Celtic Beethoven
BBC National Orchestra of Wales
- Date night
- First-timer friendly
- Early finish
- Date
- Fri, 26 Mar 2027
- Time
- 19:30 · 2h 0m
- Venue
- BBC Hoddinott Hall
- City
- Cardiff
- Conductor
- Grant Llewellyn
- Tickets
- See booking site
You'll be taken to the ensemble's official site.
Summary
Grant Llewellyn leads the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, harpist Catrin Finch and bagpiper Carlos Núñez in Beethoven’s Celtic folksong arrangements and symphonic excerpts at BBC Hoddinott Hall.
Why it's fantastic
Beethoven had a surprising obsession with the folk music of the British Isles, rearranging traditional melodies with his own signature grit. This evening brings those rustic songs to life through the bright textures of the Celtic harp and bagpipes, closing with the relentless, foot-stomping energy of his rhythmic Seventh Symphony.
Our guide to this performance
What you'll hear
We are often familiar with Beethoven’s grand symphonic architecture, but this evening focuses on his deep engagement with the folk traditions of the British Isles. You will hear a selection of traditional Irish, Scottish, and Welsh melodies, which the composer reworked into art songs and variations. Pieces like The Return to Ulster and The Vale of Clwyd allow for a delicate interplay between voice and instruments, while the Six National Airs provide a platform for virtuosic variation. Throughout these arrangements, listen for the way Beethoven retains the rustic spirit of the original tunes while layering them with his own complex harmonic language. The programme concludes with the final movement of his Symphony No. 7. This Allegro con brio is famous for its obsessive, driving rhythm and sheer momentum. We transition from the intimate storytelling of the folk songs to a massive, collective pulse that brings the performance to a vigorous close.
Who's performing
The BBC National Orchestra of Wales is a cornerstone of Cardiff’s cultural life, serving as both a broadcasting ensemble and a leading symphony orchestra. Joining them is conductor Grant Llewellyn, who is well known for his collaborative approach and deep roots in Welsh music. The evening also features harpist Catrin Finch, a musician celebrated for her versatility on the pedal harp, and Carlos Núñez Muñoz, an expert in the piping traditions of the Atlantic coast. Together, they bring a distinct regional texture to this exploration of classical and folk intersections.
Planning your evening
This event takes place at BBC Hoddinott Hall in Cardiff. The total duration is approximately 120 minutes, making it a full-length evening of music. Because the programme blends accessible folk melodies with a high-energy symphonic finale, it is an excellent choice if you are new to choral and orchestral concerts. The venue is a purpose-built space designed for recording and clarity of sound. There is no formal dress code required, so you should feel comfortable attending in standard smart-casual attire.
Written by the Bravura editorial team from the ensemble's published programme and venue information. We don't reproduce copy from box-office sites. Spotted something wrong? Tell us.
Programme
- 01Symphonie no. 7, IV: Allegro con brio
- 02Sunset
- 03The Return to Ulster
- 04The Vale of Clwyd
- 05So Sweet Were the Hours
- 06The Parting Kiss
- 07Bonnie Laddie, Highland Laddie
- 08Our Bugles Sun Truce
- 09Come Draw We Round a Cheerful Ring
- 10On the Massacre of Glencoe
- 11The Pulse of an Irishman’: Irish Songs, No.4
- 12Six National Airs with Variations, No.4 & 5
Soloists
- Carlos Núñez Muñoz
- Catrin Finch
