BBC National Orchestra of Wales closes its 2011-12 season at Cardiff’s St David’s Hall with a triumphant musical depiction of the Alps, told through the music of Richard Strauss.
In the Orchestra’s last concert of the season at St David’s Hall, on Friday June 15, Principal Conductor Thierry Fischer explores the beautiful music of Richard Strauss’s Alpine Symphony. The extended ensemble of over 120 musicians, including 12 off-stage horns, will depict a day in the mountains, from the quiet hours just before dawn, through to the glorious sunset.
After six years at the helm of the Orchestra, this concert will be Thierry’s last concert at St David’s Hall as Principal Conductor.
Thierry Fischer explains what makes this work a joy to perform: “I just can’t wait to conduct the Alpine Symphony here in Cardiff! It is descriptive music, telling of a journey to the summit of a mountain. Strauss uses the whole orchestra to describe every moment of the journey… the sunrise, ascent, beauty, fear of danger, alpine horns, birds, rivers, bells in the mountain pasture, the beauty of the summit, the fog coming down, the descent, the sunset; it’s a very inspiring piece. It reminds us of the joy of being outside, absorbing the irresistible energy of nature.
“I love the feeling of inescapability this piece brings to both performers and listeners, combining the force and spectacle of nature with the deepest personal questions one can have only out in nature… strong doubts and exaggerated confidence. It is a majestic torrent of miracles!
“The place where I feel the most Swiss is not when I am at home in Geneva, but when I’m in the mountains – so this piece means a lot to me.”
To open the concert, the Orchestra is joined by Canadian pianist Angela Hewitt for a performance of Mozart’s Piano Concerto No 22. This joyful piece, often overshadowed by Mozart’s other piano concertos, is still a beautiful work in its own right. Angela Hewitt currently lives in the UK, and her recordings of Bach and Mozart have gained her critical acclaim.
After the final event of the season, the Orchestra will return to St David’s Hall in September with a new season of concerts.
Booking information
Tickets for the concert at St David’s Hall, Cardiff, on Friday 15 June, 7.30pm, are £10-£26 (discounts available) and are available from St David’s Hall Box Office on 02920 878444.
Alternatively, tickets can be booked through the Orchestra’s Audience Line, by calling 0800 052 1812.
For more information about the Orchestra, visit our website at bbc.co.uk/now.
