Strauss & Wagner

The evening opens with a profound sense of late-Romantic reflection as we hear Richard Strauss’s final major compositions. You will notice how the soprano voice weaves through rich orchestral textures, moving through themes of spring, sleep, and the finality of twilight. The vocal lines are famously long and soaring, requiring immense control. After the interval, the focus shifts to a continuous symphonic reimagining of Wagner’s great music drama. Arranged by Henk de Vlieger, this suite distills the essential themes of the original opera into a purely instrumental form. You should listen for the recurring harmonic motifs, particularly the famous opening sequence that remains one of the most significant moments in musical history. Without the distraction of stage action, the orchestra takes full responsibility for the narrative, building from quiet longing to the intense resolution of the finale. The two halves of the programme complement each other perfectly, both exploring the heights of German Romanticism and the expressive limits of the large modern orchestra.

The BBC National Orchestra of Wales is the resident ensemble at this Cardiff venue, known for a broad repertoire that spans broadcast standards and contemporary commissions. Under the baton of conductor Anthony Hermus, the orchestra is joined by soprano Katherine Dain. Dain is recognised for her clarity and depth in the German Lieder tradition, making her a natural fit for the Strauss cycle. Hermus brings his experience in both operatic and symphonic settings to bear on the Wagner arrangement, guiding the ensemble through the complex emotional shifts and dense orchestration that define these late-Romantic works.

This performance takes place at BBC Hoddinott Hall in Cardiff, the purpose-built home of the ensemble. With a total duration of 120 minutes including an interval, it is a substantial evening of music that provides a deep dive into two iconic composers. While the Wagner suite is purely orchestral, the Strauss songs will be sung in their original language. As an orchestral concert rather than a staged opera, there is no formal dress code, though the venue is a professional recording and broadcast space. The length and programme complexity make this particularly rewarding for those who enjoy immersive symphonic textures.