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First
Broadcast

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Bach's Brandenburg Concerto No 2 With The Dunedin Consort

20200408

20200713 (R4)

The insiders' take on bringing great pieces of classical music to audiences today.

International Bach specialist John Butt and his group the Dunedin Consort let us inside their Edinburgh rehearsals as they prepare for a performance of Bach's Brandenburg Concerto No.2.

Featuring Cecilia Bernardini, Alexandra Bellamy, David Blackadder, Jo Buckley, John Butt, Willie Hendry and David Lee... and Edith.

The performers are:

Harpsichord / Director: John Butt

Solo Violin: Cecilia Bernardini

Solo Oboe: Alexandra Bellamy

Solo Recorder: Lကszl　 R　zsa

Solo Trumpet: David Blackadder

Violins: Kinga Ujszကzsi and Sarah Bevan-Baker

Viola: Oliver Wilson

Cello: Jonathan Rees

Violone: Tim Amherst

Music recorded by Lyndon Jones

Producer: Martin Williams

John Butt and the Dunedin Consort invite us to a rehearsal of Bach's Brandenburg Concertos

Brahms's Piano Concerto No 1 With Stephen Hough And The Lpo

20210830

International concert pianist, Stephen Hough, and members of the London Philharmonic Orchestra take us behind the scenes at the Royal Festival Hall in London and invite us to listen in as they rehearse Brahms's Piano Concerto No.1. They show us how they combine their skills and insight to ignite one of the great masterpieces of the Romantic era, and give us their musician's eye view on what makes Brahms's music so compelling.

With additional recordings by Stephen Hough and the BBC Symphony Orchestra conducted by Sir Andrew Davis.

Produced by Chris Taylor for BBC Wales

Photo credit: Sim Canetty-Clarke

Concert pianist Stephen Hough gives us his musician's eye view on Brahms's First Concerto.

Bruch's Violin Concerto No 1 With Nicola Benedetti

20200720

We eavesdrop on rehearsals as the violinist Nicola Benedetti and the Aurora Orchestra prepare for a performance of Bruch's 1st Violin Concerto. Aurora's conductor Nicholas Collon and orchestral players give us their insiders' perspective on this celebrated music and show how they work together to make it come alive in the concert hall.

Produced by Rosie Boulton for BBC Wales

Photo credit: Simon Fowler

Nicola Benedetti gives us the player's perspective on Bruch's famous Violin Concerto No 1

Elgar's Cello Concerto With Sheku Kanneh-mason

20200401

20200706 (R4)

We eavesdrop on rehearsals as the young cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason and the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra prepare for a performance at last year's BBC Proms of Elgar's Cello Concerto. The CBSO's Music Director Mirga Grainyt?-Tyla and players from the orchestra give us their insiders' perspective on this celebrated music and show how they work together to make it come alive in the concert hall. Cellist Julian Lloyd Webber shares his experiences of playing this work hundreds of times throughout his career and discusses the challenges of rehearsing this piece with different orchestras around the world.

Produced by Rosie Boulton for BBC Wales

Sheku Kanneh-Mason gives us the player's perspective on Elgar's much-loved Cello Concerto.

Elgar's Enigma Variations With Sir Mark Elder And The Halle Orchestra

20210906

We eavesdrop on rehearsals as Manchester's Hall退 Orchestra prepare for a performance of Elgar's Enigma Variations. The Hall钀s Music Director, Sir Mark Elder and players from the orchestra give us their insider's perspective on this celebrated music and show how they work together to bring it to life in the concert hall.

Associate Leader, Sarah Ewins, Principal Viola, Tim Pooley and Principal Flute, Amy Yule all describe the delights and challenges of working on this piece.

Sir Mark Elder discusses his role in uniting the players in a fresh and cohesive performance.

And Em Marshall-Luck, Founder-Director of the English Music Festival, gives historical context to the music.

Produced by Rosie Boulton for BBC Wales

Photo credit: Russell Hart

Eavesdropping on rehearsals, musicians give insiders' perspectives on preparing Elgar.

Faure's Requiem With The Bbc National Chorus And Orchestra Of Wales

20230727

20231023 (R4)

The BBC National Chorus and Orchestra of Wales invite us behind the scenes at Cardiff's Hoddinott Hall to eavesdrop on their rehearsals for a performance of Fauré's Requeim. It's a particularly beloved work and the pressure is on to make their upcoming performance a special one.

