Episode 1

Verity Sharp introduces the BBC National Orchestra of Wales in recent performances and recordings, and celebrates the BBC Singers' 90th birthday. A rare chance to hear Lennox Berkeley's unaccompanied choral work, commissioned by the BBC Singers in 1975, plus music by his son, Michael, who was Composer in Association with BBC NOW in the early 2000s. British composer Peter Dickinson celebrates his 80th birthday this year. BBC NOW recently recorded his light-hearted reflection of the sound world of early Beatles 'Merseyside Echoes' for CD release. Jac van Steen was, until recently, Principal Guest Conductor with BBC NOW. In March he returned for a concert at St. David's Hall in Cardiff featuring two concertos. Young Dutch violinist Liza Ferschtman played Dvorak's warmly romantic concerto, and the orchestra players themselves were the soloists in Bartok's spectacular showpiece. Martinu's richly bejewelled orchestral textures have an Italian theme inspired by the peace and colours of nature as seen in Piero della Francesca's frescoes.

Presented by Verity Sharp

c.2.00pm
Michael Berkeley: Gregorian Variations
BBC National Orchestra of Wales
Richard Hickox (conductor)

c.2.25pm
Lennox Berkeley: The Hill of the Graces
BBC Singers
Paul Brough (conductor)

c.2.40pm
Peter Dickinson: Merseyside Echoes
BBC National Orchestra of Wales
Clark Rundell (conductor)

c.2.50pm
Martinu: The Frescoes of Piero della Francesca
BBC National Orchestra of Wales
Jac van Steen (conductor)

c.3.10pm
Dvorak: Concerto in A minor Op.53 for violin and orchestra
Liza Ferschtman (violin)
BBC National Orchestra of Wales
Jac van Steen (conductor)

c.3.45pm
Bartok: Concerto for Orchestra
BBC National Orchestra of Wales
Jac van Steen (conductor).