On Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 March 2012 the BBC and the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) will present Music Nation, a spectacular weekend of music around the UK to set the scene and create excitement in the lead up to the London 2012 Festival.
Music Nation's programme will showcase the best of the UK's musical talent through ambitious and innovative partnerships and musical performances. It's one of the flagship projects for the London 2012 Festival and the Cultural Olympiad.
Around 35 major orchestral based projects will be taking place across the UK over the weekend. In Wales a partnership of activity has been formed between BBC National Orchestra of Wales, St David's Hall, Wales Millennium Centre, the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama and Welsh National Opera, plus a whole range of other partners including amateur organisations featuring young musicians.
BBC National Orchestra of Wales concert will culminate in a large scale mainstream event featuring a showcase of music including a new commission by Karl Jenkins involving a massed youth choir and members of BBC National Chorus of Wales.
For Welsh events please check Radio 3's Music Nation page
Front row (from left): Harry Ventham (RWCMD, bassoon player), Sarah Reddin (RWCMD, soprano); back row (from left): David Adams (Leader, Orchestra of Welsh National Opera), Phillippe Schartz (BBCNOW, Principal Trumpet). Photo: David Massey.