Conductor, Ludovic Morlot and Chorus Director, Adrian Partington explain how they work together to realise Fauré's vision for a sacred Mass for the Dead that would bring hope and consolation to its listeners. Chorister's Jeff Davies and Rebecca Jolliffe share their experiences from the choir stalls. Soprano Rhian Lois talks us through her preparations to sing the one of the most famous and exposed solos in the repertoire, Fauré's mesmerising Pie Jesu.

Produced by Chris Taylor for BBC Audio Wales and West

A musician's-eye view of classical music's best-loved works

The BBC National Chorus of Wales invite us behind the scenes as they prepare for a performance of Fauré's beloved Requiem and bring to life its message of hope and consolation.

The BBC National Chorus and Orchestra of Wales invite us behind the scenes at Cardiff's Hoddinott Hall to eavesdrop on their rehearsals for a performance of Faur钀s Requeim. It's a particularly beloved work and the pressure is on to make their upcoming performance a special one.

Conductor, Ludovic Morlot and Chorus Director, Adrian Partington explain how they work together to realise Faur钀s vision for a sacred Mass for the Dead that would bring hope and consolation to its listeners. Chorister's Jeff Davies and Rebecca Jolliffe share their experiences from the choir stalls. Soprano Rhian Lois talks us through her preparations to sing the one of the most famous and exposed solos in the repertoire, Faur钀s mesmerising Pie Jesu.

Handel's Messiah With The Cbso

20220829

The City of Birmingham Symphony Chorus and Orchestra take us behind the scenes at Symphony Hall in Birmingham, inviting us to listen in as they rehearse Handel's iconic choral masterpiece: Messiah. The CBSO's chorus director Simon Halsey rehearses and prepares the chorus to hand over to conductor John Butt for performance. Countertenor Reginald Mobley talks about the emotional control required to sing some of the most moving arias in classical music. And altos Louise Davis and Jeanette Wong from the chorus describe the listening skills and stamina needed to bring this marathon tour de force to life.

Produced by Rosie Boulton for BBC Audio Cardiff

Photo credit: Andrew Fox

The City of Birmingham Symphony Chorus invite us behind the scenes as they rehearse.

Mendelssohn's Octet With The Elias And Emmeline Quartets String Quartets

20200727

The Elias Quartet join forces with the Emmeline Quartet to rehearse for a performance of Mendelssohn's amazing Octet.

Including reflections from the violinist Daniel Hope on his long relationship as a listener and performer with Mendelssohn's Octet.

The Elias Quartet are:

Sara Bitlloch (violin)

Donald Grant (violin)

Simone van der Giessen (viola)

Marie Bitlloch (cello)

The Emmeline Quartet are:

Charlotte Dowding (violin)

Anna Tulchinskaya (violin)

Sophia Rees (viola)

Robert Wheatley (cello)

For more information about Daniel Hope's Hope@Home series:

https://www.deutschegrammophon.com/en/catalogue/products/hopehome-daniel-hope-12045

Producer: Martin Williams

Mendelssohn's amazing Octet with the Elias and Emmeline Quartets string quartets

Mozart's Clarinet Concerto With J\u00f6rg Widmann And The Bbc Sso

20220815

Clarinettist J怀rg Widmann and the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra invite us behind the scenes at Glasgow City Halls as they get ready for a performance of Mozart's beloved Clarinet Concerto. We hear the insider's perspective on how they bring this monumental piece to life on stage, and the players share the joys and challenges of living inside this music. J怀rg is joined by conductor Thomas Dausgaard and lead violinist Laura Samuel, with further insights from clarinettist Berginald Rash.

Produced by Amelia Parker for BBC Audio Cardiff

Photo credit: Marco Borggreve

A musician's-eye view of one of classical music's best-loved works

Saint-sa\u00ebns Organ Symphony With Anna Lapwood And The London Mozart Players

20230817

20231106 (R4)

Organist Anna Lapwood and the London Mozart Players invite us behind the scenes at Fairfield Halls in Croydon to eavesdrop on their rehearsals of Saint-Saëns Symphony No.3, popularly known as his ‘Organ' Symphony. The awe-inspiring entrance of full-organ in the finale has been dazzling audiences for nearly 140 years but only scrupulous preparation will ensure this intricate work will come together in their upcoming performance.

