BBC NOW Surround Sound

We are invited to experience a performance that challenges the traditional boundary between the stage and the seating area. The evening opens with Steve Reich’s Duet for Two Violins and Strings, a piece defined by intricate, interlocking patterns where the two soloists weave together in close harmony. This is followed by a work by Daphne Oram, a pioneer of electronic music and sound manipulation; while the specific title is yet to be confirmed, we can expect a focus on experimental textures. The final piece is Terry Riley’s In C, a foundational work of minimalism composed of fifty-three short musical phrases. In this work, the individual players decide for themselves when to move from one cell to the next, creating a shimmering, unpredictable wall of sound that evolves differently in every performance. By placing the musicians around you in the room, the orchestra creates an immersive environment where you are at the very centre of these shifting rhythmic cycles.

The BBC National Orchestra of Wales is the resident ensemble at their Cardiff home and a mainstay of the British broadcast landscape. They are joined by Daniel Pioro, who serves as both soloist and conductor for this event. Pioro is a violinist known for his interest in new music and his collaborative approach to performance, often seeking out repertoire that tests the limits of his instrument. The orchestra is celebrated for its versatility, regularly moving between standard symphonic works and more experimental contemporary commissions that require high levels of rhythmic precision and ensemble communication.

The concert takes place at BBC Hoddinott Hall in Cardiff, a venue specifically designed for high-quality recording and acoustics. With a total duration of 120 minutes, this is a full-length evening that will suit those who enjoy meditative and rhythmic contemporary music. Because the orchestra will be positioned around the audience rather than on a traditional stage, you should expect a different perspective on orchestral sound. There is no formal dress code required. Given the immersive nature of the seating and the collaborative style of the music, this is an accessible entry point for those new to orchestral performances.