Strauss & Wagner

The evening begins with Richard Strauss’s Four Last Songs, a cycle that offers a meditative reflection on the end of a long creative life. You will hear the soprano’s voice weave through rich orchestral textures, particularly in the final song where a solo violin and horns suggest the quiet onset of dusk. The mood is one of acceptance rather than grief, characterised by soaring vocal lines and a sense of autumnal warmth. After the interval, the focus shifts to Wagner’s Tristan and Isolde. Instead of the full opera, we will hear an orchestral arrangement by Henk de Vlieger. This version condenses the narrative into a continuous symphonic poem, allowing the orchestra to carry the emotional weight of the story. Listen for the famous 'Tristan chord' at the start and the gradual, surging build-up toward the final moments. By removing the singers for this half, the complex instrumental layering and the recurring musical themes representing desire and fate are brought directly to the foreground.

The BBC National Orchestra of Wales is a versatile ensemble with a significant presence across the country, serving as both a symphonic body and a broadcast orchestra. They are well-regarded for their expansive repertoire, ranging from core classical works to contemporary premieres. Anthony Hermus, known for his clear and energetic direction, leads the ensemble for this performance. Joining them is soprano Katherine Dain, a performer recognised for her clarity and expressive range. Together, they bring these substantial late-Romantic scores to the acoustics of their regular Swansea home.

This performance takes place at Brangwyn Hall in Swansea and has a total duration of approximately 120 minutes, which includes an interval. It is a substantial programme that suits listeners who enjoy large-scale orchestral storytelling and the rich sounds of the late nineteenth-century tradition. As the Wagner piece is a symphonic arrangement, there are no surtitles or libretti to follow in the second half. There is no specific dress code for this event, though most attendees at this venue opt for smart-casual attire. Please ensure you are seated before the first work begins.