ENGLISH WALESOFCHORUSANDORCHESTRANATIONALBBC
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–BBC– Hoddinott Hall Level 2, Wales Millennium Centre Bute Place, Cardiff, CF10 5AL St David’s Hall The Hayes, Cardiff, CF10 1AH Brangwyn Hall The Guildhall, Swansea, SA1 4PE – –Find out more about BBC National Orchestra and Chorus of Wales at bbc.co.uk/now or through our social media channels: Twitter: @BBCNOW @BBCNOWCYMRAEG Facebook: BBC National Orchestra of Wales Instagram: @_bbcnow – –Don’t forget to give us a follow for all your latest BBC NOW news and content, and we’re always delighted to hear from you so please do get in touch via any of the above, or via email at now@bbc.co.uk –Design:– BBC Wales Graphics Main photography: Kirsten McTernan, Yusef Bastawy, James Fear and Jake Bufton Welsh translation: Cymen PAGE 4 | BBC NATIONAL ORCHESTRA AND CHORUS OF WALES
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I first joined BBC NOW as Director in early 2020 and just as I was starting to feel at home, Covid struck and along with that came cancelling concerts: an enlightening start to my new job indeed! But despite the difficulties of the past few years, everyone at BBC National Orchestra and Chorus of Wales has pulled together and I am so proud to represent this fantastic organisation.
I cannot wait to see you during the season ahead!
A WARM WELCOME FROM
A whole new season of music ahead of us is always something to celebrate, but perhaps this year more than ever before. The past couple of years have been difficult to navigate for us all, and at BBC NOW it’s been no different but now there’s a lot to look forward to.
Off stage we will be presenting new and exciting initiatives for young people and Welsh communities, and delivering innovative digital content, including more livestreamed concerts from our home at BBC Hoddinott Hall, so everyone across Wales feels part of what we do. For families we have some very special concerts coming up that will appeal to the young – and the young at heart!
The 22-23 season means we can finally get back to doing what we all love: performing live music for everyone across Wales, and broadcasting to the nation and beyond. This season, you can expect the Orchestra and Chorus back on stage for a variety of concerts, and we can’t wait to work more with our Principal Conductor, Ryan Bancroft, plus a host of talented guest conductors and artists.
Best wishes, Lisa Tregale Director OUR DIRECTOR
All our work is underpinned by strong partnerships, whose inspiration and challenge enable us to deliver the BBC’s core mission of ‘Inform, Educate and Entertain’.
AT A GLANCE DATE CONCERT TITLE CONDUCTOR/ARTISTS VENUE PAGE 17/9/22 Nodoka Okisawa conducts… Nodoka Okisawa SAC 10 18/9/22 Nodoka Okisawa conducts… Nodoka Okisawa TH 10 22/9/22 Vale of Glamorgan Festival Jac Van Steen BHH 11 29/9/22 Elemental Explorations Nil Venditti TB 12 30/9/22 Elemental Explorations Nil Venditti TR 12 6/10/22 Romance and Riots Ryan Bancroft SDH 17 15/10/22 The Opus Pocus Greg Arrowsmith BHH 18 21/10/22 Bach, Liebermann & Schmidt Jonathan Berman BHH 19 30/10/22 The Opus Pocus Greg Arrowsmith BHS 18 10/11/22 Elgar Cello Concerto Gergely Madaras AAC 22 11/11/22 Elgar Cello Concerto Gergely Madaras PJH 22 12/11/22 The BBC Radio Cymru World Cup Concert Owain Roberts P 23 13/11/22 Elgar Cello Concerto Gergely Madaras VC 22 17/11/22 Mahler 9 with Markus Stenz Markus Stenz SDH 24 26/11/22 Stravinsky, Ravel & Boulanger Sofi Jeannin BHH 27 9/12/22 Literary Inspirations Ryan Bancroft BHH 29 11/12/22 Carols for Christmas Adrian Partington SDH 30 14/12/22 Swingin’ Christmas Andrew Cottee BHS 31 15/12/22 Swingin’ Christmas Andrew Cottee SDH 31 18/12/22 Family Christmas Concerts BHH 32 14/1/23 Disney Fantasia in Concert BHS 37 15/1/23 Disney Fantasia in Concert SDH 37 27/1/23 Marzena Diakun conducts... Marzena Diakun BHH 38 PAGE 6 | BBC NATIONAL ORCHESTRA AND CHORUS OF WALES
SDH ST DAVID’S HALL, CARDIFF BHH BBC HODDINOT HALL, CARDIFF BHS BRANGWYN HALL, SWANSEA SAC ST ASAPH CATHEDRAL TH THEATRE HAFREN, NEWTOWN TB THEATR BRYCHEINIOG, BRECON TR THE RIVERFRONT, NEWPORT AAC ABERYSTWYTH ARTS CENTRE PJH PRICHARD-JONES HALL, BANGOR VC VENUE CYMRU, LLANDUDNO P PONTIO, BANGOR D DEPOT, CARDIFF DATE CONCERT TITLE CONDUCTOR/ARTISTS VENUE PAGE 11/2/23 Fauré Requiem with Ludovic Morlot Ludovic Morlot BHS 43 12/2/23 Fauré Requiem with Ludovic Morlot Ludovic Morlot SDH 43 17/2/23 Hearing Places Matthew Coorey BHH 44 1/3/23 St David’s Day Jac Van Steen SDH 45 7/3/23 Composition: Wales Ryan Bancroft BHH 47 10/3/23 Nobody Knows the Trouble I See Ryan Bancroft BHH 48 16/3/23 Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 5 Ryan Bancroft AAC 50 17/3/23 Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 5 Ryan Bancroft PJH 50 18/3/23 Chill Out with Sian Eleri Owain Roberts P 51 19/3/23 Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 5 Ryan Bancroft VC 50 24/3/23 Tadaaki Otaka conducts Britten & Elgar Tadaaki Otaka BHS 53 25/3/23 Tadaaki Otaka conducts Britten & Elgar Tadaaki Otaka SDH 53 6/4/23 Haydn’s Nelson Mass Christian Curnyn BHH 54 20/4/23 The American Dream Ryan Bancroft SDH 56 21/4/23 The American Dream Ryan Bancroft BHS 56 6/5/23 Stanford with Adrian Partington & BBC NCW Adrian Partington BHH 58 11/5/23 Symphonic Dances James Feddeck SDH 59 12/5/23 Symphonic Dances James Feddeck BHS 59 17/5/23 Gaming Concert Eímear Noone SDH 60 1/6/23 Season Closing Concert Ryan Bancroft SDH 62 2/6/23 Season Closing Concert Ryan Bancroft BHS 62 8/6/23 Colaboratory with Abel Selaocoe Clark Rundell D 65 All information correct at the time of publication. 22–23 SEASON | PAGE 7
Highlights include Ligeti’s Violin Concerto with Anthony Marwood and Schumann’s last symphony which concludes our Schumann symphonic cycle with Ryan Bancroft. Our chorus performs Haydn’s Nelson Mass with a stellar line up of soloists and Sofi Jeannin conducts a feast of exceptional choral and orchestral masterworks. Simon Höfele has a blast in Zimmerman’s Trumpet Concerto, whilst Ryan Bancroft explores Bruckner’s Die Nullte symphony. Five Welsh composers, including two world premieres, appear in the Vale of Glamorgan Festival, and in another world premiere, Colin Riley’s Hearing Places, we immerse ourselves in a suite of multimedia installations from across Wales. We take a trip to New York courtesy of Steve Reich’s City Life, whilst Freddy Kempf returns for some fancy Gershwin in his Second Piano Rhapsody. We also continue our commitment to new music in our Composition: Wales workshops and concert. Keeping with the celebrations we pay tribute to Disney in their 100th anniversary year and celebrate all things ‘Gaming’ as we perform the blockbuster soundtracks to some of the most popular video games around. We head to the Cardiff warehouse Depot where we welcome back the versatile and brilliant cellist Abel Selaocoe to perform alongside the Orchestra in a kaleidoscope of African inspired fusion. We return to one of the world’s most prestigious vocal competitions as the orchestra for BBC Cardiff Singer of the World and Christmas is celebrated with our traditional carol concert along with a swinging Christmas special that will including music by Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald.
SEASON OVERVIEW WITH MATTHEW WOOD Helo a chroeso to our 2022-23 Season, a year of musical celebration as we present our first full programme in two years.
