Ballet Music – Stravinsky & Ravel

We begin this evening with Igor Stravinsky’s Jeu de cartes, a work that captures the composer’s neoclassical period through the metaphor of a poker match. You will hear the orchestra navigate three ‘deals’, where musical themes are shuffled and played like cards in a high-stakes game. Listen for the way Stravinsky uses sharp, dry textures and unexpected rhythmic jabs to represent the unpredictable nature of the Joker. This is followed by Benjamin Britten’s Double Concerto for Violin and Viola. Though written when the composer was still a teenager, it demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of how these two string voices can intertwine. You will hear the bright, soaring lines of the violin balanced against the warmer, duskier tones of the viola. The two instruments spend much of the work in close conversation, trading melodic fragments and harmonising in a manner that feels both intimate and expansive. The full programme remains to be confirmed, but these two works establish a theme of intricate musical partnerships and rhythmic play.

Ludovic Morlot leads the BBC National Orchestra of Wales for this performance. The ensemble is based in Cardiff and is widely recognised for its versatility across the symphonic and ballet repertoire, frequently performing at major venues and festivals throughout the United Kingdom. Joining them are soloists Ben Baker and Tim Ridout. Baker is an established violinist known for his clarity and poise, while Ridout is a prominent violist celebrated for his rich tonal palette. Together with Morlot’s experienced direction, they bring a focused energy to this selection of twentieth-century masterworks.

This performance takes place at BBC Hoddinott Hall in Cardiff. The event has an approximate running time of 120 minutes, which includes an interval, making it a substantial evening of music. The programme’s focus on rhythmic ballet music and melodic string dialogue makes it an accessible choice if you are new to the concert hall. As this is a standard orchestral and ballet music presentation, there is no formal dress code. We recommend arriving in good time to find your seat before the first notes of the Stravinsky.