Tchaikovsky No.5

We begin the evening with a sense of place through Grace Williams’s Sea Sketches. You will hear the string section evoke the movement and textures of the Welsh coastline, a work that captures the shifting moods of the water with distinctive local character. This leads into the Harp Concerto by Henriette Renié, a rare opportunity to hear this instrument take the spotlight in a full-scale concerto format. Listen for how the soloist interacts with the orchestral textures, demonstrating the technical versatility of the harp. The second half is dedicated to Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 5. You can follow a specific recurring melody, often described as a fate theme, which undergoes a dramatic transformation across four movements. It starts as a somber, low-register motif in the clarinets and eventually re-emerges as a triumphant march. Between these points, you will hear one of the most famous horn solos in the symphonic repertoire during the second movement, contributing to the work's reputation for deep emotional resonance.

The BBC National Orchestra of Wales is the ensemble for this performance, a group known for their extensive recording history and their dual role as a broadcasting and symphony orchestra. They are based at BBC Hoddinott Hall in Cardiff, where they regularly perform a wide range of standard and contemporary repertoire. Joining them is the conductor Jaime Martín, who is recognised for his clear and expressive leadership. The soloist for the evening is Mared Pugh-Evans, a harpist noted for bringing focus to her instrument's expansive solo repertoire within the orchestral setting.

This concert takes place at BBC Hoddinott Hall in Cardiff. The evening has an approximate running time of 120 minutes, which includes an interval between the concerto and the symphony. Given the variety of the programme—ranging from shorter evocative pieces to a major romantic symphony—it is well-suited for those who enjoy a structured overview of different orchestral styles. There is no specific dress code for this venue; most attendees choose smart-casual attire. You should arrive in good time to be seated before the first work begins.