War & Peace

The evening begins with Maurice Ravel’s Le tombeau de Couperin. While this music originated as a tribute to companions lost during the First World War, you will hear a work that avoids heaviness, instead favouring the elegance and clarity of eighteenth-century French style. Notice the intricate, weaving textures in the woodwinds that create a sense of light rather than mourning. Following this, the mood shifts to the rugged, outdoor spirit of Vaughan Williams’s Songs of Travel. These songs follow the physical and emotional journey of a wanderer, moving between the rhythmic pulse of walking and more introspective, lyrical moments. The final portion of the concert is dedicated to Prokofiev’s Symphony No. 1. Known as the Classical Symphony, it is a brilliant exercise in brevity and wit. You can expect a sharp, energetic reimagining of Haydn’s symphonic structures, filled with sudden shifts in harmony and a fast-paced, spirited finale that brings the programme to a decisive and optimistic conclusion.

Ryan Bancroft conducts the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, an ensemble that serves as both a national symphony and a broadcast orchestra for the BBC. They are based in Cardiff and are known for their technical versatility and commitment to a wide range of orchestral literature. Joining them is the baritone Steffan Lloyd Owen, a singer established in both the choral and operatic traditions. Bancroft’s leadership often emphasises clean textures and rhythmic precision, which suits this selection of early twentieth-century works by Ravel, Vaughan Williams, and Prokofiev.

This performance takes place at the Prichard-Jones Hall in Bangor. The total running time is approximately 120 minutes, including an interval, which makes for a substantial evening of music. The varied nature of the three pieces, ranging from song cycles to a concise symphony, offers an accessible entry point for those new to orchestral concerts. There is no specific dress code for this event; most attendees at this venue typically choose smart-casual attire. Please note that the programme is performed in a concert setting without staging.