Coming up at St David’s Hall

INCREDIBLY, it’s Christmas again next month! Before all those festivities though, there’s plenty to get excited about throughout November at St David’s Hall. As ever, we’re the place to be for the very best stand-up and you can see the stars of tomorrow as six young comics battle it out in the BBC Comedy Awards Grand Final 2022 (Tues 1 Nov). Hosted by Kerry Godliman, the judges’ panel features Fern Brady, Rosie Jones and Anna Thomas. The event is also the perfect preview to Cardiff being crowned the BBC City of Comedy 2023! There’s also the usual healthy helping of awe-inspiring orchestral music. The Cardiff Classical Series continues with the Welsh National Opera Orchestra (Fri 4 Oct) joined by stunning mezzo-soprano, Jana Kurucová for an evocative evening of masterpieces including Britten’s Four Sea Interludes. The Belgian National Orchestra (Weds 9 Nov) deliver a powerful programme of Respighi, Mozart and SaintSaëns, while the BBC National Orchestra of Wales (Thurs 17 Nov) revel in an epic performance of Mahler’s Symphony No 9. Plus, John Wilson’s Sinfonia of London (Mon 28 Nov) presents an evening of spectacular showpieces in Broadway to Boléro including Walton, Ravel and Debussy, while former BBC Young Musician of the Year Martin James Bartlett plays Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue. If heavy metal is more your thing, we’ve got that covered too with the legendary Saxon (Mon 14 Nov) on their Seize the Day tour with special guests, Diamond Head. Meanwhile, four of the UK’s most celebrated female singer-songwriters Beverley Craven, Judie Tzuke and Julia Fordham reunite as Woman to Woman (Fri 11 Nov) and this time they’re in a special collaboration with Rumer! There’s also sensational soul from The Stylistics (Weds 23 Nov), and Roots Unearthed resumes in the L3 Lounge with the spellbinding storytelling of folk troubadour Kathryn Williams (Tues 8 Nov). We’ve got three great guest speakers too with ‘The Supervet’ Noel Fitzpatrick (Thurs 10 Nov), Wales’ Grand Slam-winning rugby coach Warren Gatland (Weds 16 Nov) and Gardeners’ World presenter Monty Don (Thurs 24 Nov). November is also a time for reflection as we commemorate all those who have lost their lives in conflict, and this year’s Wales Festival of Remembrance (Sat 5 Nov) features performances from Kizzy Crawford, City Voices Cardiff and the Band of the Brigade of Gurkhas. From late November, the festive season is in full flow starting with Aled Jones & Russell Watson (Fri 25 Nov). There are also a couple of special Lunchtime Concerts to get you into the seasonal spirit in the Cardiff Metropolitan Cathedral Choir (Tues 29 Nov) and the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama Festive Brass (Fri 2 Dec). Cardiff Philharmonic Orchestra’s A Night at the Movies (Fri 2 Dec) and The Bootleg Beatles (Weds 7 Dec) always form essential parts of our December programme, while The Sixteen (Sun 4 Dec) are back with The Wise Men and the Star. Also making returns are the heartwarming family favourite Love Actually - Live Concert with Full Orchestra (Thurs 1 Dec), Strictly stars Aljaž & Janette (Tues 13 Dec) and The Rat Pack at Christmas (Mon 12 Dec). Then it’s time for our three breathtaking ballets Coppélia, The Nutcracker and Swan Lake (Sat 17 - Sat 31 Dec) to wrap up 2022 in style!