The beginning of May is an exciting time in the musical calendar as all the new seasons are launched.
For this year's season launch, the BBC National Orchestra of Wales held an event at the Senedd. A small string group played works by Mozart and arrangements of traditional Welsh songs, the brass played fanfares, and the wind and horns played some beautiful Strauss.
There was the opportunity to see photographs taken by photographer Betina Skovbro on Thomas Sondergard's recent first North Wales Tour, and there were speeches from Thomas himself; Rosemary Butler, the National Assembly for Wales' presiding officer; Rhodri Talfan Davies, director of BBC Wales; and Nick Capaldi, chief executive of Arts Council of Wales.
So, with the season officially launched, let me tell you my highlights of the upcoming season:
1. The BBC National Chorus of Wales turns 30!
We at the BBC National Orchestra of Wales are blessed to have such a solid chorus to work alongside us. Directed by Adrian Partington, and tirelessly managed by Osian Rowlands, the calibre of our chorus is undeniable.
The BBC National Chorus of Wales is routinely invited to work with other ensembles, and have toured nationally and internationally, in addition to recording extensively, and providing music workshops across many Welsh communities. We are exceptionally proud of them, and hopefully our audiences are too!
In their 30th anniversary year, it is fitting that they feature heavily in our season. I'm most looking forward to hearing them in Poulenc's Gloria (4 October 2014), that perennial favourite Faure's Requiem (24 January 2014), and also in Brahms' magnificent Ein Deutsches Requiem (13 June 2014).
You can read more about the BBC National Chorus of Wales on the orchestra's website, or in our new brochure. If you are of a vocal sway, our website also gives details on how to apply to join the chorus.
2. John Lill turns 70!
I can't believe that John Lill (aka The Nicest British Man To Play The Piano) is 70 this year, but I'm delighted that we will be playing one of my favourite piano concertos with him in celebration (Brahms Piano Concerto No 1 - 9 May 2014).
3. Americana Season
Not only will we be celebrating America at the Movies (18 September 2014) - featuring music by John Williams, Bernard Hermann, Howard Shore, and Danny Elfman - but we are hosting an Americana Season at Hoddinott Hall. I'm really looking forward to Elena Urioste's Barber Violin Concerto on 24 September 2013.
4. Mahler 9
What more can I add to clarify this point? It's Mahler 9 - why would you not want to hear/play Mahler 9? It takes place on 7 February 2014.
5. Liza Ferschtmann plays Dvořák Concerto
I'm really excited about hearing this young Dutch violinist. When I was a student in Amsterdam, she had not long won the Nederlandse Muziekprijs, and everyone was abuzz with anticipation of what her future would hold.
She was already appearing with many of the Dutch megaorchestras, and has established herself as one of the rising stars of the European string world. Incidentally, she also has amazing hair.
The Dvořák Concerto takes place on 21 March 2014.
The 2013-14 season information can be downloaded from our website, but I would recommend getting your hands on the actual brochure. It features lovely formal and informal pictures of us, and there are many interesting little blurbs about the orchestra's work and its role with Radio 3, as well as little snippets of info about visiting artists.
Booking for subscriptions is now open, and general booking opens on Tuesday 28 May.
If you'd like to receive a free brochure, please call the orchestra'sAudience Line on 0800 052 1812.