Conductor, Anna Duczmal–Mróz, violinist, Simon Blendis and timpanist, Ben Hoffnung discuss the challenges of bringing this music to life in the concert hall. French music specialist, Caroline Rae, explores what Saint-Saëns was trying to say in his symphony. Anna Lapwood shows us how it feels to be in charge of the most powerful and complex musical instrument in the room.

Produced by Chris Taylor for BBC Audio Wales and West

Photo: Anna Lapwood (credit Nick Rutter)

A musician's-eye view of classical music's best-loved works.

Organist Anna Lapwood and the London Mozart Players invite us behind the scenes as they prepare to perform Saint-Saëns spectacular Symphony No 3 for orchestra and organ.

Organist Anna Lapwood and the London Mozart Players invite us behind the scenes at Fairfield Halls in Croydon to eavesdrop on their rehearsals of Saint-Sa뀀ns Symphony No.3, popularly known as his Organ' Symphony. The awe-inspiring entrance of full-organ in the finale has been dazzling audiences for nearly 140 years but only scrupulous preparation will ensure this intricate work will come together in their upcoming performance.

Conductor, Anna Duczmal-Mr　z, violinist, Simon Blendis and timpanist, Ben Hoffnung discuss the challenges of bringing this music to life in the concert hall. French music specialist, Caroline Rae, explores what Saint-Sa뀀ns was trying to say in his symphony. Anna Lapwood shows us how it feels to be in charge of the most powerful and complex musical instrument in the room.

Schubert's 'death And The Maiden' With The Heath Quartet

20230810

20231030 (R4)

The Heath Quartet invites us behind the scenes as they get ready to perform Schubert's poignant Death and the Maiden string quartet, one of the great pillars of the chamber music repertoire.

At their living room rehearsal, we eavesdrop on violinists Sara Wolstenholme and Juliette Roos, viola player Gary Pomeroy and cellist Christopher Murray as they tackle Schubert's tricky technical corners, test out different interpretations, and share the joys and challenges of working on this beloved piece as an ensemble. Also, music researcher Katy Hamilton tells us the backstory to this epic work and why Schubert had mortality on his mind as he wrote it.

Produced by Amelia Parker for BBC Audio Wales and West

Photo: The Heath Quartet (credit Kaupo Kikkas)

A musician's-eye view of classical music's best-loved works.

The Heath Quartet invites us behind the scenes as they get ready to perform Schubert's poignant 'Death and the Maiden' string quartet, one of the pillars of the chamber repertoire.

The Heath Quartet invites us behind the scenes as they get ready to perform Schubert's poignant 'Death and the Maiden' string quartet, one of the great pillars of the chamber music repertoire.

Schubert's Trout Quintet With Chineke! Chamber Ensemble

20210823

We eavesdrop on rehearsals at The Warehouse Waterloo, as Chineke! Chamber Ensemble invites us into the world of Schubert's iconic Trout Quintet.

As they prepare for an upcoming series of concerts together, we get the insider's perspective on how this music works, the process of bringing it to life on stage, and why it's such a players' favourite. Along with the pianist Tom Poster, the quintet share thoughts and stories about playing this piece, and the joys and challenges of being a chamber musician.

Chineke! Chamber Ensemble:

Zara Benyounes, violin

Stephen Upshaw, viola

Ashok Klouda, cello

Stewart Goodyear, piano

Chi-chi Nwanoku, double bass

With additional recordings from the Alban Berg Quartet.

Photo credit: Matt Jolly (c) Britten Pears Arts

Produced by Amelia Parker for BBC Wales

Chineke! Chamber Ensemble invites us to a rehearsal of Schubert's much-loved Trout Quintet

Shostakovich's 5th Symphony With Marin Alsop And The Philharmonia

20220822

Conductor Marin Alsop and the Philharmonia Orchestra invite us behind the scenes as they prepare for a performance of Dmitri Shostakovich's Symphony No. 5. We hear the insider's perspective on how they bring this complex, dynamic piece to life on stage.