The masterful James Ehnes returns with a Brahms Violin Concerto that will be unmissable, and our wonderful chorus joins us for Fauré’s angelic Requiem Markus Stenz conducts Mahler’s last completed symphony, and our dear friend and conductor laureate Tadaaki Otaka returns to the orchestra with Elgar’s soul searching Second Symphony. We celebrate the 150th birthday of the great composer/ pianist Sergei Rachmaninov with his orchestral showpiece Symphonic Dances and we welcome back Daniel Ciobanu for Tchaikovsky’s ever-popular and thrilling First Piano Concerto
From Purcell’s King Arthur to music being written at this very moment, we explore the diversity of our performances that intimately showcases the spectacular musical breadth of BBC NOW.
Ryan Bancroft kicks our season off with a riot in Stravinsky’s powerhouse The Rite of Spring, and Rachmaninov’s dazzling Third Piano Concerto is performed by one of the world’s leading pianists, Yeol Eum Son. Ryan returns for two other concerts this season, including the start of our musical exploration into the American modernist Charles Ives, John Adams’ giant poem to tonality Harmonielehre and Strauss’ fantastical tone-poem Don Quixote
In Cardiff Bay our Hoddinott Hall series at the Wales Millennium Centre is where we let loose on some new concepts and old favourites.
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Meanwhile our commitment to our young audiences continues with our schools and family shows and numerous other community projects with our wonderful partner organisations. We also continue our recording work for both BBC Radio 3, Radio Cymru and commercial partners, whilst maintaining a busy schedule of film and television soundtracks.
On the road we head to Mid- and North Wales with two programmes, the first featuring BBC New Generation sensation Santiago Cañón-Valencia performing Elgar’s Cello Concerto. Ryan conducts our second tour which includes music by Tansy Davies, Sibelius’ brilliantly virtuosic Violin Concerto with the sensational Clara-Jumi Kang, and concludes with the powerful 5th Symphony of Tchaikovsky. We travel to St Asaph for the 50 year anniversary of the North Wales International Music Festival and return to St Davids, Swansea, Bangor, Newtown, Newport and Brecon. Further afield we travel to Gloucester for the Three Choirs Festival, plus other festivals in Newbury, Lichfield and of course to London for the biggest one of all, the BBC Proms.
As my first season as the Head of Artistic Production for BBC NOW, I am honoured to present to you a musical celebration in a year of new beginnings, and hope you can join us in what promises to be a fabulous year of live orchestral experiences with your very own BBC National Orchestra and Chorus of Wales.
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WEBER Oberon Overture MATHIAS Celtic Dances GARETH GLYN Amaterasu VAUGHAN WILLIAMS Symphony No. 3 NODOKA OKISAWA Conductor HANNAH STONE Harp FFION EDWARDS Soprano DONAL BANNISTER Trombone SATURDAY 17/9/22 7.30PM St Asaph Cathedral SUNDAY 18/9/22 3PM Theatre Hafren, Newtown PAGE 10 | BBC NATIONAL ORCHESTRA AND CHORUS OF WALES
Oberon. Opening with a mystical horn call, a nod towards the magic horn central to the operas plot, effervescent fairy laughter portrayed by the woodwind lead to virtuosic flourishes and chordal grandeur.
masterfulExuberantCONDUCTS…OKISAWAinstrumentalconversationsleadthewayinWeber’sovertureto
MYSTICAL OTHERWORLDLY WARMING
NODOKA
The spirit and movement of dance imbue Mathias’ Celtic Dances Intended to evoke the mythological past, vivid colours, playfulness, wist, warmth and rhythmic vitality conjure mood and atmosphere across four dances. Fellow Welsh composer Gareth Glyn’s musical depiction of the story of Amaterasu continues this concerts literary narrative. Using the solo harp to represent Amaterasu, the Shinto religion’s divinity of light, the piece guides the listener through the story, from her creation and carefree youth, tumultuous relationship with her brother and feelings of sadness, and the journey from darkness to dazzling light. Fusing a four-movement symphony and memorial Requiem, Vaughan Williams’ uniquely daring Third Symphony oozes serenity and idyll. Composed while on active service during World War I, the symphony melds persistent and exquisite dissonance to create otherworldliness, while remarkable solo sections for trumpet, imitating a military bugle, and wordless soprano add more than a hint of humanity.
THURSDAY 22/9/22 2PM BBC Hoddinott Hall, Cardiff ORIGINAL WELSH FRESH VALE OF GLAMORGAN FESTIVAL What better way to kick off the Vale of Glamorgan 2022 Festival than with Wales’ foremost symphony orchestra performing a programme of entirely Welsh works, including three world premieres? Grace Williams blazed a trail which later generations of Welsh composers have followed. We’re immensely proud to present a concert of works by Welsh Composers, spanning the decades and bringing us right up to date with world premieres from Sarah Lianne Lewis, David Roche and Festival Director John Metcalf. DAVID ROCHE Waves of Love [world premiere] JOHN METCALF arr. DAVID ROCHE Calm [world premiere] HUW WATKINS Spring SARAH LIANNE LEWIS New work [world premiere] GRACE WILLIAMS Sinfonia Concertante JAC VAN STEEN Conductor CLARE HAMMOND Piano 22–23 SEASON | PAGE 11
Bruch’s warm and richly evocative Kol Nidrei takes its inspiration from traditional Jewish melody. Although not Jewish himself, Bruch had strong links to the community and makes masterful use of the solo cello to depict the cantor in the melody of Kol Nidrei, a declaration recited at Yom Kipper, alongside the Hebrew melodies of ‘O Weep for Those that wept on Babel’s Stream’. Also putting the cello to inventive use, Fazil Say’s concerto Never Give Up is a strong political statement about the harrowing terror of attacks in Europe and Turkey, and the need for freedom and peace. Harsh percussive motifs jar with screeching woodwind passages to depict the horrors, before concluding more optimistically with birdsong, waves and traditional Turkish rhythms. Fascinated with the way Beethoven takes a micro-motif and turns it into a great masterpiece, along with an interest in particle physics and the way high energy collisions behave, Fabien Waksman’s Protonic Games takes seven motifs from Beethoven’s Seventh Symphony and uses these as the particles which collide and transform. An explosive opening gives way to a melting chorale, before journeying through to an ecstatic solar chord finish. Given Waksman’s homage to Beethoven’s Seventh symphony, it is only fitting that we conclude this concert with the original masterpiece that is Beethoven’s Symphony 7
BRUCH Kol Nidrei FAZIL SAY Never Give Up [UK premiere] FABIEN WAKSMAN Protonic Games [UK premiere] BEETHOVEN Symphony No. 7 NIL VENDITTI Conductor CAMILLE THOMAS Cello THURSDAY 29/9/22 7.30PM Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon FRIDAY 30/9/22 7.30PM The Riverfront, Newport ENERGETIC INVENTIVE ROUSING PAGE 12 | BBC NATIONAL ORCHESTRA AND CHORUS OF WALES
No.
ELEMENTAL EXPLORATIONS
22–23 SEASON | PAGE 13
At BBC NOW, we want you to enjoy our concerts without breaking the bank. That’s why BBC NOW offers £5 tickets at all of our concerts and at all our venues!
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There’s no promo code needed, simply book online, on the phone or in person at your chosen venue choosing the student ticket option.
Are you a student or aged under 26?
Whether you’re an orchestral music expert, or completely new to our music, you’re sure to enjoy the thrill and power of your national symphony orchestra up close and live – so come along!
To
Celebrate Cardiff Classical with tickets under £20
#CardiffClassical OVER 500 TICKETS PRICED AT £20 UNDERORPERCONCERT! 22–23 SEASON | PAGE 15
You
Join the BBC National Orchestra and Chorus of Wales this season at the National Concert Hall of Wales, St David’s Hall, and enjoy the best in orchestral music as this iconic Cardiff venue celebrates its 40th anniversary.
As Orchestra in Residence at St David’s Hall we welcome you to our concerts as part of the ‘Cardiff Classical’ season, with special ticket offers for students, families, and over 500 tickets per concert priced at £20 or under! All tickets can be bought in person, on the phone or online via the St David’s Hall box office. can find further information about all BBC NOW concerts at St David’s Hall on the BBC National Orchestra of Wales website by scanning the QR code or visiting bbc.co.uk/now book directly at St David’s Hall, please visit stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk or telephone 02920 878444
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We launch into our 2022-23 St David’s Hall season with Rachmaninov’s vivaciously virtuosic Third Piano Concerto. From its melancholic but dignified opening theme to the rhythmically ferocious and hammering finale, you cannot fail to fall in love with the lush orchestral texture, magnificently singing tunes and variety of emotional intensities. Originally premiered in 1909 with the composer at the piano, tonight we welcome the versatile and thrilling young pianist Yeol Eum Son to perform this audacious Romantic concerto.
