Name: BBC NOW - Expressions of Folk
Start: 2025-05-02T19:30:00
Location: Brangwyn Hall

Brangwyn Hall in Swansea is set to host an array of captivating events in early 2025, covering a spectrum from the daring tales of Jason Fox and Ben Fogle to orchestral masterpieces under the baton of renowned conductors. Dance enthusiasts can look forward to the dynamic performances of Karen Hauer and Gorka Márquez, while music lovers will relish in evenings with Paul Young, Aled Jones, and BBC National Orchestra of Wales. This upcoming season at Brangwyn Hall promises a rich tapestry of cultural experiences, bringing together renowned personalities and diverse artistic genres.

Brangwyn Hall: A Season of Diverse Artistic Showcases

Brangwyn Hall is setting the stage for a series of events that promise to captivate audiences with a rich tapestry of culture, music, and storytelling. From the daring exploits of Jason Fox to the enchanting rhythms of BBC NOW's orchestral performances, and from spirited dance floors to intimate musical evenings, every event invites you into a unique world. Join us as we delve into what makes these gatherings at Brangwyn Hall so unmissable, introducing renowned performers and intriguing narratives that bring these cultural experiences to life.

Exploring the Cultural Tapestry: Events at Brangwyn Hall

Brangwyn Hall in Swansea is set to become the epicenter of cultural sophistication with a series of spectacular events lined up. From the tantalizing Gin and Rum Festival to ballet performances by dance icons Karen Hauer and Gorka Márquez, and the enlightening tales of adventurer Ben Fogle, this series promises a rich tapestry of experiences. Add to this the classical allure of BBC NOW's orchestral masterpieces and intimate evenings with musical legends like Paul Young and Aled Jones, and it’s clear that Brangwyn Hall is the place to be for anyone seeking artistic fulfillment this season.

Cultural Extravaganza at Brangwyn Hall: A Blend of Music, Dance, and Storytelling

Brangwyn Hall in Swansea, UK, is set to host a series of diverse and captivating events from March to June 2025. From the Gin and Rum Festival to intimate evenings with musical legends like Paul Young and Aled Jones, the hall promises a rich tapestry of experiences. Notable performances include the elegance of 'Speakeasy' by Karen Hauer and Gorka Márquez, and the orchestral masterpieces from BBC NOW. Join us in this cultural journey that blends flavors, rhythms, and stories from around the world.

A Cultural Revelry at Brangwyn Hall: Celebrating Arts, Music and Dance

Brangwyn Hall in Swansea is set to become a cultural hotspot with an exciting lineup of seven distinctive events spanning from April to June 2025. From Beethoven’s choral masterpiece to intimate evenings with music legends, each event promises to take audiences on an unforgettable journey. Renowned performers including Andrew Manze, Paul Young, and Craig Revel Horwood will grace the stage, delivering performances that celebrate a blend of classical, folk, and rock music, while also sharing personal stories that resonate beyond the confines of the concert hall.

A Symphony of Events: Brangwyn Hall's Celebration of Music and Memories

Prepare for an immersive musical journey through the heart of Swansea with a series of captivating events at Brangwyn Hall. Experience the grandeur of Beethoven's Missa Solemnis, the folk-inspired orchestral tapestries of Holst and Stravinsky, and the classic pop hits of Paul Young. Delight in Aled Jones' enchanting voice, explore timeless love notes with BBC NOW, and be dazzled by Craig Revel Horwood's musical debut. Join us as we celebrate the artistry and stories behind these unforgettable performances.

A Symphony of Sounds: Unveiling the Rich Tapestry of BBC NOW and Brangwyn Hall Events

In May and June 2025, Brangwyn Hall in Swansea becomes a hub of musical brilliance, featuring a series of events showcasing the best in orchestral, pop, and musical theatre performances. From the intricate folk-inspired compositions of Holst and Stravinsky to the soulful ballads of Paul Young, the angelic voice of Aled Jones, the vibrant storytelling of Craig Revel Horwood, and the rock anthems of Mike Peters, this season promises to enchant audiences with a rich tapestry of sounds and stories.

