A French conductor and violinist with Spanish roots, Sonia Ben-Santamaria has forged an original career at the crossroads of artistic excellence and transmission.

Christmas Concert

Le Sonambule

Salle Georges Brassens

Opéra Comédie

A celebration of Britain’s land- and sea-scapes. Hear the soaring flight of Vaughan Williams’s The Lark Ascending as well as the many moods of the North Sea as it meets Suffolk shingle in Britten’s Four Sea Interludes from ‘Peter Grimes’.

EPSG:4326

Great British Classics

Royal Albert Hall

Dive into an enchanting underwater adventure with Symphony Under the Sea. In celebration of World Ocean Day, this program brings the magic and mystery of the sea to life through music. From the sweeping waves of classical masterpieces by Mendelssohn and Saint-Saëns, to the beloved melodies of The Little Mermaid and Moana, this concert captures the wonder of the ocean in a way that’s both exciting and immersive. With pre-concert activities like an instrument petting zoo and resources for family, this sensory-friendly concert designed for music lovers of all ages, will transport you on a symphonic journey beneath the sea.

MyDSO Sensory-Friendly Concert

Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center

Quasi improvisatory melodies weave with rhythmic accompaniment, reminiscent of folk songs being accompanied by harp, in Grace Williams' Penillion. Meditative lyricism bends to rousingly fiery dances in this enchanting concert opener, conducted by our much-loved Conductor Laureate, Tadaaki Otaka. 

BBC NOW - Fireworks of Passion

Brangwyn Hall

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.

Fireworks of Passion

Wales Millennium Centre

Quasi-improvisatory melodies weave with rhythmic accompaniment, reminiscent of folk songs being accompanied by harp, in Grace Williams’ Penillion. Meditative lyricism bends to rousingly fiery dances in this enchanting concert opener, conducted by our much-loved Conductor Laureate, Tadaaki Otaka.

The Young Artists Concerts offer a platform for young musicians. The series is organized in cooperation with the German Music Council.

Hiraeth. duo51saiten plays Strauss, Schubert, Messiaen and more

NDR Konzerthaus | Kleiner Sendesaal

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.

Grace

'Grace' 2025

Celebrate the beginning of a new year with a journey through classical masterpieces. Delight in the haunting beauty of Mozart's Symphony No. 25, renowned for its dramatic intensity and exquisite melodies.

A New Year's Celebration at Saffron Hall

Saffron Hall

### Mahler's Symphony No.4 - Kensington Symphony Orchestra

**Date:** Monday, 25 November 2024  
**Time:** 7:30 PM  
**Venue:** St John’s Smith Square

Join the Kensington Symphony Orchestra (KSO) for an enchanting evening of classical music at St John’s Smith Square. Under the baton of conductor Russell Keable, the orchestra will present a captivating program featuring works by Andrea Tarrodi, Grace Williams, and Gustav Mahler.

**Programme:**
- **Andrea Tarrodi:** *Serenade in Seven Colours* (2013)
- **Grace Williams:** *Sea Sketches* (1944)
- **Gustav Mahler:** *Symphony No.4* (1899-1900)

**Soloist:** Monica McGhee, soprano

The evening will open with Andrea Tarrodi’s *Serenade in Seven Colours*, a vibrant piece for woodwind and percussion inspired by Mozart’s *Serenade for 13 Winds No.10, Gran Partita* and the jazz compositions of Miles Davis and Gil Evans. This kaleidoscopic showpiece transitions from shimmering textures to an explosion of color.

Next, the orchestra’s string section will perform Grace Williams’s *Sea Sketches*, a five-movement work that evokes the life and beauty of the sea. Written during World War II, this piece reflects Williams’s longing for her home in Barry, South Wales.

The highlight of the evening will be Mahler’s *Symphony No.4*, featuring soprano Monica McGhee. This four-movement symphony, known for its tuneful opening and the evocative scherzo depicting Death playing the violin, culminates in the finale with the song *Das himmlische Leben* (The Heavenly Life), presenting a child’s vision of heaven.

Don’t miss this opportunity to experience one of the finest non-professional orchestras in the UK, as they bring to life these masterful compositions.

Mahler's Symphony No.4

St. John's Smith Square

Kensington Symphony Orchestra returns to Sinfonia Smith Square on Monday 25 November, when soprano Monica McGhee joins the group for a performance of Mahler’s Symphony No.4 (1899-1900).