Featuring Marin Alsop (conductor), Michael Fuller (bass), Kira Doherty (horn) and Shostakovich specialist Pauline Fairclough.

Produced by Chris Taylor and Martin Williams.

Photo credit: Luca Migliore

Marin Alsop and the Philharmonia Orchestra invite us behind the scenes as they rehearse.

Stravinsky's Rite Of Spring With The National Youth Orchestra

20220905

The National Youth Orchestra invites us behind the scenes on their residential course in Canterbury, as they workshop Stravinsky's radical masterpiece. We hear the insider's perspective on how they bring their unique energy to this piece as a 160-strong orchestra, many of them playing it for the first time. With contributions from players Emily Nicolas, Thomas Judge, Paddy Davies and Anna Ghiro, conductor Carlos Miguel Prieto, and further insights from writer Gillian Moore.

Produced by Amelia Parker for BBC Audio Cardiff

We eavesdrop on a rehearsal of Stravinsky's radical masterpiece.

Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker with the Royal Ballet Sinfonia

20231225

20231226 (R4)

The Royal Ballet Sinfonia invite us into their rehearsal rooms as they prepare for their Christmas season with Birmingham Royal Ballet, and performances of Tchaikovsky’s seasonal favourite: The Nutcracker.
On Christmas night, Clara is whisked away on a fairy-tale adventure with her Nutcracker doll, travelling through swirling snowflakes to an enchanted kingdom of sweets. Conductor, Thomas Jung and members of the orchestra explain how they work together to bring this magical ballet music to life, including the famous Waltz of the Flowers and Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy.

Produced by Chris Taylor for BBC Audio Cardiff

Photo: Birmingham Royal Ballet (credit Bill Cooper)

A musician\u2019s-eye view of classical music\u2019s best-loved works.

The insiders' take on bringing great classical music to audiences in 21st-century Britain.

The Royal Ballet Sinfonia invite us into their rehearsal rooms as they prepare for their Christmas performances of Tchaikovsky’s seasonal favourite: The Nutcracker.

Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker with the Royal Ballet Sinfonia

20231225

Produced by Chris Taylor for BBC Audio Cardiff

Photo: Birmingham Royal Ballet (credit Bill Cooper)

A musician\u2019s-eye view of classical music\u2019s best-loved works.

The insiders' take on bringing great classical music to audiences in 21st-century Britain.

The Royal Ballet Sinfonia invite us into their rehearsal rooms as they prepare for their Christmas performances of Tchaikovsky’s seasonal favourite: The Nutcracker.

Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker With The Royal Ballet Sinfonia

20231225

20231226 (R4)

The Royal Ballet Sinfonia invite us into their rehearsal rooms as they prepare for their Christmas season with Birmingham Royal Ballet, and performances of Tchaikovsky's seasonal favourite: The Nutcracker.

On Christmas night, Clara is whisked away on a fairy-tale adventure with her Nutcracker doll, travelling through swirling snowflakes to an enchanted kingdom of sweets. Conductor, Thomas Jung and members of the orchestra explain how they work together to bring this magical ballet music to life, including the famous Waltz of the Flowers and Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy.

A musician's-eye view of classical music's best-loved works.

The Royal Ballet Sinfonia invite us into their rehearsal rooms as they prepare for their Christmas performances of Tchaikovsky's seasonal favourite: The Nutcracker.

Vivaldi's Four Seasons With Rachel Podger And The Academy Of Ancient Music

20210816

We drop in on rehearsals at London's Barbican Concert Hall to hear violinist Rachel Podger, with the Academy of Ancient Music, prepare for a performance of Vivaldi's Four Seasons. Rachel and the ensemble give us their unique insider's guide to how this music works and how they come together to help make it sing. They discuss the challenge of bringing a sense of freshness and individuality to one of the world's best known classical pieces and share their thoughts on what keeps them and us coming back to this celebrated work.

With additional recordings by Rachel Podger and Brecon Baroque.