A Month of Musical Mastery: Celebrating Diverse Sounds at Brangwyn Hall

Brangwyn Hall, a cultural beacon in Swansea, is set to host an exhilarating series of events in 2025, featuring a diverse array of performances. From the symphonic sounds of BBC NOW and evocative folk elements to intimate evenings with iconic singers like Paul Young and Aled Jones, the lineup promises something for everyone. With Craig Revel Horwood's theatrical flair and Mike Peters' rock anthems, these events offer a unique blend of musical experiences that celebrate both contemporary and classic artistry.

The Pulse of Creativity: A Journey Through Brangwyn Hall's 2025 Event Lineup

James MacMillan

David Childs

Brangwyn Hall

Love in all its colours, desire, tenderness, loss, and fate, runs through this programme, brought to life by conductor Martyn Brabbins. Debussy's Prélude à l'après‑midi d'un faune opens the evening with shimmering orchestral colour that hovers between waking and dream. Inspired by Mallarmé's poem, its sinuous lines and floating harmonies evoke the intoxication of longing and the fragile beauty of moments suspended in time.

From this dream world we turn to more personal expressions of love and loss. We welcome David Childs as soloist in Paul Mealor's Euphonium Concerto, a work drawn from a Gaelic tale of lost love: a fisherman who never returns, and the voice that continues to sing to the sea. A rarer voice follows in Akimenko's Angel: Poem Nocturne, shaped by exile and a lifelong return to Ukrainian culture. Drawing on poetry by Lermontov, its romantic impressionist stillness creates a sound world of quiet reflection and spiritual yearning.

BBC NOW - Romeo & Juliet

Jingle Bell Rock is the ultimate feel-good Christmas concert; a high-energy spectacular packed with festive favourites, powerhouse vocals and non-stop holiday cheer.

Fresh from a sold-out run in the USA, this electrifying show features a sensational cast of West End performers bringing the biggest Christmas classics to life in one unforgettable night of music, celebration and pure festive joy. From showstopping anthems to magical singalong moments, it's the perfect night out for families, friends, and anyone ready to kick-start the season in style.

Jingle Bell Rock

Classical Brit Award winners, Only Men Aloud, return to the Brangwyn this December with their much‑loved Christmas with Only Men Aloud concert, a festive celebration filled with soaring harmonies, seasonal classics and the rich choral sound that has made them one of Wales' most iconic vocal groups. 

For over two decades, Only Men Aloud have captivated audiences with their powerful vocals and eclectic repertoire and their Christmas performances are a highlight of the season. Expect a beautifully crafted evening of festive favourites, Welsh hymns and timeless choral arrangements, all delivered with the warmth, charm and musical brilliance the group are known for. 

A Merry Little Christmas with Only Men Aloud

Swansea Philharmonic Choir invite you to an unforgettable evening of choral music at the Brangwyn Hall, as they present Edward Elgar's towering masterpiece The Dream of Gerontius. Under the direction of Jonathan Rogers, the choir is joined by full orchestra and distinguished soloists for a performance of profound emotional and spiritual intensity. 

Elgar's The Dream of Gerontius is widely regarded as one of the greatest choral works ever composed in these isles. Setting the deeply moving poem by Cardinal John Newman, the music traces the journey of a soul from the moment of death through to its encounter with the divine. Rich in drama, tenderness and transcendence, the work combines soaring melodies, luminous orchestration and deeply expressive choral writing. 

Swansea Philharmonic Choir

Wrap up warm and step into the sound of Christmas as voices young and old come together for a joyful afternoon of festive music. From timeless carols everyone loves to sing, to moments of seasonal storytelling, this is a celebration to delight the whole family. With sparkling sounds from members of the BBC National Orchestra of Wales and special festive readings from familiar BBC Wales presenters, the atmosphere is full of warmth, colour and cheer.
BBC National Chorus of Wales, led by their Artistic Director Adrian Partington, is joined by a massed Children's Choir from schools across Wales, bringing fresh energy and excitement to this much loved annual event.