Mahler’s Fourth Symphony

Smith Square Hall

Opening with Barry-born Grace Williams’ overture Hen Walia, which takes its inspiration from folk tunes, in particular the lullaby Huna Blentyn, we move on to Elgar’s quintessentially British and sumptuous song cycle, his Sea Pictures – a vivid musical portrait of the sea and its changeable characters. To perform this sensational work we’re delighted to be joined by Cardiff Singer of the World finalist Beth Taylor.

Pictures of Britain

Bangor University

Aberystwyth Arts Centre

Icelandic pianist Víkingur Ólafsson is one of the most acclaimed soloists in the classical music world. With his warm touch and passionate musicality, he attracts huge audiences. This season, he is the Artist-in-Residence at the Concert Hall.

Víkingur plays Brahms

Stockholm City Hall

With his Symphony No. 7 Beethoven permanently realigned Western music’s fundamental relationship with rhythm. In the process, he created some of the most compelling music of his age.

Prom 32: Beethoven’s 7th Symphony

With his Symphony No. 7 Beethoven permanently realigned Western music’s fundamental relationship with rhythm. In the process he created some of the most compelling music of his age. Young Italian-Turkish conductor Nil Venditti places this momentous symphonic dance alongside music by a composer from the generation after Beethoven, one who picked up the master’s baton and ran with it: Louise Farrenc. The first half spotlights two Welsh composers born less than 40 years apart. Grace Williams’s jaunty Concert Overture, written in her mid-twenties, came ‘highly recommended’ after its entry in a Daily Telegraph competition in 1932–3. And Sir Karl Jenkins, one of the most popular composers of our time, wrote his Stravaganza especially for tonight’s soloist, Jess Gillam.

Prom 32: Beethoven’s Seventh Symphony

Join the BBC Symphony Orchestra, mezzo-soprano Helen Charlston and conductor Ben Palmer for a slow travel journey around the world by foot, boat and train, Friday Night is Music Night style. Presented by Petroc Trelawny.

Friday Night is Music Night with the BBC Symphony Orchestra

BBC Maida Vale Studios

This afternoon we welcome Martyn Brabbins to Salford for a programme of five 20th-century works by British composers.

Twentieth Century Treasures

MediaCityUK

Striking a balance between the light-hearted and the noble, Elgar’s Enigma Variations is an ingenious collection of musical sketches of his friends and an astute self-portrait.

Enigma Variations

Grace Williams shows an early insight to the highly individual music she would compose in later years in tonight’s concert opener, her showcase for strings, the Elegy. From the dramatic Praeludium to its introspective Adagio, Nielsen’s Violin Concerto is a thrilling journey through harmony, gesture and mood, and we’re delighted to welcome the winner of the 2016 Nielsen Violin Competition, the Bulgarian virtuosi Liya Petrova as soloist.

Rachmaninov 2 with Martyn Brabbins

### Kosmos Ensemble at Assembly Hall, Worthing

**Date:** Sunday, 3 March 2024  
**Time:** 2:45 pm  
**Venue:** Assembly Hall, Worthing  
**Conductor:** John Gibbons  
**Leader:** Julian Leaper  

**Program:**
- **Parry:** Lady Radnor’s Suite
- **Walton:** Touch her soft lips (Henry V)
- **Igor Shamo:** Accordion Concerto
- **Grace Williams:** Sea Sketches
- **Errolyn Wallen:** Triple Concerto
- **Astor Piazolla:** Libertango

**Event Description:**
The mesmerising Kosmos Ensemble, known for redefining the relationship between classical and world music, will perform at the Assembly Hall in Worthing. This unique trio, featuring violinist Harriet Mackenzie, violist Meg-Rosaleen Hamilton, and accordion player Miloš Milivojević, brings a passion for improvisation and a diverse repertoire to the stage.

The program includes Errolyn Wallen’s dazzling Triple Concerto, composed especially for the ensemble, and Igor Shamo’s Accordion Concerto, showcasing Miloš Milivojević as the soloist. Grace Williams’s Sea Sketches, reflecting the coast around her birthplace in South Wales, and Parry’s Lady Radnor Suite, composed for the pioneering conductor Lady Radnor, will also be performed. The concert will conclude with Astor Piazolla’s vibrant Libertango.

**Tickets:**
Tickets are available for purchase. Don't miss this opportunity to experience the unique and captivating performance of the Kosmos Ensemble.

For more information and to buy tickets, visit [Kosmos Ensemble's website](www.kosmosensemble.com).