Produced by Chris Taylor for BBC Wales

Photo credit: Mark Allan

Rachel Podger and the Academy of Ancient Music take us inside Vivaldi's celebrated work

Episodes

Title	First Broadcast	Repeated	Comments
Bach's Brandenburg Concerto No 2 With The Dunedin Consort	20200408	20200713 (R4)	The insiders' take on bringing great pieces of classical music to audiences today. International Bach specialist John Butt and his group the Dunedin Consort let us inside their Edinburgh rehearsals as they prepare for a performance of Bach's Brandenburg Concerto No.2. Featuring Cecilia Bernardini, Alexandra Bellamy, David Blackadder, Jo Buckley, John Butt, Willie Hendry and David Lee... and Edith. The performers are: Harpsichord / Director: John Butt Solo Violin: Cecilia Bernardini Solo Oboe: Alexandra Bellamy Solo Recorder: Lကszl　 R　zsa Solo Trumpet: David Blackadder Violins: Kinga Ujszကzsi and Sarah Bevan-Baker Viola: Oliver Wilson Cello: Jonathan Rees Violone: Tim Amherst Music recorded by Lyndon Jones Producer: Martin Williams John Butt and the Dunedin Consort invite us to a rehearsal of Bach's Brandenburg Concertos
Brahms's Piano Concerto No 1 With Stephen Hough And The Lpo	20210830		International concert pianist, Stephen Hough, and members of the London Philharmonic Orchestra take us behind the scenes at the Royal Festival Hall in London and invite us to listen in as they rehearse Brahms's Piano Concerto No.1. They show us how they combine their skills and insight to ignite one of the great masterpieces of the Romantic era, and give us their musician's eye view on what makes Brahms's music so compelling. With additional recordings by Stephen Hough and the BBC Symphony Orchestra conducted by Sir Andrew Davis. Produced by Chris Taylor for BBC Wales Photo credit: Sim Canetty-Clarke Concert pianist Stephen Hough gives us his musician's eye view on Brahms's First Concerto.
Bruch's Violin Concerto No 1 With Nicola Benedetti	20200720		We eavesdrop on rehearsals as the violinist Nicola Benedetti and the Aurora Orchestra prepare for a performance of Bruch's 1st Violin Concerto. Aurora's conductor Nicholas Collon and orchestral players give us their insiders' perspective on this celebrated music and show how they work together to make it come alive in the concert hall. Produced by Rosie Boulton for BBC Wales Photo credit: Simon Fowler Nicola Benedetti gives us the player's perspective on Bruch's famous Violin Concerto No 1
Elgar's Cello Concerto With Sheku Kanneh-mason	20200401	20200706 (R4)	We eavesdrop on rehearsals as the young cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason and the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra prepare for a performance at last year's BBC Proms of Elgar's Cello Concerto. The CBSO's Music Director Mirga Grainyt?-Tyla and players from the orchestra give us their insiders' perspective on this celebrated music and show how they work together to make it come alive in the concert hall. Cellist Julian Lloyd Webber shares his experiences of playing this work hundreds of times throughout his career and discusses the challenges of rehearsing this piece with different orchestras around the world. Produced by Rosie Boulton for BBC Wales Sheku Kanneh-Mason gives us the player's perspective on Elgar's much-loved Cello Concerto.
Elgar's Enigma Variations With Sir Mark Elder And The Halle Orchestra	20210906		We eavesdrop on rehearsals as Manchester's Hall退 Orchestra prepare for a performance of Elgar's Enigma Variations. The Hall钀s Music Director, Sir Mark Elder and players from the orchestra give us their insider's perspective on this celebrated music and show how they work together to bring it to life in the concert hall. Associate Leader, Sarah Ewins, Principal Viola, Tim Pooley and Principal Flute, Amy Yule all describe the delights and challenges of working on this piece. Sir Mark Elder discusses his role in uniting the players in a fresh and cohesive performance. And Em Marshall-Luck, Founder-Director of the English Music Festival, gives historical context to the music. Produced by Rosie Boulton for BBC Wales Photo credit: Russell Hart Eavesdropping on rehearsals, musicians give insiders' perspectives on preparing Elgar.