Piano THURSDAY 6/10/22 7.30PM
Whilst Rachmaninov was in full swing as a much-sought-after concert pianist of the Romantic style, fellow Russian, Igor Stravinsky, had recently emerged as a great avant-guard composer, well on the road to forging a long creative partnership with ballet impresario Sergei ControversialDiaghilev.from the outset, Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring still has the power to shock and surprise, as it did at its notorious premiere in Paris. Epic in scale and ferocity, the ballet depicts a pagan ritual in which a chosen sacrificial virgin danced herself to death – the angular contortions and tortured motions are countered by moments of beauty and stillness, reflective of Spring and new life. BANCROFT EUM SON St David’s Hall,
Cardiff REVOLUTIONARY ROMANTIC RIOTOUS 22–23 SEASON | PAGE 17
Conductor YEOL
&
ROMANCE RIOTS
RACHMANINOV Piano Concerto No. 3 STRAVINSKY Rite of Spring RYAN
ADVENTURE COLOURFUL FANTASTICAL GREG ARROWSMITH Conductor SAM MORRIS Grandma Dingley SATURDAY 15/10/22 11AM & 2PM BBC Hoddinott Hall, Cardiff SUNDAY 30/10/22 3PM Brangwyn Hall, Swansea 1001 ARABIAN NIGHTS A hairy tale of a Princess, a Sultan and a Genie, a shipwreck and an unfortunate pirate who keeps getting transformed into a baboon! Join Grandma Dingley and BBC NOW for an hour long adventure through 1001 Arabian Nights With Rimsky-Korsakov’s opulent, luscious and tempestuous Scheherazade providing the musical stage, the lovable, but slightly batty Grandma (you’ve been warned!!) will be on hand to guide you through the story, introduce you to the orchestra and even lead you in some interactive musical activities, perfect for the whole family. PAGE 18 | BBC NATIONAL ORCHESTRA AND CHORUS OF WALES
In May 1747, whilst visiting his son at the court of King Frederick the Great of Prussia, Bach was presented with a rather unusual musical challenge… to compose a fugue based on a line of music written by the King. The result… The Musical Offering, featuring the Ricercare a 3, a 3 part fugue on the King’s theme, which we hear arranged for orchestra by Igor Markevitch. Written almost 250 years later, Liebermann’s incandescent Flute Concerto is witty, playful and sensationally colourful. Commissioned and dedicated to one of the most famous flute players in history, Sir James Galway, our Principal Flute Matthew Featherstone puts his virtuosity on display to showcase this masterpiece. Rhythmic subtlety and harmonic complexity embody much of Schmidt’s music, and his radiant second symphony, a work he personally championed, is a bold showcase of these characteristics. With Brucknerian grandiose, and a style reminiscent of Strauss, it features a huge orchestra, an ingenious set of variations and sumptuous slow sections. To conduct, is none other than Jonathan Berman, with whom the Orchestra are recording all of Schmidt’s Symphonies for future CD release.
BACH, LIEBERMANN & SCHMIDT WITH JONATHAN BERMAN
WITTY GRAND IMMENSE BACH arr. MARKEVITCH Ricercare a 3 voce from The Musical Offering LOWELL LIEBERMANN Flute Concerto SCHMIDT Symphony No. 2 JONATHAN BERMAN Conductor MATTHEW FEATHERSTONE Flute FRIDAY 21/10/22 7.30PM BBC Hoddinott Hall, Cardiff 22–23 SEASON | PAGE 19
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Step through the iconic metal doors, take a seat and make yourself at home for a new season of concerts in BBC Hoddinott Hall.
BBC HODDINOTT HALL Level 2, Wales Millennium Centre, Bute Place, Cardiff, CF10 5AL GET now@bbc.co.uk
IN TOUCH:
Named after the famed Welsh composer, Alun Hoddinott, you’re sure to find a very warm welcome and some of the finest music in Wales, and this season we will also be livestreaming more concerts directly from BBC Hoddinott Hall across the whole of Wales, so if you don’t live locally you can still feel at home with us!
To find out which broadcasts are taking place in BBC Hoddinott Hall just follow us on social media or take a look on our website homepage.
WELCOME TO OUR HOME…
“It’s so good to get back to performing glorious full symphonic repertoire this season after the constraints imposed by the pandemic, and there are some real treats coming up in the next season. I’m really looking forward to Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring in October with Ryan Bancroft and Mahler's epic 9th Symphony in November with Markus Stenz. I’m also looking forward to the Brahms Violin Concerto with the wonderful violinist, James Ehnes, in February. The whole orchestra (and I’m sure, many friends in the audience) will be delighted to welcome the return of Tadaaki Otaka in March, after several years’ absence, to perform Elgar’s 2nd Symphony.”
With comfortable seating for up to 350 people, BBC Hoddinott Hall acts as an easily accessible concert venue for all performances, be that as part of the BBC NOW Concert Series or external performances. It is also BBC NOW’s main rehearsal and recording studio where we record and perform TV soundtracks, radio concerts and other recordings.
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LESLEY HATFIELD Leader of BBC NOW 22–23 SEASON |
VIVACIOUS PICTORIC
Heavily influenced by the folk music he collected whilst travelling, Bartók’s Hungarian Sketches fuses boisterous dance with sublimely lyrical melodies, along with a humorous depiction of a staggering drunk, complete with hiccups! 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. From stormy developments and vivacious scherzo’s to sentimental songfulness and sprinklings of Midsummer Night’s Dream-esque fairy dust, Mendelssohn’s Third Symphony was inspired by the composers 1829 trip to Scotland. Characterized by a fierce energy, cunning countermelodies and vivid pictorial qualities, Mendelssohn sketched much of the work following a trip to the ruins of Holyrood, although he didn’t complete the work for over 10 years. To conduct we are delighted to introduce audiences across Wales to the prodigiously talented Hungarian conductor, Gergely Madaras.
ELGAR CELLO CONCERTO
EXHILARATORY BARTÓK Hungarian Sketches ELGAR Cello Concerto MENDELSSOHN Symphony No. 3 ‘Scottish’ GERGELY MADARAS Conductor SANTIAGO CAÑÓN-VALENCIA Cello THURSDAY 10/11/22 7.30PM Aberystwyth Arts Centre SUNDAY 13/11/22 3PM Venue Cymru, Llandudno PAGE 22 | BBC NATIONAL ORCHESTRA AND CHORUS OF WALES
THRILLING TRENDY ENTERTAINING RAPTUROUS PICTORIC HEARTWARMING
It’s no secret that Wales is the land of song, and no Wales match would be the same without the fans singing and chanting. So join BBC NOW and BBC Radio Cymru in Pontio for an evening celebrating Wales’ achievements in football, with popular songs such as Yma o Hyd and Can’t Take my Eyes off You, as we look forward to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar – Wales’ first since 1958!
Andrew Lewis’ In Memory is a reflection on life with dementia, and the experiences of those who care for them. Extracts from recorded conversations with family carers are woven into the fabric of the piece, forming its melodies, harmonies and rhythms. 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. From stormy developments and vivacious scherzo’s to sentimental songfulness and sprinklings of Midsummer Night’s Dream-esque fairy dust, Mendelssohn’s Third Symphony was inspired by the composers 1829 trip to Scotland. Characterized by a fierce energy, cunning countermelodies and vivid pictorial qualities, Mendelssohn sketched much of the work following a trip to the ruins of Holyrood, although he didn’t complete the work for over 10 years. To conduct we are delighted to introduce audiences across Wales to the prodigiously talented Hungarian conductor, Gergely Madaras.
