Grace: Astral Illuminations

We are guided through a programme that feels distinctively celestial and rooted in the natural world. You will hear Missy Mazzoli’s work for orbiting spheres, which uses shifting pulses to evoke planetary motion, followed by the first performance of a new cello concerto by Augusta Read Thomas titled Astral Illuminations. The evening continues with the atmospheric textures of The Imagined Forest by Grace-Evangeline Mason and the evocative, brooding melodies of Grace Williams’ Dark Island Suite, a significant work by one of Wales’ most influential composers. To close, the orchestra performs Ester Mägi’s Symphony. Listen for how the solo cello interacts with the ensemble during the premiere, moving between intricate technical passages and expansive melodic lines. The overall shape of the concert balances the brightness of cosmic-inspired contemporary writing with the deeper, more grounded orchestral colours found in the pieces by Williams and Mägi, creating a sense of travel through both physical landscapes and the night sky.

The BBC National Orchestra of Wales is joined by conductor Chloe Rooke and soloist Laura van de Heijden. Based in Cardiff, the ensemble is widely recognised for its commitment to both the core symphonic repertoire and the promotion of living composers. Laura van de Heijden is a cellist known for her sensitive interpretations and technical clarity, making her an ideal choice for a world premiere. Chloe Rooke leads the orchestra through this complex programme, bringing together a collection of works that showcase the ensemble's ability to navigate diverse modern textures and traditional symphonic structures.

The performance takes place at BBC Hoddinott Hall in Cardiff, a venue known for its excellent acoustics for orchestral recording and live performance. With a running time of approximately 120 minutes, including an interval, this concert is well-suited to those who enjoy exploring new music alongside modern classics. As this is a standard orchestral concert, there is no formal dress code, and you can expect a relaxed but focused atmosphere. Please note that the programme features a world premiere, making this a significant event for regular concert-goers and first-timers interested in contemporary composition.