Kosmos Ensemble

Assembly Hall Theatre

We celebrate 90 years since William Mathias’ birth with his Holiday Overture, written in 1971 specially for BBC NOW. We then move on to Karl Jenkins and the UK Premiere of his saxophone concerto, Stravaganza, written for tonight’s soloist, the sensational Jess Gillam. It wouldn’t be St David’s Day without any singing, so BBC National Chorus of Wales and the National Youth Choir of Wales take centre stage in Jenkins’ Dewi Sant, and a medley of your favourite Welsh tunes.

St David's Day Stravaganza

Grace is our new series showcasing female composers and emerging Welsh talent, and in the inaugural concert of the series we’re delighted to welcome BBC NOW violinist, turned conductor, Emilie Godden to conduct the opening work.

'Grace' 2023

BBC National Orchestra of Wales and conductor Nil Venditti return to Brecon and Newport this September with a programme of Busoni, Bellini, Mendelssohn and our very own Grace Williams’ rhapsodic Violin Concerto with the prodigiously talented Geneva Lewis.

Visions of Italy

Theatr Brycheiniog

The Riverfront

“To compose music is to do something off the beaten track, even if you're a man. But if you're a woman composer it is considered very odd indeed." So said Welsh composer, Grace Williams, who followed in Morfydd Owen’s celebrated footsteps to show her detractors that musical talent is gender blind. Sadly, Williams’ work is still not given the attention it deserves, but today the BBC Philharmonic unearth a seldom-heard gem from a film score Williams composed in the late 1940s. The feature film, Blue Scar, depicts ordinary lives touched by the nationalisation of the coal mines and in her score for it, Williams conjures an atmosphere of melancholy beauty. In Blue Scar: Mountain Scene, we hear Williams’ gift for painterly observation, a talent which must have impressed her tutors at the Royal College of Music. It was here that she studied with Ralph Vaughan Williams in the 1920s, about a decade before Ruth Gipps attended.

The BBC National Orchestra of Wales and Jaime Martín present Holst’s epic suite The Planets alongside works by Grace Williams and Dora Pejačević.

Prom 32: Holst’s The Planets

Myth, Fantasy & Folklore

First Presbyterian Church of Oakland

Jess Walter, New York Times best-selling author, brings us his own witty, irreverent, and lyrical take on Britten’s “Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra” (aka “The Inland Northwesterner’s Guide to the Orchestra”).

Masterworks 5: Stolen Melodies

Martin Woldson Theater

Dive into the charming world of Grace Williams' "Fantasia on Welsh Nursery Tunes," a delightful tapestry of British folk melodies, be mesmerized by 2024 MASNO Concerto Winner Zhu Wang's electrifying performance of Grieg's Piano Concerto in A Minor, and be captivated by the intrigue and sheer beauty of Elgar's Enigma Variations.

The Enigma Variations

Orpheum Theater

2025/2026 March Concert

Albert Hall Conference Centre

Nina Tso-Ning Fan Plays The Lark Ascending

Wooddale Church

St. Andrew's Lutheran Church

St. Paul's United Church of Christ

Although written during her years in London, it is a longing for the seaside of her hometown of Barry that inspires tonight's concert opener, Grace Williams' Sea Sketches. Violinist Akiko Suwanai returns to perform Saint-Saëns elegantly dramatic, songfully melodious and deeply contrasting Third Violin Concerto, before we turn to Elgar's iconic Enigma Variations, all under the baton of our Principal Guest Conductor, Jaime Martín.

BBC NOW - Enigma

Two exciting young musicians are the stars of our seventh Friday concert : cellist Anastasia Kobekina and conductor Nil Venditti, making their debuts with the Beethoven Orchestra. The Turkish-Italian conductor Nil Venditti has selected a program of opulent, large-scale orchestral music, juxtaposing English and Italian works from the pre-World War II era: the festive Concert Overture by the recently rediscovered Grace Williams from 1932 and Ottorino Respighi's Feste Romane from 1928. Anastasia Kobekina has been the rising star of the cello scene in recent years.

Grace Williams

Events

Upcoming events

Jan 31 - Feb 1, 2026

Masterworks 5: Stolen Melodies · Spokane Symphony - Fox Theater Spokane

Feb 26, 2026

The Enigma Variations · Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra

Mar 7, 2026

2025/2026 March Concert · Nottingham Symphony Orchestra

13 - 15 Mar, 2026

Nina Tso-Ning Fan Plays The Lark Ascending · Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra

Apr 18, 2026

BBC NOW - Enigma · Brangwyn Hall

Past events

18 - 21 Dec, 2025

Christmas Concert · Opéra Orchestre National Montpellier

Aug 5, 2025

Great British Classics · BBC National Orchestra of Wales

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