Eastern Folk

We begin this evening with Bartók’s Romanian Folk Dances, a sequence of seven short movements that preserve the rhythmic bite and modal harmonies of Transylvanian village life. You will hear how the orchestra adopts the distinctive character of regional fiddlers and flute players. This interest in folk origins continues with Lutosławski’s Little Suite, which draws on the melodies of south-eastern Poland, reinterpreting them through playful, modern orchestral colours. A significant shift occurs with Dobrinka Tabakova’s Concerto for Viola, where you can listen for how the soloist interacts with the ensemble in a contemporary voice. The second half of the performance is dedicated to Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 4. This is a substantial, four-movement work built around a recurring ‘fate’ motif. Listen for the aggressive brass fanfares that open the piece and the delicate, plucked strings of the third movement, before the symphony concludes with a high-energy finale based on a Russian folk tune.

The BBC National Orchestra of Wales is a central fixture of Welsh cultural life, performing regularly at major festivals and broadcasting to a wide audience. They are known for their versatility across the symphonic repertoire and their commitment to contemporary music. For this performance, they are led by conductor Delyana Lazarova, an artist gaining significant attention for her precision and energy on the podium. They are joined by soloist Maxim Rysanov, one of the most prominent viola players of his generation, who is widely recognised for bringing his instrument’s warm, earthy tone to the forefront of the concert stage.

This performance takes place at the Aberystwyth Arts Centre, a key venue for the arts in Mid Wales. The event has a total running time of approximately 120 minutes, which usually includes a short interval. With its mixture of short, rhythmic folk-inspired pieces and a major romantic symphony, the evening is well-suited for those who enjoy music with clear melodies and high drama. There is no specific dress code for this venue; most attendees choose smart-casual attire. You should arrive in time to be seated before the first work begins.