Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker

We are guided through a programme that balances characterful narrative with high-energy dance. The afternoon opens with the fairy-tale atmosphere of Humperdinck, before moving into the lively folk-inspired rhythms of Frank Bridge’s 'Sir Roger de Coverley'. A central feature of the performance is Britten’s educational masterpiece, which isolates various sections of the orchestra to reveal their unique textures and timbres. You will hear how a single theme is passed from the woodwinds to the brass and strings, building towards a complex final fugue. The performance concludes with the familiar movements of Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite. Listen for the distinct chime of the celesta in the dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy and the sweeping, lyrical harps in the final waltz. The evening is shaped to showcase both the individual dexterity of the musicians and the collective power of the full symphonic sound in a celebratory, winter setting.

The BBC National Orchestra of Wales is the resident ensemble at BBC Hoddinott Hall, renowned for their versatility across the symphonic repertoire and their extensive broadcast history. They are joined by conductor Luis Castillo-Briceno to navigate this varied programme. The performance also features actor Steffan Rhodri as a narrator, who provides the spoken framework for the Britten piece. The orchestra is particularly known for its commitment to both contemporary Welsh music and the pillars of the classical canon, performing regularly for national radio and international audiences from their base in Cardiff.

This performance takes place at BBC Hoddinott Hall in Cardiff and has an approximate duration of 120 minutes. The inclusion of a narrated guide to the instruments makes this a particularly suitable choice for a first-time concertgoer or a family audience interested in the inner workings of a symphony orchestra. As a dance-themed concert rather than a staged ballet, the focus remains on the music itself. There is no specific dress code for this venue, though many patrons choose smart-casual attire for afternoon events.