The BBC's Big Concert - Live from Cardiff

BBC National Orchestra and Chorus of Wales at BBC Hoddinott Hall, Cardiff. Presented by Sarah Walker A concert from the BBC National Orchestra of Wales' new home at the Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff Bay. French music has featured strongly in Principal Conductor Thierry Fischer's programming with the Orchestra over the past four years, and it's at the heart of this programme too. Unbridled imagination and a passion for Shakespeare fired Berlioz to write his dramatic overture, written in a burst of energy in just three weeks. Shakespeare is also the subject of Massenet's suite - three short symphonic poems on the subjects of Ariel, Desdemona and Macbeth. And Ravel's La Valse, written for Diaghilev, conjures up a vivid and violent picture of pre-First World War Viennese ballrooms. Naturally, Welsh music is central to the activities of the Orchestra and Chorus, and Adrian Partington conducts a jubilant Psalm of praise by William Mathias. Contemporary music is also important in the Orchestra's life, and for the opening of this new hall, Composer in Association Simon Holt has created a short work in honour of St. Vitus, patron saint of actors, comedians and dancers - among others. Berlioz: King Lear Overture (Op.4) Simon Holt: St. Vitus in the kettle Massenet: Suite No.3 "Scenes dramatiques"* Mathias: Psalm 150 "Laudate Dominum" for chorus and orchestra (Op.44/1)* Ravel: La Valse BBC National Orchestra and Chorus of Wales; Thierry Fischer, conductor Adrian Partington, conductor* During the concert Sarah Walker talks to Thierry Fischer as he looks forward to the BBC Proms and his artistic vision for the Orchestra's new season. Simon Holt explains what it's like to work closely with the Orchestra and how it influences his music. Adrian Partington discusses the important role the Chorus plays on the platform alongside the Orchestra - and deeper into the community in Wales. And animateur Andy Pidcock, who is a workshop leader with the Education and Community Department of the Orchestra, describes an upcoming project taking the Orchestra to work with special needs children throughout Wales.