Faure's Requiem With The Bbc National Chorus And Orchestra Of Wales	20230727	20231023 (R4)	The BBC National Chorus and Orchestra of Wales invite us behind the scenes at Cardiff's Hoddinott Hall to eavesdrop on their rehearsals for a performance of Fauré's Requeim. It's a particularly beloved work and the pressure is on to make their upcoming performance a special one. Conductor, Ludovic Morlot and Chorus Director, Adrian Partington explain how they work together to realise Fauré's vision for a sacred Mass for the Dead that would bring hope and consolation to its listeners. Chorister's Jeff Davies and Rebecca Jolliffe share their experiences from the choir stalls. Soprano Rhian Lois talks us through her preparations to sing the one of the most famous and exposed solos in the repertoire, Fauré's mesmerising Pie Jesu. Produced by Chris Taylor for BBC Audio Wales and West A musician's-eye view of classical music's best-loved works The BBC National Chorus of Wales invite us behind the scenes as they prepare for a performance of Fauré's beloved Requiem and bring to life its message of hope and consolation. The BBC National Chorus and Orchestra of Wales invite us behind the scenes at Cardiff's Hoddinott Hall to eavesdrop on their rehearsals for a performance of Faur钀s Requeim. It's a particularly beloved work and the pressure is on to make their upcoming performance a special one. Conductor, Ludovic Morlot and Chorus Director, Adrian Partington explain how they work together to realise Faur钀s vision for a sacred Mass for the Dead that would bring hope and consolation to its listeners. Chorister's Jeff Davies and Rebecca Jolliffe share their experiences from the choir stalls. Soprano Rhian Lois talks us through her preparations to sing the one of the most famous and exposed solos in the repertoire, Faur钀s mesmerising Pie Jesu.
Handel's Messiah With The Cbso	20220829		The City of Birmingham Symphony Chorus and Orchestra take us behind the scenes at Symphony Hall in Birmingham, inviting us to listen in as they rehearse Handel's iconic choral masterpiece: Messiah. The CBSO's chorus director Simon Halsey rehearses and prepares the chorus to hand over to conductor John Butt for performance. Countertenor Reginald Mobley talks about the emotional control required to sing some of the most moving arias in classical music. And altos Louise Davis and Jeanette Wong from the chorus describe the listening skills and stamina needed to bring this marathon tour de force to life. Produced by Rosie Boulton for BBC Audio Cardiff Photo credit: Andrew Fox The City of Birmingham Symphony Chorus invite us behind the scenes as they rehearse.
Mendelssohn's Octet With The Elias And Emmeline Quartets String Quartets	20200727		The Elias Quartet join forces with the Emmeline Quartet to rehearse for a performance of Mendelssohn's amazing Octet. Including reflections from the violinist Daniel Hope on his long relationship as a listener and performer with Mendelssohn's Octet. The Elias Quartet are: Sara Bitlloch (violin) Donald Grant (violin) Simone van der Giessen (viola) Marie Bitlloch (cello) The Emmeline Quartet are: Charlotte Dowding (violin) Anna Tulchinskaya (violin) Sophia Rees (viola) Robert Wheatley (cello) For more information about Daniel Hope's Hope@Home series: https://www.deutschegrammophon.com/en/catalogue/products/hopehome-daniel-hope-12045 Producer: Martin Williams Mendelssohn's amazing Octet with the Elias and Emmeline Quartets string quartets
Mozart's Clarinet Concerto With J\u00f6rg Widmann And The Bbc Sso	20220815		Clarinettist J怀rg Widmann and the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra invite us behind the scenes at Glasgow City Halls as they get ready for a performance of Mozart's beloved Clarinet Concerto. We hear the insider's perspective on how they bring this monumental piece to life on stage, and the players share the joys and challenges of living inside this music. J怀rg is joined by conductor Thomas Dausgaard and lead violinist Laura Samuel, with further insights from clarinettist Berginald Rash. Produced by Amelia Parker for BBC Audio Cardiff Photo credit: Marco Borggreve A musician's-eye view of one of classical music's best-loved works
