Celtic Beethoven

Celtic Beethoven comes to BBC Hoddinott Hall on Friday 26 March 2027, with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales taking the stage. It's a concert marking 200 years since Beethoven's death, and the whole thing is built around his connection to the folk traditions of the British Isles — the Irish, Scottish and Welsh melodies that caught his ear. The night opens with the finale of Symphony No. 7, the Allegro con brio, which sets the pace for the rest of the programme.

From there, the focus shifts to the folk settings. You'll hear The Vale of Clwyd, The Return to Ulster and The Pulse of an Irishman (from Irish Songs, No. 4), alongside Sunset, So Sweet Were the Hours, The Parting Kiss, Bonnie Laddie, Highland Laddie, Our Bugles Sun Truce and Come Draw We Round a Cheerful Ring. There's also On the Massacre of Glencoe and the Welsh lullaby Suo Gân, arranged by Chris Hazell, plus numbers 4 and 5 from Six National Airs with Variations. It's a long list, but it's the folk side of Beethoven that takes centre stage here.

Grant Llewellyn conducts the orchestra, and the line-up brings in baritone Gwilym Bowen Rees, piper Carlos Núñez and harpist Catrin Finch. The programme pairs those folk-based settings with Beethoven's own craftsmanship, and the whole thing is framed by that Symphony No. 7 finale to start.

It's at BBC Hoddinott Hall in the Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff, starting at 19:30. There are a few things to keep in mind before you book: no under 2s, and anyone under 16 has to be seated with an adult aged 18 or over. There are discounts available — £5 off for disabled patrons, £2 off for over 65s, and £7 off for under 26s and students, with free Hynt tickets for carers and companions.