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Symphonic Journeys with BBC National Orchestra of Wales: A 2025 Preview
Immerse yourself in a symphonic journey as the BBC National Orchestra of Wales unveils a rich tapestry of events for early 2025. From the enchanting sounds of Ravel to the introspective works of Shostakovich, this season promises unforgettable experiences for music enthusiasts. Renowned conductors and celebrated musicians, including Håken Hardenberger and Eldbjørg Hemsing, bring to life world premieres and timeless masterpieces. Join us as we explore the depth of musical expression and celebrate the enduring legacy of great composers, all set within stunning venues across Wales.
Jan 26, 2025
Share1. La voix humaine
Principal Guest Conductor Jaime Martín leads us in a programme of French gems, starting with a celebration of the 150th anniversary of Ravel’s birth. His luscious, magical, enchanting and playful score to the ballet Ma Mère l’Oye is based on classic fairy tales, from Sleeping Beauty and Little Ugly to Tom Thumb and Beauty and the Beast.
Jan 30, 2025
BBC National Orchestra of Wales
Cardiff · Wales Millennium Centre
2. Shostakovich 6 with Ryan Bancroft
Principal Conductor Ryan Bancroft takes to the podium to conduct the world premiere of Composer-in-Association, Gavin Higgins’ A Monstrous Little Suite from his opera The Monstrous Child, before Håken Hardenberger makes a much anticipated return to BBC NOW for one of the finest concertos of its kind, Weinberg’s playful, suspenseful and witty Trumpet Concerto. With shadows of darkness, to a hobbling waltz, this concerto ingeniously quotes music from some of the most popular works in existence, from Bizet’s Carmen to Stravinsky’s Petrushka, from Mendelssohn’s iconic Wedding March to Mahler’s fifth.
14 - 15 Feb, 2025
BBC National Orchestra of Wales
Brangwyn Hall + 1 other locations
3. 'Grace' 2025
Expressing the effects of global warming and the collapse of historic ecosystems, Cecilia Darmström’s ICE depicts through music the earth fighting for existence, and how we could rewind this process. British composer Ninfea Cruttwell-Reade’s Piano Concerto receives its world premiere with BBC NOW regular, Clare Hammond at the keys before we turn to the series’ namesake, Grace Williams. One of her earliest works, and believed to be the first symphony ever written by a Welsh composer, her dramatic First Symphony is inspired by fifteenth century Welsh rebel, Owain Glyndŵr.
Feb 21, 2025
BBC National Orchestra of Wales
Cardiff · Wales Millennium Centre
4. 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
5. 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
6. 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
7. 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
8. 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
9. 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
10. 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
Conclusion
As we look ahead to this vibrant season with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, it is clear that music remains a powerful force for connection and discovery. Whether through the exploration of new compositions or the reinterpretation of timeless classics, these concerts offer something truly special for everyone. With an impressive lineup of talented musicians and composers, this season promises to enrich, entertain, and inspire audiences, leaving a lasting impression that reverberates beyond the concert halls.
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