Saint-sa\u00ebns Organ Symphony With Anna Lapwood And The London Mozart Players	20230817	20231106 (R4)	Organist Anna Lapwood and the London Mozart Players invite us behind the scenes at Fairfield Halls in Croydon to eavesdrop on their rehearsals of Saint-Saëns Symphony No.3, popularly known as his ‘Organ' Symphony. The awe-inspiring entrance of full-organ in the finale has been dazzling audiences for nearly 140 years but only scrupulous preparation will ensure this intricate work will come together in their upcoming performance. Conductor, Anna Duczmal–Mróz, violinist, Simon Blendis and timpanist, Ben Hoffnung discuss the challenges of bringing this music to life in the concert hall. French music specialist, Caroline Rae, explores what Saint-Saëns was trying to say in his symphony. Anna Lapwood shows us how it feels to be in charge of the most powerful and complex musical instrument in the room. Produced by Chris Taylor for BBC Audio Wales and West Photo: Anna Lapwood (credit Nick Rutter) A musician's-eye view of classical music's best-loved works. Organist Anna Lapwood and the London Mozart Players invite us behind the scenes as they prepare to perform Saint-Saëns spectacular Symphony No 3 for orchestra and organ. Organist Anna Lapwood and the London Mozart Players invite us behind the scenes at Fairfield Halls in Croydon to eavesdrop on their rehearsals of Saint-Sa뀀ns Symphony No.3, popularly known as his Organ' Symphony. The awe-inspiring entrance of full-organ in the finale has been dazzling audiences for nearly 140 years but only scrupulous preparation will ensure this intricate work will come together in their upcoming performance. Conductor, Anna Duczmal-Mr　z, violinist, Simon Blendis and timpanist, Ben Hoffnung discuss the challenges of bringing this music to life in the concert hall. French music specialist, Caroline Rae, explores what Saint-Sa뀀ns was trying to say in his symphony. Anna Lapwood shows us how it feels to be in charge of the most powerful and complex musical instrument in the room.
Schubert's 'death And The Maiden' With The Heath Quartet	20230810	20231030 (R4)	The Heath Quartet invites us behind the scenes as they get ready to perform Schubert's poignant Death and the Maiden string quartet, one of the great pillars of the chamber music repertoire. At their living room rehearsal, we eavesdrop on violinists Sara Wolstenholme and Juliette Roos, viola player Gary Pomeroy and cellist Christopher Murray as they tackle Schubert's tricky technical corners, test out different interpretations, and share the joys and challenges of working on this beloved piece as an ensemble. Also, music researcher Katy Hamilton tells us the backstory to this epic work and why Schubert had mortality on his mind as he wrote it. Produced by Amelia Parker for BBC Audio Wales and West Photo: The Heath Quartet (credit Kaupo Kikkas) A musician's-eye view of classical music's best-loved works. The Heath Quartet invites us behind the scenes as they get ready to perform Schubert's poignant 'Death and the Maiden' string quartet, one of the pillars of the chamber repertoire. The Heath Quartet invites us behind the scenes as they get ready to perform Schubert's poignant 'Death and the Maiden' string quartet, one of the great pillars of the chamber music repertoire.
Schubert's Trout Quintet With Chineke! Chamber Ensemble	20210823		We eavesdrop on rehearsals at The Warehouse Waterloo, as Chineke! Chamber Ensemble invites us into the world of Schubert's iconic Trout Quintet. As they prepare for an upcoming series of concerts together, we get the insider's perspective on how this music works, the process of bringing it to life on stage, and why it's such a players' favourite. Along with the pianist Tom Poster, the quintet share thoughts and stories about playing this piece, and the joys and challenges of being a chamber musician. Chineke! Chamber Ensemble: Zara Benyounes, violin Stephen Upshaw, viola Ashok Klouda, cello Stewart Goodyear, piano Chi-chi Nwanoku, double bass With additional recordings from the Alban Berg Quartet. Photo credit: Matt Jolly (c) Britten Pears Arts Produced by Amelia Parker for BBC Wales Chineke! Chamber Ensemble invites us to a rehearsal of Schubert's much-loved Trout Quintet
Shostakovich's 5th Symphony With Marin Alsop And The Philharmonia	20220822		Conductor Marin Alsop and the Philharmonia Orchestra invite us behind the scenes as they prepare for a performance of Dmitri Shostakovich's Symphony No. 5. We hear the insider's perspective on how they bring this complex, dynamic piece to life on stage. Featuring Marin Alsop (conductor), Michael Fuller (bass), Kira Doherty (horn) and Shostakovich specialist Pauline Fairclough. Produced by Chris Taylor and Martin Williams. Photo credit: Luca Migliore Marin Alsop and the Philharmonia Orchestra invite us behind the scenes as they rehearse.
