BBC National Chorus of Wales, one of the finest mixed choruses in the UK, marks the end of a successful anniversary season in June, celebrating 30 years of music-making.
The amateur Chorus, who first performed in December 1983 as the BBC Welsh Chorus, has a reputation as one of the most talented choruses in Wales and the UK. The ensemble, with over 120 members, is comprised of both amateur singers, alongside students at both the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama and Cardiff University.
Performing regularly alongside their colleagues in BBC National Orchestra of Wales, the Chorus can be heard often on BBC Radio 3, BBC Radio Wales and BBC Radio Cymru, as well as on numerous commercial recordings.
They will mark their 30th anniversary with a performance of Brahms’ Requiem, conducted by Principal Conductor Thomas Søndergård, in Cardiff on Friday 13 June, 7.30pm. Brahms’ Requiem, with its uplifting and lyrical melodies, was the first piece that the Chorus performed in public, when a sixty-strong Chorus sung in the newly-opened St David’s Hall in December 1983.
The Chorus will also be celebrating two appearances at the BBC Proms this year, including at the prestigious First Night of the Proms, broadcast live on BBC Two and BBC Radio 3.
Members first auditioned for the Chorus in the summer of 1983 – including bass Jeff Davies, who has remained in the Chorus ever since as one of two founder members: “It will be great to revisit Brahms’ Requiem, which we performed in our first concert back in 1983. How Lovely are Thy Dwellings is surely one of the most beautiful pieces ever written.
“I also can’t wait to sing in the First Night of the Proms in July. It’s why I enjoy being in the choir so much – broadcasting live on BBC Two at one of the most famous concert halls in the world, surrounded by top class professional musicians – not bad for an amateur singer, but it is what you get with BBC National Chorus of Wales!”
The Chorus’s 30th anniversary season has so far included a beautiful performance of Fauré’s Requiem in January; the world premiere of Paul Mealor’s Celtic Prayers; and chamber concerts in their home, BBC Hoddinott Hall.
The Chorus’s Artistic Director since 1999, Adrian Partington reflects on the Chorus’s past year: “BBC National Chorus of Wales is enjoying an exciting 30th anniversary year, with a varied schedule of concerts. As is usual with this unique choir, the programmes range from the standard (and wonderful) classics, such as Elgar’s The Dream of Gerontius, and Brahms’ Requiem, to lesser-known repertoire such as John Tavener’s Requiem.
“For many of the members of NCW, the highlights of our seasons are our annual trips to sing at the Royal Albert Hall in the BBC Proms. This year we’re delighted to be singing with the BBC Symphony Chorus at the First Night of the Proms in Elgar’s The Kingdom.
“The BBC National Chorus of Wales has a reputation of being one of the most dynamic large choirs in the United Kingdom. With our members coming from many different walks of life, they work hard for the choir, sometimes having to rehearse and perform for as many as four evenings a week; but they are a very happy and relaxed choir, who enjoy their music making. Their enjoyment is evident in their performances, which are always accurate, yet vibrant and full of energy.”
The Chorus, based at BBC Hoddinott Hall, shares its facilities with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, with whom they regularly perform. Although they are amateur singers, they form a crucial part of the musical life of Wales, as the Orchestra and Chorus’s Director Michael Garvey celebrates: “Wales can be truly proud of BBC National Chorus of Wales. Working hard in their spare time, these incredibly versatile singers produce a marvellous sound in all of their varied performances.
“Performing live on radio or in the recording studio can be tense; but the Chorus always pull out all of the stops and perform with such energy and enthusiasm. Many congratulations to the entire Chorus on 30 years of singing – I can’t wait to hear them celebrate their anniversary over the summer!”
The concert on Friday 13 June will also feature soprano Gisela Stille and baritone John Lundgren in Brahms’ Requiem; plus, the Orchestra will start the concert with Haydn’s Symphony No 99, Haydn being one of Brahms’ favourite composers.
Tickets for the Orchestra and Chorus’s concert, on Friday 13 June, 7.30pm, are £10-£29 (discounts available) and are available through the BBC National Orchestra of Wales Audience Line, by calling 0800 052 1812.
Alternatively, tickets are available through the St David’s Hall Box Office on 029 2087 8444, or online at stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk. Please note that the St David’s Hall online booking service carries an additional booking charge of £1.75 per transaction.
For more information about the Orchestra and Chorus, visit their website at bbc.co.uk/now.
