War & Peace

We are presented with a programme that explores memory and movement, opening with Ravel’s Le tombeau de Couperin. You will hear a suite that looks back to eighteenth-century French dance forms, though its lighter textures mask a deeper reflection on loss. The music is notable for its intricate woodwind writing and rhythmic poise. Following this, the focus shifts to the human voice with Vaughan Williams’ Songs of travel. These settings follow a solitary figure across the landscape, using folk-inspired melodies to convey both physical journeys and internal transitions. The evening concludes with Prokofiev’s Symphony No. 1. This work is a concise, witty take on the Haydn-esque style, blending eighteenth-century structures with twentieth-century harmonic shifts and sudden, darting changes in tempo. Listen for the clarity of the orchestration and the playfulness of the final movement, which brings the performance to a bright and energetic close.

The BBC National Orchestra of Wales is joined by conductor Ryan Bancroft for this concert. Based in Cardiff, this ensemble is a central fixture of the Welsh musical landscape, known for a wide-ranging repertoire that spans core symphonic works and contemporary commissions. They are frequently heard across national broadcasting platforms. Soloist Steffan Lloyd Owen brings his baritone voice to the stage, adding a vocal dimension to the orchestral textures. Together, these performers represent the collaborative spirit of the national orchestra, which balances its broadcast commitments with a busy schedule of live performances across the United Kingdom.

This performance takes place at BBC Hoddinott Hall in Cardiff. The event is scheduled to last approximately 120 minutes, including any necessary intervals. The venue provides a modern, purpose-built acoustic space for orchestral music, making it an excellent setting for those new to the concert hall as well as regular attendees. There is no specific dress code for this evening; most patrons tend to opt for smart-casual attire. The programme is delivered in a mix of orchestral and vocal forms, with the song cycle performed in English.