From timeless musical masterpieces, to innovative compositions by contemporary composers; from the sounds of the golden jazz age, through to world music fusion and blockbuster Hollywood movie soundtracks: the BBC National Orchestra and Chorus of Wales 23/24 season will span the centuries!
In the coming season, BBC NOW will once again be collaborating with their Principal Conductor, the award winning Ryan Bancroft, whose artistic leadership brings a unique and captivating energy to all performances. Ryan will be launching the season on 5 October at St David’s Hall with Mahler’s epic 3rd Symphony.
In addition, the orchestra and chorus will be performing with a distinguished array of guest conductors, including Jaime Martín, Nil Venditti, Lionel Bringuier, Sofi Jeannin, Tadaaki Otaka and Martyn Brabbins. Guest soloists in the 23/24 season include Dame Evelyn Glennie, Ben Beilman, Geneva Lewis, Alisa Weilerstein, Christianne Stotijn, Zee Zee, Inmo Yang, Ben Goldscheider, Fiona Monbet, Iyad Sughayer and Jess Gillam.
BBC NOW will expand on a new partnership with Abel Selaocoe, their recently appointed Artist-in-Association, at a series of concerts and community events throughout Wales, including a concert with Nduduzo Makathini at DEPOT, a vibrant Cardiff events venue. BBC NOW will also welcome back conductor Giancarlo Guerrero with Bartók’s Concerto for Orchestra alongside Abel Selaocoe performing his cello concerto Four Spirits.
This season will see a new series of concerts dedicated to the life and remarkable musical contributions of esteemed Welsh composer, Grace Williams, celebrating her inspiring legacy and showcasing the depth of her musical brilliance. ‘BBC NOW – NOW!’ will also be a new addition to the repertoire this season, focusing on the best music being written today.
Now in its 30th year, Jurassic Park, one of the biggest movies and film franchises of all time comes to the orchestra as BBC NOW performs John Williams’ score live to the film in Cardiff and Swansea in December. For St David’s Day, join BBC NOW for the UK premiere of Sir Karl Jenkins’ saxophone concerto performed by the effervescent Jess Gillam amongst other rousing Welsh treasures, and Christmas is celebrated with a traditional carols concert with the National Chorus of Wales and massed children’s choir.
BBC NOW is committed to making music accessible and enjoyable for all, and this coming season will see new ways of reaching new audiences away from the concert hall.
Lisa Tregale, Director of BBC National Orchestra and Chorus of Wales said:
“Beyond the stage, we are dedicated to presenting new and captivating initiatives for young people and Welsh communities. Through innovative digital content, including livestreamed concerts from our home at BBC Hoddinott Hall, we aim to ensure that everyone in Wales feels involved in our musical story.”
Matthew Wood, Head of Artistic Production at BBC National Orchestra and Wales said:
“I am very pleased to announce our 2023/24 season, in which I am particularly looking forward to our opening concert with Mahler’s Epic 3rd symphony, a new series called Grace – which celebrates the music of the superb Welsh composer Grace Williams, our Playing Picasso concert where we celebrate Picasso’s significant contribution to ballet and concerts with the brilliant south African cellist - Abel Selaocoe – as he joins us as our new Artist in Association. It is an endless delight and privilege to work alongside such talented musicians and dedicated staff to bring our audiences the broadest of musical offerings.”