ANDREW LEWIS In Memory [world premiere] ELGAR Cello Concerto MENDELSSOHN Symphony No. 3 ‘Scottish’ GERGELY MADARAS Conductor SANTIAGO CAÑÓN-VALENCIA Cello FRIDAY 11/11/22 7.30PM Prichard-Jones Hall, Bangor SATURDAY 12/11/22 7.30PM Pontio, Bangor OWAIN ROBERTS Conductor TUDUR OWEN Presenter 22–23 SEASON | PAGE 23
THE BBC RADIO CYMRU WORLD CUP CONCERT
ELGAR CELLO CONCERTO
MAHLER 9 WITH MARKUS STENZ
Mahler loved nature and found great inspiration in his outdoor adventures. In 1907 though he was diagnosed with a heart condition which put paid to that and, along with the death of his 4-year old daughter, thoughts of death were never far from his mind. Traumatised and needing a location away from the painful association with what he’d lost, his family took up summer residence in Toblach, a mountainous region on the Austro-Italian border. This love of nature, combined with his preoccupation of the end is never more evident than in this symphony. In a letter to his wife, the composer Alban Berg said of Mahler’s Ninth “The first movement is the greatest Mahler ever composed. It is the expression of a tremendous love for this earth, the longing to live on it peacefully and to enjoy nature to its deepest depths – before death comes. For death is inevitable” Comparatively relaxed and graceful earthy folk dances lilt through the second movement, before a haunting darkness, blistering with intensity takes over in the third, with intense eruptions following gentle passages, and staggering contrapuntal virtuosity on show at every turn. If the gargantuan first movement is something to behold, then the finale, which matches it in length, is certainly its equal. Its fervent atmosphere and reflective tone, leaning towards an otherworldly quality at the close truly leaves a lasting impression.
MAHLER Symphony No. 9 MARKUS STENZ Conductor THURSDAY 17/11/22 7.30PM St David’s Hall, Cardiff EMOTIONAL CAPTIVATING EPIC PAGE 24 | BBC NATIONAL ORCHESTRA AND CHORUS OF WALES
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SOFI CONDUCTS STRAVINSKY, RAVEL & BOULANGER
JEANNIN
RAVEL L’Aurore STRAVINSKY Symphonies of Wind Instruments [1947 revision] BOULANGER Vieille prière bouddhique RAVEL Le Tombeau de Couperin STRAVINSKY Symphony of Psalms SOFI JEANNIN Conductor BBC NATIONAL CHORUS OF WALES SATURDAY 26/11/22 7.30PM BBC Hoddinott Hall, Cardiff 22–23 SEASON | PAGE 27
SPELLBINDING SPIRITUAL SENSUOUS
Written for the 1905 Prix de Rome competition, Ravel’s L’Aurore for mixed choir and orchestra is a fitting opening to this concert, featuring the BBC National Chorus of Wales and Swedish conductor and mezzo soprano Sofi Jeannin, who has established herself as one of the finest and most respected choral specialists around today. Stravinsky’s Symphonies of Wind Instruments draws on Russian folk elements and the 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. In contrast, Boulanger’s Vieille prière bouddhique employs a rich form of oriental incantation alongside exotic flute solos, which develop the choral music and evoke Far Eastern musical timbres and sinuous Overflowingarabesques.withinventiveness and sensuous instrumental colours, Ravel’s Le Tombeau de Couperin is less an homage to Couperin, but to the French music of the 18th Century. Crisp tonal colours meld with subtle but incisive rhythmic inflections, highlighted by inventive woodwind solos and a bustling vivacity. Equally inventive is Stravinsky’s Symphony of Psalms which uses modes reminiscent of traditional Gregorian chant, paired with fugal counterpoint and ecstatic dance motifs to portray the text of the psalms… a pure work of genius!
“We might be biased... but our Education and Community engagement work truly is at the heart of what we do at BBC NOW. It involves people of all ages and abilities and aims to educate, empower, inspire and engage a broad range of people. We are looking forward to continuing this work this season!”
PROGRAMMEMUSICTostayuptodateabout
Are you a teacher? Look out for our FREE Primary school concerts and accompanying digital activities, Ten Pieces classroom resources and live workshops, as well as a brand new series of teacher training sessions for all levels of experience.
For schools and education settings across Wales, there’s a lot to look forward to in our 22-23 season! Our new ‘Meet the Music’ programme of events and learning resources will help young people discover the magic of music in line with the new Welsh curriculum.
BEATRICE CAREY AND RHONWEN JONES Education and community producers PAGE 28 | BBC NATIONAL ORCHESTRA AND CHORUS OF WALES
For secondary students, we launch new online and live resources including WJEC GCSE and A level digital resources, and a Wales-wide free concert ticket offer to all of our concerts.
We will also be continuing ‘Connecting the Dots’ Digital schools workshops for all schools or settings who are unable to attend BBC NOW schools concerts. MEET THE these opportunities and more, visit our website via the QR code, or email us at nowconnect@bbc.co.uk
Overture LIGETI
BEETHOVEN
LITERARY INSPIRATIONS
SCHUMANN Symphony No. 4 RYAN BANCROFT Conductor ANTHONY MARWOOD Violin LITERARY IMPASSIONED THRILLING FRIDAY 9/12/22 7.30PM BBC
Hall, Cardiff 22–23 SEASON | PAGE 29
Whilst trying not to give the plot away, Beethoven highlights the overarching moods of conflict, calamity and repentance, with the minor theme representing the main character and his war-like tendencies, whilst the calming major theme represents the compassionate side of his mother. Filled with textural iridescence and folkloristic melancholy melodies, Ligeti overlooks conventional notions of tuning, phrasing, and balance in his Violin Concerto, whilst still weaving tradition in in the process. Rich in romanticism, characteristic of all of Schumann’s music, and influenced by Romantic literature, his Fourth Symphony beholds a feverish and ardent quality, even in moments of lightness and joy. To conduct these masterpieces we’re delighted to be joined by Principal Conductor Ryan Bancroft. Coriolan Violin Concerto Hoddinott
The drama filled tragedy of Henrich Josephs von Collin’s 1804 play Coriolan, is depicted in Beethoven’s turbulent overture of the same name.
CAROLS FOR CHRISTMAS Is there anything better than Christmas Carols in cosy jumpers, hundreds of children joyfully singing, and the chance to sing-along to your festive favourites? No, we didn’t think so either! Couple this with readings by your favourite BBC Wales presenters, and splendid accompaniment by the brass and percussion of BBC NOW and you’ve got the perfect Sunday afternoon Christmas treat for all the family. Join BBC National Chorus of Wales with their artistic director Adrian Partington, alongside a massed Children’s Choir from schools across Wales for this glittering, annual Christmas festivity. ADRIAN PARTINGTON Conductor BBC SCHOOL’SMASSEDCHORUSNATIONALOFWALESCHOIR JOYFUL SEASONAL SPECIAL SUNDAY 11/12/22 3PM St David’s Hall, Cardiff PAGE 30 | BBC NATIONAL ORCHESTRA AND CHORUS OF WALES
SWINGIN’ CHRISTMAS Swing into Christmas with conductor Andrew Cottee and the BBC National Orchestra of Wales as we return with our ever-popular Christmas Celebrations Concerts in Cardiff and Swansea. Featuring popular classics such as Santa Claus is Coming to Town, It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year and Sleigh Ride to name just a few, all with a jazz and swing twist, this lively, festive Christmas Cracker, perfect for all the family, is sure to get you in the mood. So don your Christmas jumpers and festive hats, and get on down to St David’s Hall/Brangwyn Hall for a swingtastic night of music. FESTIVE JAZZY FUN ANDREW COTTEE Conductor WEDNESDAY 14/12/22 7.30PM Brangwyn Hall, Swansea THURSDAY 15/12/22 7.30PM St David’s Hall, Cardiff 22–23 SEASON | PAGE 31
FAMILY orJoinaboutOwntofamilyOrchestraBeCONCERTSCHRISTMASamazedandenthralledbythemagicalsoundsofBBCNationalofWalesinthisChristmascrackerfilledwithallofyourfestivefavourites.Withjinglesandtinsel,catchytunesandeventhechancejoinin,whatbetterwaytosparkleyourwayintoChristmas?aChristmasjumper?Thisistheperfectopportunitytowearit!Howafestivehat,elfslippersortinsel?Yup,thoseareacceptabletoo!usinBBCHoddinottHallat2pmfortheconcertinEnglish,4pmforWelsh. CELEBRATORY FAMILY UPLIFTING SUNDAY 18/12/22 2PM & 4PM BBC Hoddinott Hall, Cardiff PAGE 32 | BBC NATIONAL ORCHESTRA AND CHORUS OF WALES
22–23 SEASON | PAGE 33
“I’m looking forward to the new season as it means we can get our truly talented musicians back into concert halls and most importantly back in front of live audiences, across Wales and beyond. It also means we can reopen our doors at Hoddinott Hall and welcome back our external hires, allowing a diverse range of performers to utilise our facilities when we’re not using them ourselves.” Production Business Manager
“I am looking forward to a fresh season of concerts and performances from BBC NOW across Wales and working with our orchestra musicians on an array of exciting, interesting and inspiring projects. The new season ahead will be a great opportunity for more people across Wales and the world to find out about what we do.”