Stravinsky's Rite Of Spring With The National Youth Orchestra	20220905		The National Youth Orchestra invites us behind the scenes on their residential course in Canterbury, as they workshop Stravinsky's radical masterpiece. We hear the insider's perspective on how they bring their unique energy to this piece as a 160-strong orchestra, many of them playing it for the first time. With contributions from players Emily Nicolas, Thomas Judge, Paddy Davies and Anna Ghiro, conductor Carlos Miguel Prieto, and further insights from writer Gillian Moore. Produced by Amelia Parker for BBC Audio Cardiff Photo credit: ©NYOGB We eavesdrop on a rehearsal of Stravinsky's radical masterpiece.
Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker with the Royal Ballet Sinfonia	20231225	20231226 (R4)	The Royal Ballet Sinfonia invite us into their rehearsal rooms as they prepare for their Christmas season with Birmingham Royal Ballet, and performances of Tchaikovsky’s seasonal favourite: The Nutcracker. On Christmas night, Clara is whisked away on a fairy-tale adventure with her Nutcracker doll, travelling through swirling snowflakes to an enchanted kingdom of sweets. Conductor, Thomas Jung and members of the orchestra explain how they work together to bring this magical ballet music to life, including the famous Waltz of the Flowers and Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy. Produced by Chris Taylor for BBC Audio Cardiff Photo: Birmingham Royal Ballet (credit Bill Cooper) A musician\u2019s-eye view of classical music\u2019s best-loved works. The insiders' take on bringing great classical music to audiences in 21st-century Britain. The Royal Ballet Sinfonia invite us into their rehearsal rooms as they prepare for their Christmas performances of Tchaikovsky’s seasonal favourite: The Nutcracker. Show more
Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker with the Royal Ballet Sinfonia	20231225		The Royal Ballet Sinfonia invite us into their rehearsal rooms as they prepare for their Christmas season with Birmingham Royal Ballet, and performances of Tchaikovsky’s seasonal favourite: The Nutcracker. On Christmas night, Clara is whisked away on a fairy-tale adventure with her Nutcracker doll, travelling through swirling snowflakes to an enchanted kingdom of sweets. Conductor, Thomas Jung and members of the orchestra explain how they work together to bring this magical ballet music to life, including the famous Waltz of the Flowers and Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy. Produced by Chris Taylor for BBC Audio Cardiff Photo: Birmingham Royal Ballet (credit Bill Cooper) A musician\u2019s-eye view of classical music\u2019s best-loved works. The insiders' take on bringing great classical music to audiences in 21st-century Britain. The Royal Ballet Sinfonia invite us into their rehearsal rooms as they prepare for their Christmas performances of Tchaikovsky’s seasonal favourite: The Nutcracker. Show more
Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker With The Royal Ballet Sinfonia	20231225	20231226 (R4)	The Royal Ballet Sinfonia invite us into their rehearsal rooms as they prepare for their Christmas season with Birmingham Royal Ballet, and performances of Tchaikovsky's seasonal favourite: The Nutcracker. On Christmas night, Clara is whisked away on a fairy-tale adventure with her Nutcracker doll, travelling through swirling snowflakes to an enchanted kingdom of sweets. Conductor, Thomas Jung and members of the orchestra explain how they work together to bring this magical ballet music to life, including the famous Waltz of the Flowers and Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy. A musician's-eye view of classical music's best-loved works. The Royal Ballet Sinfonia invite us into their rehearsal rooms as they prepare for their Christmas performances of Tchaikovsky's seasonal favourite: The Nutcracker.
Vivaldi's Four Seasons With Rachel Podger And The Academy Of Ancient Music	20210816		We drop in on rehearsals at London's Barbican Concert Hall to hear violinist Rachel Podger, with the Academy of Ancient Music, prepare for a performance of Vivaldi's Four Seasons. Rachel and the ensemble give us their unique insider's guide to how this music works and how they come together to help make it sing. They discuss the challenge of bringing a sense of freshness and individuality to one of the world's best known classical pieces and share their thoughts on what keeps them and us coming back to this celebrated work. With additional recordings by Rachel Podger and Brecon Baroque. Produced by Chris Taylor for BBC Wales Photo credit: Mark Allan Rachel Podger and the Academy of Ancient Music take us inside Vivaldi's celebrated work