BBC National Orchestra of Wales

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BBCNOW/Martin review – Higgins’ horn concerto is confident, fluent – and life-enhancing
Gavin Higgins’ new work, premiered here, takes inspiration from the Forest of Dean, where he grew up. It was brought to vivid and organic life by Ben Goldscheider

Rian Evans

15, Jan, 2024 @1:01 PM

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Back to my roots: Gavin Higgins on how his new horn concerto reconnects him to trees – and teenage trauma
He abandoned his French horn years ago, so why did the composer decide now was the time to dust the cobwebs off it?

Gavin Higgins

12, Jan, 2024 @10:22 AM

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BBCNOW/Brabbins/Godden review – melancholy, defiance and energy from new and old female voices
The first programme in the BBC National Orchestra of Wales’s ‘Grace’ series showcased moving and authoritative music by Grace Williams, Kaija Saariaho and Sarah Lianne Lewis

Rian Evans

03, Nov, 2023 @4:42 PM

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BBC NOW/Bancroft review – anguished, beautiful Mahler and uplifting Schumann
Relocated and reprogrammed because of Raac checks closing the original venue, this season-opener of Mahler – with mezzo Christianne Stotijn – and Schumann did not disappoint

Rian Evans

08, Oct, 2023 @11:25 AM

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The week in classical: Prom 19: SCO/ Emelyanychev; Prom 22: BBC NOW/ Bancroft; Prom 24: BSO/ Karabits – review
A Victorian warhorse springs into life under the baton of Maxim Emelyanychev; Isata Kanneh-Mason makes fiendish Prokofiev look easy; and German horn virtuoso Felix Klieser sets an example to all

Stephen Pritchard

05, Aug, 2023 @11:30 AM

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Prom 21: BBCNOW/Bancroft review – all-American programme with a monumental finale
Derrick Skye’s ambitious Nova Plexus has power but felt earthbound ultimately; soloist Annelien Van Wauwe impressed with Copland’s Clarinet Concerto; and the 200-strong choir ensured a barnstorming second half

Erica Jeal

01, Aug, 2023 @11:58 AM

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BBC NOW/Otaka/Lamsma review – all-English programme flows from disquiet to joy
Conductor Tadaaki Otaka demonstrated his quiet authority and his instinctive way with Elgar during a concert that also included Britten and Elizabeth Maconchy

Rian Evans

27, Mar, 2023 @12:36 PM

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BBCNOW/Coorey review – mills to bells and rain: Colin Riley conjures the Welsh landscape
Steve Reich’s tribute to New York was neatly paired with a Gershwin, with the world premiere of Colin Riley’s powerful seven-movement ode to Wales the concert’s centrepiece

Rian Evans

20, Feb, 2023 @11:30 AM

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BBCNOW/Diakun/Tharaud review – a magical musical mind takes flight
Thierry Pécou delivered a scintillating piano concerto grounded in Balinese tradition before Marzena Diakun presided over a moving eulogy to Bohemia

Rian Evans

29, Jan, 2023 @10:36 AM

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BBCNOW/Jeannin review – exultant Ravel and extravagant Stravinsky
Making her debut with the National Orchestra and Chorus of Wales, Swedish conductor Sofi Jeannin controlled their massive sonorities with quiet authority

Rian Evans

29, Nov, 2022 @10:14 AM

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The week in classical: Prom 14: CBSO/ Yamada; Prom 16: BBCNOW/ Manze; L’incoronazione di Poppea
Why do some Proms sound better in the Albert Hall and others at home on the radio? Elsewhere, Grimeborn gets off to a smouldering start

Fiona Maddocks

30, Jul, 2022 @11:30 AM

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Classical home listening: Héloïse Werner, Danish String Quartet and BBCNOW at Aldeburgh
Premiere recordings abound on livewire soprano-composer Héloïse Werner’s new album of solos and duos; and the Danish String Quartet reach Prism IV

Fiona Maddocks

11, Jun, 2022 @11:00 AM

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