ZOE POYSER Orchestra Manager
LISA BLOFELD
Added bonus, these digital programmes are helping us reduce the amount of paper we use, getting us closer and closer towards fulfilling our green strategy!
For those of you without a smart phone though, or who simply prefer a printed programme, fear not… we’ll still have a limited number of hard copies available at every concert.
DIGITAL CONCERT PROGRAMMES PAGE 34 | BBC NATIONAL ORCHESTRA AND CHORUS OF WALES
Did you know that you can access all BBC NOW programmes online?
Simply visit bbc.co.uk/now and click on the ‘Digital Programmes’ promo, there you’ll find the programmes for all of last season’s concerts, and we’ll be adding every programme this season a few days ahead of each concert so you can read up about the music ahead of time.
You’ll find information on all of the pieces, alongside biographies for the conductors and soloists, plus a list of all of our wonderful BBC NOW players playing in the concert. Keep your eyes peeled for our pop up banners and QR codes at each concert too… scan the code using the camera on your smart phone and it’ll take you straight to the programmes page.
“For me, BBC NOW is all about the music... but it’s also about the people. From promoting our incredible musicians, to collaborating with our different partners from the charity and education sectors, to working alongside the brilliant music venues across Wales and meeting our wonderful audience members at concerts. Meeting and working with the different people connected to what we do is always what I look forward to!” SASSY HICKS Head of Marketing and Audiences 22–23 SEASON | PAGE 35
IN CONCERT LIVE TO FILM PAGE 36 | BBC NATIONAL ORCHESTRA AND CHORUS OF WALES
DISNEY’S FANTASIA IN CONCERT Fantasia in Concert, featuring highlights from two of Disney’s most extraordinary and groundbreaking animated feature films “Fantasia” (1940) and its sequel “Fantasia 2000,” accompanied by the BBC National Orchestra of Wales is not to be missed! Blending animated imagery with classical music, the concert will ignite the imaginations of a new generation. Scenes from each of the two iconic films will be projected in high definition on a large screen above the orchestra as they perform classical selections including Beethoven’s The Pastoral Symphony, Debussy’s Clair de Lune, Dukas’ The Sorcerer’s Apprentice, among others. SATURDAY 14/1/23 3PM Brangwyn Hall, Swansea SUNDAY 15/1/23 3PM St David’s Hall, Cardiff MAGICAL NOSTALGIC MULTIGENERATIONAL 22–23 SEASON | PAGE 37
and
Cara
MARZENA –ACONDUCTS…DIAKUNflute-playingfaun,halfman,halfanimal,seducestwosleepingnymphsthisisthestoryofStéphaneMallarmé’spoem‘ L’après-midi d’un faune’, which provided more than ample inspiration for Debussy’s piece of the same name. This ground breaking piece, an instant hit at its 1894 premiere, was like nothing anyone had heard before; shimmering ambiguity and transparent harmonies glisten with faintly Eastern inspired melodies, subtle nuance and sheer beauty. Simply stunning… It was not on the beaches of Bali that Thierry Pécou composed the Cara Bali Concerto, but from his home in Rouen during a covid lockdown. Deeply inspired by gamelan music, the concerto, written for today’s soloist Alexandre Tharaud, uses the percussivity of the piano to evoke the gongs and metallophones of the gamelan ensemble and the spirit of Bali. We hear this alongside Martinů’s Third Symphony, written as a spontaneous gesture to celebrate the twentieth anniversary of Serge Koussevitzky’s association with the Boston Symphony Orchestra. To conduct we welcome awardwinning conductor Marzena Diakun. Prélude à L’après-midi d’un faune THIERRY PÉCOU Bali Concerto Piano Orchestra
for
DEBUSSY
[UK premiere] MARTINŮ Symphony No. 3 MARZENA DIAKUN Conductor ALEXANDRE THARAUD PianoATMOSPHERIC TRANQUIL ENTRANCING FRIDAY 27/1/23 7.30PM BBC Hoddinott Hall, Cardiff PAGE 38 | BBC NATIONAL ORCHESTRA AND CHORUS OF WALES
The Cardiff NOYO centre will open in September 2023, with a call out for 11-25-year-old disabled and nondisabled musicians to apply to audition from 1 March 2023, and rehearsals commencing in the Autumn.
NATIONALharpist IN CARDIFFFormore application National Open Youth Orchestra website at www.noyo.org.uk
“There aren’t other youth orchestras who are as passionate about showing that disabled people can play on the same stages as non-disabled people. Lots of the music we play, you wouldn't really get that in a stereotypical classical music concert – you wouldn’t have the instruments! We believe that it's best if disabled and non-disabled musicians can integrate together, and then we can come up with fresh new ideas and be more creative, explore different parts of music.”
information and
Aiming to reduce musical exclusion and develop the skills of these young musicians, while increasing sector support for disabled artists, the musicians will be supported to realise their musical potential through monthly rehearsals and one-to-one tuition, as well as coming together with musicians from other NOYO centres in London, Bristol, Birmingham and Bournemouth for residentials and concerts.
NOYO musicians play a wide range of acoustic and electronic instruments, such as the LinnStrument, Seaboard RISE and Clarion, which some members play with the movement of their body.
Holli Pandit, NOYO
OPEN YOUTH ORCHESTRA FOR YOUNG DISABLED MUSICIANS TO LAUNCH
details, visit the
22–23 SEASON | PAGE 39
The BBC National Orchestra of Wales, Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama and National Open Youth Orchestra (NOYO) have announced the launch of the Cardiff NOYO Centre, a major partnership offering the first progression route for talented young disabled musicians in the region.
Delve into our digital concert series…
A
From popular masterpieces including Mendelssohn’s Hebrides Overture, Ravel’s Mother Goose and Beethoven’s Fourth Symphony to hidden gems including John Woolrich’s Ulysses Awakes, Coleridge-Taylor’s Four Novelletten and Schreker’s Chamber Symphony, from the world premieres of Ryan Wigglesworth Five Waltzes and Matthew Taylor’s Symphony No. 6 to works by modern women forging the way in music today including Caroline Shaw, Carlijn Metselaar, Sarah Jenkins, Sally Beamish and Judith Bingham, you’re sure to find music that resonates with you.
Watch all performances in the BBC NOW’s digital concert series on our website at bbc.in/3qb93OB
DIGITAL CONCERT SERIES PAGE 40 | BBC NATIONAL ORCHESTRA AND CHORUS OF WALES
Experience BBC NOW from the comfort of your own home, or the bus, or anywhere you fancy, in our sensational series of digital performances, filmed in BBC Hoddinott Hall using our shiny new camera system. These up-close and intimate performances explore a range of music in different styles, and from different eras, including a number of living composers, and come with their own programme notes, specially written for the series so you can discover the music and its history.
Sassy Hicks, Head of Marketing and Audiences, BBC NOW If you would like to be involved with our community and outreach work, please get in touch at now@bbc.co.uk
Our music is for everyone across Wales and this season we will be working with different communities and voluntary groups across the nation to bring our music to new audiences. We’ve been working to develop long term and impactful partnerships to support future opportunities for all Welsh communities and are looking forward to strengthening and celebrating these over the season ahead! One example is our work with the Tredegar Band – As well as performing with the band at the BBC Proms in 2022, we will also be developing music workshops with them for local children and encouraging local people from Tredegar and the surrounding valleys to get involved. We recently formed a new partnership with Tempo, a volunteer reward scheme in which volunteers can earn digital Tempo Time Credits to exchange for a service or activity. BBC NOW offered tickets for all our concerts in 2022 and is set to continue being a partner in the scheme this season.
BBC NOW’S WORK IN THE COMMUNITY
JOSH GILL BBC Apprentice 22–23 SEASON | PAGE 41
“Everyone at BBC National Orchestra of Wales is delighted to be working with Tempo and it’s been wonderful meeting their incredible volunteers at our concerts and hearing about the work that they do to make Wales a better place for us all. Volunteers make a massive and positive contribution to communities across Wales, and by offering concert tickets for our performances, we hope that Tempo volunteers know how valued and appreciated they are.”
“The main aspect of the new season I’m looking forward to the most is to further learn and expand my marketing knowledge to help increase BBC NOW’s success throughout the new season. I am also looking forward to travelling to new venues across the country and experiencing a variety of orchestral pieces played by BBC NOW.“
For group bookings, or for specific access requirements please call 029
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Brahms’ gloriously lyrical Violin Concerto seems to express the very soul of the violin. From its soaring, dreamy and majestic melodies to the boisterous lilt of the finale, its uncompromising demand for virtuoso playing makes it the perfect showcase for any violinist. With a rare combination of stunning virtuosity, serene lyricism and an unfaltering musicality, Canadian violinist James Ehnes takes centre stage as soloist for this much-loved work.
