offers a rich tapestry of musical experiences. These events are a testament to the enduring allure of orchestral music and its ability to connect with audiences on a profound level. Whether you're a classical aficionado or new to the genre, these performances promise to captivate and inspire, showcasing the extraordinary breadth and depth of the orchestral world. Mark your calendars for this thrilling musical journey across Wales.
Share