BBC NOW - Christmas Carols


Celebrate the season with an uplifting evening of music as we bring you our Christmas Celebration concerts, filled with warmth, joy, and sparkle. This festive programme brings together much‑loved seasonal favourites alongside orchestral showpieces that capture the magic of Christmas.

BBC NOW - The Magic of Christmas

Mumbles A Cappella returns to the Brangwyn Hall with a festive celebration of Christmas music and seasonal cheer. Featuring cherished classics, contemporary favourites, and the rich sound of both adult and youth choirs, this much-loved annual concert also welcomes acclaimed Welsh soprano Madlen Forwood as guest soloist.

Mumbles A Cappella - A Christmas Spectacular

WELSH OF THE WEST END is back this Winter! The musical theatre super group, Welsh of the West End, returns to Swansea this December to close their dazzling Winter tour after 2 years of selling out the Brangwyn! Join them for a festive concert like no other, featuring Christmas classics and musical theatre favourites. 

The group, formed in 2020, became an online viral sensation with over 20 million views. They wowed audiences internationally by reaching the live semi-finals of ITV's Britain's Got Talent.

Since then, they have performed at iconic venues, such as the Royal Albert Hall, London Palladium and the Wales Millennium Centre, headlined the National Eisteddfod of Wales and the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, and partnered with Welsh Rugby Union as the on-pitch entertainment before the international rugby games to an audience of 75,000 people.

Welsh of the West End at Christmas

Gather to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year as G4 bring glad tidings of great joy this festive season, with the return of their G4 Christmas tour in the most awe-inspiring cathedrals, priories, minsters, halls and abbeys across the UK.

Step into a world of vocal enchantment, on a breathtaking musical journey with beautifully-blended voices.

 Ignite your Christmas spirit with a sprinkling of G4's yuletide magic. Nourish your soul with their extraordinary and unique renditions of traditional carols, sacred contemplations, classical favourites and modern festive hits, including Silent Night, O Holy Night, All I Want for Christmas, Walking in the Air, When a Child is Born, The 12 Days of Christmas and many, many more.

G4 Christmas

Strauss & Wagner: two towering figures at the height of their expressive powers.
Richard Strauss's Four Last Songs, composed in 1948, a year before his death, stand as one of the most luminous farewells in all music. Setting deeply contemplative texts, Strauss reflects on love, transience and release, drawing the listener into what he called "the magic circle of the night."

After the interval, Wagner's Tristan und Isolde: An Orchestral Passion reveals the composer at his most revolutionary. This sumptuous orchestral synthesis has long been cherished as a concert work in its own right, its lush romantic surface concealing a daring harmonic language that transformed music history from its opening bars. Conducted by Anthony Hermus, the programme offers an immersive journey through two composers redefining the emotional and musical possibilities of their art.

BBC NOW - Strauss & Wagner

Under the baton of Jörg Widmann, this fascinating programme journeys from jubilant celebration to an urgent plea for peace. Schumann's Symphony No. 3, opens the evening with an exuberant tribute to the Rhine, its leaping, syncopated themes surging with life and purpose. Heroic horn calls shape the symphony's noble character, giving centre stage to the majestic fourth movement, inspired by the solemn grandeur of an archbishop's elevation to cardinal.

BBC NOW - In Times of War

Under the direction of Ludovic Morlot, this programme brings together three composers who reshaped musical language with imagination and originality. Stravinsky's dazzling ballet Jeu des cartes opens the concert with wit and rhythmic brilliance, spinning a sly narrative around the deceitful Joker in music of razor���sharp invention.

At the heart of the evening is Britten's youthful Double Concerto for Violin and Viola, written while still a student at the Royal College of Music. Performed by Ben Baker and Tim Ridout, the work reveals Britten's unmistakable voice, from its striking horn‑like opening to its urgent dialogue between the soloists.

BBC NOW - Ballet Music: Stravinsky & Ravel

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.

BBC NOW - Expressions of Folk

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