INTIMATE WARMING REVERENTIAL BRAHMS Violin Concerto MESSIAEN O Sacrum Convivium FAURÉ Requiem LUDOVIC MORLOT Conductor JAMES EHNES Violin RHIAN LOIS Soprano NEAL DAVIES Baritone BBC CHORUSNATIONALOFWALES SATURDAY 11/2/23 7.30PM Brangwyn Hall, Swansea SUNDAY 12/2/23 3PM St David’s Hall, Cardiff 22–23 SEASON | PAGE 43
FAURÉ REQUIEM WITH LUDOVIC MORLOT
Much of Messiaen’s music has a religious context, so it may be surprising to know that he only ever wrote one piece of vocal music specifically for the church, his O Sacrum Convivium. With a fervently devotional quality, this fiendishly tricky piece is hushed and reverent, rising to an expressive peak as the text talks of future glory. In contrast, Fauré’s Requiem needs little introduction – More intimate in nature than its equally popular counterparts by Verdi and Berlioz, Fauré’s Requiem is gentle and comforting, dominated by a very human feeling of faith in eternal rest. Truly spellbinding…
GERSHWIN
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HEARING PLACES
No. 2 COLIN RILEY Hearing Places [world premiere] MATTHEW COOREY Conductor FREDDY KEMPF Piano INSPIRATIONAL PROGRESSIVE LIVELY FRIDAY
Famed for its use of digital samples alongside a live orchestra, Steve Reich’s iconic City Life captures the hustle and bustle of his home town, New York City – from car horns, police sirens and slamming doors, to subway chimes, boat horns and pile drivers. Also capturing the exuberance of New York, Gershwin’s Second Rhapsody is filled with jaunty melodies, vivid orchestral colours and glittering piano writing, all bathed in jazz undertones. Dazzling pianist Freddy Kempf joins conductor Mathew Coorey and BBC NOW for this exhilarating work. Another composer making use of digital samples is Colin Riley. In this world premiere sound bites from locations across Wales form the musical DNA of this suite of multi-media pieces. Pitches, tones, rhythms, melodies and one-off events extend from the samples through the full orchestra, creating unique moods and scenes.
STEVE REICH City Life Rhapsody 17/2/23 7.30PM BBC Hoddinott Hall, Cardiff
A land long shrouded in myth and legend, storytelling and music have, and still do combine to forge Welsh culture. From the fabled stories in The Mabinogion with its tales of romance, tragedy and heroic sagas, to otherworldly folklore speaking of dragons, faeries, brave knights and patron saints, many in Wales have grown up with these much-loved stories. Myth is not just a thing of the past in Wales though, the ability to weave together narrative and music is as relevant today as it has always been. From current Welsh folk ballads and music born in urban areas of the nation, to reflections of ancient Welsh myths told afresh by contemporary composers. Join BBC NOW and conductor Jac van Steen for a St David’s Day concert that will celebrate the diverse traditions of the storytelling Wales is so famous for! Dewi Sant
GRACE WILLIAMS 4 Illustrations for the Legend of Rhiannon GARETH GLYN Gwlad y Gân JAMES JAMES arr. JEFFREY HOWARD Mae hen wlad fy nhadau JAC VAN STEEN Conductor MARTA FONTANALSSIMMONS Mezzo Soprano PAUL CAREY JONES Bass-baritone BBC NATIONAL CHORUS OF WALES WEDNESDAY 1/3/23 7.30PM St David’s Hall, Cardiff 22–23 SEASON | PAGE 45
ENCHANTING FERVENT CELEBRATIVE GAVIN HIGGINS Faerie Bride ARWEL HUGHES Molwn Di from
ST DAVID’S DAY Welsh Myth and Legend – Past and Present
WALES
2022 participant Mandy Leung said: “Composition: Wales acted as a catalyst and helped launch my composition career; I am now being supported by the PRS Women Make Music fund, commissioned by Opera North, and having my composition broadcast on Radio 3. Composers should seize the opportunity to apply as the expertise I received was crucial to my development.”
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Showcasing the talents of Welsh or Wales based composers of all ages, Composition: Wales was established by BBC NOW in 2010 and has helped to propel the careers of countless composers. The project provides the opportunity to hear your work performed by a full orchestra, and to work with our Principal Conductor Ryan Bancroft, Composer-in-Association Gavin Higgins and Composer Affiliate Sarah Lianne Lewis in mentoring sessions, and hear the final version live in concert and on BBC Radio 3.
Are you a composer born or based in Wales? If so, get ready to submit your applications to Composition: Wales 2023!
Follow us on social media, or check our website to find out more about Composition: Wales ‘23 and key dates for submissions, workshops and public performances. bbc.co.uk/now COMPOSITION: 2023
COMPOSITION: WALES
Come and hear the latest in composition in Wales, as composers worthy of wider exposure have the opportunity to hear their works performed by the Orchestra. Run in association with Composers of Wales, Tŷ Cerdd, Vale of Glamorgan Festival and Welsh Music Guild, this annual project supports the development and exposure of Welsh, and Wales-based, compositional talent. Conducted by BBC NOW’s Principal Conductor, Ryan Bancroft, this year’s composition mentors will include our Composer in Association, Gavin Higgins, and Composer Affiliate, Sarah Lianne Lewis.
RYAN BANCROFT Conductor INNOVATIVE EXPLORATORY ENRICHING TUESDAY 7/3/23 7PM BBC Hoddinott Hall, Cardiff 22–23 SEASON | PAGE 47
I SEE Occasionally a composer writes an overture too dramatic and epic in scale for its intended purpose, and this is the case with Beethoven’s overture, Leonora No. 3. Telling the story of Fidelio, this overture stands as a heroic, noble and passionate, yet controlled and very human, standalone piece, unrecognisably Beethoven throughout.
NOBODY KNOWS
BEETHOVEN Leonora No. 3 Overture ZIMMERMAN “Nobody Knows the Trouble I See” BRUCKNER Symphony No. 0 RYAN BANCROFT Conductor SIMON HÖFELE TrumpetHEROIC INSCRUTABLE LIVELY FRIDAY 10/3/23 7.30PM BBC Hoddinott Hall, Cardiff PAGE 48 | BBC NATIONAL ORCHESTRA AND CHORUS OF WALES
THE TROUBLE
Similarly Nobody Knows the Trouble I See screams Zimmerman from the outset, from its use of musical quotes, the incorporation of African-American spiritual tunes and its sweeping political gestures. Dense chromatic harmony exists alongside big band brass, a battery of percussion alongside a gospel-esque organ, all set under an eloquent and compelling solo trumpet line. Bruckner’s declared his enduringly enigmatic and complex Symphony No. 0 ‘gilt nicht’, suggesting that he was unconvinced by its merit, and although it was composed in 1869 it didn’t receive its premiere until 55 years later! In later life he can’t have thought it all that terrible though as whilst not making the cut of his works to be preserved in the Imperial Library, he equally didn’t destroy it…
“This is my first full season with BBC NOW and 22-23 looks like a fantastic one to start with! If I had to pick a few highlights for myself personally, I would choose the orchestra’s North Wales tours, an exciting series of ‘Opus Pocus’ school’s concerts at Hoddinott Hall, Fantasia in Concert and a performance with Abel Selaocoe.”
DAVE REES Assistant Stage & Technical Manager
STEVE BROWN Stage & Technical Manager
22–23 SEASON | PAGE 49
“The thing I’m most looking forward to about our 22-23 season is taking lots of great repertoire to so many different audiences across Wales. With masterpieces by musical greats like Mahler, Stravinsky, Vaughan Williams and Elgar plus many more, and concerts in venues across Wales including Bangor, Newport, St Asaph, Brecon and Llandudno (my favourite!), it is going to be a really exciting season for all of us at BBC NOW and hopefully for our audiences too!”
DYNAMIC
GROUNDBREAKING RICH TANSY DAVIES Monolith: I Extend My Arms SIBELIUS Violin Concerto TCHAIKOVSKY Symphony No. 5 RYAN BANCROFT Conductor CLARA-JUMI KANG Violin THURSDAY 16/3/23 7.30PM Aberystwyth Arts Centre FRIDAY 17/3/23 7.30PM Prichard–Jones Hall, Bangor SUNDAY 19/3/23 3PM Venue Cymru, Llandudno PAGE 50 | BBC NATIONAL ORCHESTRA AND CHORUS OF WALES
SYMPHONYTCHAIKOVSKYNO.
Although Tchaikovsky drew inspiration from his native country’s rich folk music, he rejected nationalistic Russian attitudes and was not always the most popular of characters during his time. His music, however, has definitely stood the test of time and is amongst some of the most sought after music in an audiences calendar today, none more so than his Fifth Symphony. Deeply programmatic, the recurring theme of ‘fate’ is woven throughout this dramatic, luscious and distinctive symphony, masterfully orchestrated by one of the greatest symphonists to have ever lived.
5
Principal Conductor Ryan Bancroft takes to the podium for our March tour, kicking off the action with Tansy Davies’ Monolith: I Extend My Arms. A rock-like strata of canons, simultaneously dense and translucent form the inspiration for this percussive, rhythmical and bubbly work. Opening with the most magical and expressive of themes, Sibelius’ Violin Concerto bristles with tension and brooding harmonies, paired with exquisitely beautiful melodies and a formidable energy. Exhilaratingly masterful in its writing and truly virtuosic for any performer, we’re delighted to welcome the prodigiously talented multi-award winning German-Korean violinist Clara-Jumi Kang to perform this gem of a concerto.
COSY ENCHANTING PEACEFUL CHILL OUT WITH SIAN ELERI Join BBC NOW and radio presenting sensation Sian Eleri at Pontio for an evening of chilled out classics. Kick off your shoes, sit back and unwind to the sounds of the symphony orchestra in some of the most calming music ever written. OWAIN ROBERTS Conductor SATURDAY 18/3/23 8PM Pontio, Bangor 22–23 SEASON | PAGE 51
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FRIDAY 24/3/23 7.30PM Brangwyn Hall, Swansea
25/3/23 7.30PM St David’s Hall, Cardiff ELIZABETH MACONCHY Nocturne for Orchestra BRITTEN Violin Concerto ELGAR Symphony No. 2 TADAAKI OTAKA Conductor SIMONE LAMSMA Violin PASSIONATE MAJESTIC BREATHTAKING 22–23 SEASON | PAGE 53
TADAAKI OTAKA CONDUCTS BRITTEN & ELGAR
NOW for firm favourites by Elgar and Britten, alongside Elizabeth Maconchy’s charmingly evocative Nocturne for Orchestra
Much-loved Conductor Laureate Tadaaki Otaka returns to BBC
In this all British programme, exploring the music of three contemporaries of the 20th Century, we’re joined by radiant Dutch violinist Simone Lamsma for Britten’s ever-popular Violin Concerto With edgy ambivalence, expressed through intricate harmonies, lyrically introspective themes and vigorous rhythmic figures, the concerto is a virtuosic display of extraordinary power.
The music of Elgar holds a special place in Tadaaki’s heart, and audiences are in for a real treat with his Second Symphony Tremendous in energy, opulence and musical athleticism, the symphony is a rhapsodic flow of original melodies, rhythmic playfulness and intricate, pearly, luminous qualities. This is certainly a concert not to be missed… SATURDAY
HAYDN’S NELSON MASS
King Arthur was one of Purcell’s most successful works for the stage –composed with great genius it features vast lyricism and harmony well advanced for its time, and here we hear all of the highlights from the opera in a charming suite, conducted by early music specialist Christian Curnyn. Haydn’s Missa in Angustiis (Mass for troubled times), better known by its nickname the Nelson Mass, is one of 6 mass settings written near the end of his life, and is arguable his greatest single composition. Taking the text of the Latin Mass, this inimitable masterpieces comprises six movements, and apart from the Kyrie, and the richly expressive Agnus Dei, is an overwhelmingly cheerful musical display… perfect for celebrating his employer’s wife’s birthday, for which the mass was commissioned! Les Elemens King Arthur
HAYDN Nelson Mass CHRISTIAN CURNYN Conductor ANNA DENNIS Soprano HILARY SUMMERS Mezzo RUPERT CHARLESWORTH Tenor TBC Bass BBC CHORUSNATIONALOFWALES LYRICAL CHARMING MASTERFUL THURSDAY 6/4/23 7.30PM BBC Hoddinott Hall, Cardiff PAGE 54 | BBC NATIONAL ORCHESTRA AND CHORUS OF WALES
REBEL Chaos from
PURCELL Suite from
According to philosophy, the story of Creation began with nothing but chaos; four elements – earth, air, fire and water – in contention with each other and in need of being made harmonious: This is the inspiration for Rebel’s Chaos from Les Elemens. With different groups of instruments representing each of the elements, avant-garde tone clusters and musical ideas vie for attention before order is achieved.
BBC National Chorus of Wales is one of the leading mixed choruses in the UK and, while preserving its amateur status, works to the highest professional standards under its Artistic Director, Adrian Partington. Based at BBC Hoddinott Hall in Cardiff Bay, the chorus, formed in 1983, works regularly alongside BBC National Orchestra of Wales, as well as performing concerts in its own right. Highlights of the 21-22 Season included Bach’s St Matthew Passion with Baroque expert Harry Bicket, a 6 day tour to Rennes to perform Mozart’s Requiem with the Orchestre Symphonique de Bretagne and Vaughan Williams’ Sea Symphony at the BBC Proms, which was also broadcast on BBC Four. The 22-23 Season is shaping up to be just as exciting so keep your eyes peeled for mentions of the Chorus throughout this brochure…
BBC EverDoCHORUSNATIONALOFWALESyouhaveapassionforsinging?wonderedhowtogetinvolvedwithour Chorus?
22–23 SEASON | PAGE 55
Well, it’s never been easier… simply email us on bbcncw@bbc.co.uk to express your interest and arrange an audition.
A gigantic super-tanker takes off from the surface of San Francisco Bay and thrusts itself into the sky like a Saturn rocket… this is the dream that inspired John Adams’ Harmonielehre. Full of surprises but always enchanting in its glowing and gleaming sonority, this expressive work bursts with energy, propelled forward by its Minimalist harmonic movement.
Imagine the days before motorcars, sitting on a bench in Central Park on a summers night… the sounds of night and the silence of darkness, the sound of street singers, night owls, piano ragtime, brass street bands and even a fire engine and this is the audio-painting Charles’ Ives creates in his Central Park in the Dark. It’s partner work from ‘Two Contemplations’, The Unanswered Question is less well-known but no less poignant. Often described as philosophy expressed in music, this relentlessly curious work deals with the “perennial question of existence”, and offsets three groups of instruments whose layers never quite come into sync.
IVES Central Park in the Dark IVES The Unanswered Question SZYMANOWSKI Violin Concerto No. 1 ADAMS Harmonielehre RYAN BANCROFT Conductor BOMSORI KIM Violin BUSTLING ENERGETIC ILLUMINATING THURSDAY 20/4/23 7.30PM St David’s Hall, Cardiff FRIDAY 21/4/23 7.30PM Brangwyn Hall, Swansea PAGE 56 | BBC NATIONAL ORCHESTRA AND CHORUS OF WALES
THE
AMERICAN DREAM
Szymanowski’s intense and eclectic musical style rejects traditional tonality and romantic aesthetics; and ecstatic, sumptuous music and lustrous, cascading rhapsodic passages make way for the shimmering heights of the solo violin in his First Violin Concerto. With fast movements exploring exotic landscapes, the work is contoured by eastern scales and animated orchestral interjections, tinged with blues and mystery. South Korean violinist Bomsori Kim joins Principal Conductor Ryan Bancroft and BBC NOW for this scintillating concerto.
22–23 SEASON | PAGE 57
Recommended to Adrian by the Stanford Society, the Elegiac Ode sets to music the poem ‘When lilacs last in the Dooryard Bloom’d’ by the American metaphysical poet Walt Whitman. Written for the 1884 Norwich and Norfolk Festival, the work serves as an ode on the death of the American President Abraham Lincoln, and whilst warmly received at the premiere it is not as widely performed today as his sacred choral works.
Similarly to the Elegiac Ode, his Te Deum, written for the 1898 Leeds Festival, is dominated by beautiful melodies, a warm sonority and rich expressivity. Stanford is so iconically British that it is only fitting to welcome an all British line up of soloists to perform these charming works.
Following the successful CD release of Stanford’s Mass ‘Via Victrix’, BBC National Orchestra and Chorus of Wales, alongside the chorus’ Artistic Director, Adrian Partington, return to the concert platform with performances of Stanford’s Elegiac Ode and Te Deum.
STANFORD Elegiac Ode STANFORD Te Deum ADRIAN PARTINGTON Conductor RHIAN LOIS Soprano SAMANTHA PRICE Mezzo Soprano ALESSANDRO FISHER Tenor MORGAN PEARSE BaritoneSTATELY ELEGANT MAGNIFICENT SATURDAY 6/5/23 2PM BBC Hoddinott Hall, Cardiff STANFORD WITH ADRIAN PARTINGTON & BBC NCW PAGE 58 | BBC NATIONAL ORCHESTRA AND CHORUS OF WALES
THEATRICAL INVIGORATING DYNAMIC
ANNA CLYNE Masquerade TCHAIKOVSKY Piano Concerto No. 1 RACHMANINOV Symphonic Dances JAMES FEDDECK Conductor DANIEL CIOBANU Piano THURSDAY 11/5/23 7.30PM St David’s Hall, Cardiff FRIDAY 12/5/23 7.30PM Brangwyn Hall, Swansea 22–23 SEASON | PAGE 59
SYMPHONIC DANCES
Anna Clyne’s Masquerade draws inspiration from the original mid-18th century promenade concerts held in London’s pleasure gardens, where people from all walks of life mingled to enjoy a wide array of entertainment; from music to acrobats, dancing, fireworks and masquerades. The work evokes the sense of occasion and celebration, melding original themes with old English country dancing melodies. Stirring a similar sense of occasion is Tchaikovsky’s majestic and passionate First Piano Concerto. With its fabulous flourishes, thundering bravura, dazzling passagework and flamboyant and soaring tunes, it was a triumphant success at its premiere, and remains equally popular today. Returning to BBC NOW by popular demand, the prodigiously talented pianist Daniel Ciobanu is poised to guide us through the works stormy developments, meltingly beautiful melodies and fiery finale. With luscious shifting harmonies and the rhythmic vitality characteristic of his later style, Rachmaninov’s final complete composition, his Symphonic Dances, uses motifs derived from Russian Church music alongside quotes from his own first symphony, creating a stirring mix of nostalgia versus the big city bustle and driving energy of ‘Modern America’.
Breath-taking music from the soundtracks to some of the biggest games on the planet are brought to life by the BBC National Orchestra of Wales in this exhilarating video games concert, conducted by gaming music royalty, Eímear Noone.
From epic to eerie, dramatic impact to atmospheric, video games just wouldn’t be the same without the music, and this concert will feature the soundtracks to favourites such as Fortnite, Fallout 4, Halo, Resident Evil and World of Warcraft, to name just a few. St David’s
Hall, Cardiff EXHILARATING THEATRIC VIVID PAGE 60 | BBC NATIONAL ORCHESTRA AND CHORUS OF WALES
As an award-winning conductor and composer in the world of gaming and film, Eímear has penned some of the most enduring soundscapes to best-selling games, including World of Warcraft. Passionate about both music and the world of gaming she says “Video games have been a force in the world of arts and entertainment for many years, both on screen and through speakers. Many people have grown up playing video games, and have come to love the sound of the Orchestra through playing them. Many of the best scores are esteemed works in their own right; much loved by a large number of people, and have become a part of mainstream culture.”
EÍMEAR NOONE Conductor WEDNESDAY 17/5/23 7.30PM
GAMING CONCERT
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Born in Barry, Welsh composer Grace Williams had a particular love of writing for orchestra, and her Concert Overture, which we hear today under the baton of Principal Conductor Ryan Bancroft, is a relatively early display of her gift in this genre. We hear this alongside one of Mozart’s final symphonies, his 39th, which is shrouded in mystery. Uncharacteristically Mozart in style, its slow and grand opening leads to an energetic allegro; a drifting andante bounds into the energetic Minuet, with its unforgettable tunes and bubbly arpeggiated features before jumping into the mischievous monothematic finale. Strauss often used a story to stimulate his musical imagination, and Don Quixote, with his fantasies filled of the stories he read; of enchantments, quarrels, battles, challenges, wooings, loves and storms, provides more than adequate food for thought. Featuring Alice Neary on solo cello as Don Quixote, and Rebecca Williams on solo viola as his servant, Sancho, Strauss tells of the Don’s many escapades in this slightly barmy 10 movement tone poem.
GRACE WILLIAMS Concert Overture MOZART Symphony No. 39 R. STRAUSS Don Quixote RYAN BANCROFT Conductor ALICE NEARY Cello REBECCA JONES Viola WHIMSICAL SPRIGHTLY FANCIFUL THURSDAY 1/6/23 7.30PM St David’s Hall, Cardiff FRIDAY 2/6/23 7.30PM Brangwyn Hall, Swansea PAGE 62 | BBC NATIONAL ORCHESTRA AND CHORUS OF WALES
SEASON CLOSING CONCERT
“There are many things I am looking forward to this next season! To name a few: being able to meet more of our wonderful audience, exploring places I’ve yet to explore with the orchestra, and I’d be mistaken to miss out on the incredibly impactful ‘Composition: Wales’ project. If I was being selfish, however, I’m particularly looking forward to working with Alice Neary and Rebecca Jones on Richard Strauss’ ‘Don Quixote’ for our season closer. It’s always a great idea to feature our own musicians, so for this I am thankful and well and duly excited!”
“This season I am looking forward to performing Don Quixote by Richard Strauss with Ryan Bancroft. I last performed this at the end of my very first week as a new member of BBC NOW, in October 2011 with conductor François-Xavier Roth. In this tone-poem the solo cello plays the character of Don Quixote, whereas his squire, Sancho Panza, is depicted by the solo viola, tenor tuba and the bass clarinet – therefore, for me, it is one of the most soloistic parts in the orchestral repertoire. In my first week in the job, I felt like a rabbit in the headlights, so it will be nice to perform it again when I’m not on probation!”
RYAN BANCROFT Principal Conductor
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LENNY SAYERS Bass Clarinet
“I’m really looking forward to the CoLaboratory concert with Abel Selaocoe; BBC NOW’s 2021 Prom with Abel was incredible, and I’ve already put this concert date in my diary! Other highlights for me are Ligeti’s Violin Concerto, Tansy Davies’ Monolith: I Extend My Arms, and of course Composition: Wales in March, which – if the previous years are anything to go by –will be a great project.” SARAH LIANNE LEWIS Composer Affiliate PAGE 64 | BBC NATIONAL ORCHESTRA AND CHORUS OF WALES
CLARK RUNDELL Conductor ABEL SELAOCOE Cello/voice SIMO LAGNAWI Guembri CHESABAtypicallyasstringedmusicpercussion,BlendingAbelWithuniqueGettraditionalSouthWITHCOLABORATORYABELSELAOCOEAfricancellistAbelSelaocoeisredefininghisinstrument,blendingplayingstyleswithimprovisation,singingandbodypercussion.readyforaboundary-crossingconcertwithBBCNOWshowcasinghisbrandofmusicalfusion.‘knock-outcharm’tomatchhisvirtuososkill,SouthAfricancellistSelaocoeisredefiningtheinstrumentandhavingablastdoingit.traditionalplayingstyleswithimprovisation,singingandbodyhisenergisedperformancesbringtogetherclassicalandworldinauniquefusion.HeisjoinedbySimoLagnawionguembri(three-Moroccanlute)andbyothermembersofhisowntrio,Chesaba,wellastheBBCNationalOrchestraofWalesforaconcertcoveringbroadmusicalground. VIVACIOUS CAPTIVATING UNIQUE THURSDAY 8/6/23 8PM DEPOT, Cardiff 22–23 SEASON | PAGE 65
June 10 - 18 Mehefin 2023 www.bbc.co.uk/cardiffsinger @cardiffsinger
Did you know that the Orchestra travelled solely by public transport for its recent visit to France, as did the Chorus on their recent tour to Rennes?
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Reducing waste and evaluating our overall environmental impact is fundamental to everything we do at BBC NOW, and every member of the BBC NOW family works to our dedicated Environmental Sustainability Strategy. We also have a dedicated BBC NOW Green Team, made up of musicians and staff, who meet regularly to look at new ways of further reducing our environmental impact, and work with suppliers and contractors to reduce the impacts of our performances, publications and building.
For the 22-23 season, we are reducing the quantity of printed materials and putting more online (including this brochure, and our new digital concert programmes!), collaborating with other orchestra colleagues to find and share greener solutions and encouraging our audiences to attend concerts via public transport.
From reducing single use plastics in our offices, to travelling in a more sustainable way to lower our carbon emissions, BBC NOW is helping to reduce the environmental impact of our work however we can.
If you would like to know more about our work in this area, please email: now@bbc.co.uk
WORKING TOWARDS A GREENER FUTURE
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