Tchaikovsky 5

The BBC National Orchestra of Wales are at BBC Hoddinott Hall on Thursday 7 January 2027, with Principal Guest Conductor Jaime Martín leading the night. It's part of the BBC NOW 2026-27 season, and the programme runs from the Welsh coast to the late Romantic era, with a full orchestra on stage for all three pieces.

Things open with Grace Williams' Sea Sketches, a twenty-minute work that captures the character of the Welsh coastline. After that, harpist Mared Pugh-Evans takes the lead in Henriette Renié's Harp Concerto, a deeply Romantic piece built around long, sweeping melodies and virtuosic passages for the harp. There's an interval after the concerto, and the second half is dedicated to Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 5, which charts a dramatic journey from struggle to hard-won triumph. Between the three, you're looking at about 90 minutes of music, with the Tchaikovsky taking up the lion's share at 44 minutes.

The BBC National Orchestra of Wales performs throughout Wales, the UK and internationally, and this concert is one of their Cardiff dates for the season. If you're bringing the family, there are a few things to keep in mind: no under 2s, and all under 16s have to be seated with an adult aged 18 or above. There are four wheelchair and companion seats in Row O.

It starts at 19:30. Tickets are £15 for over 65s, £12 for disabled, and £7 for under 26s and students, with free Hynt Scheme tickets for carers and companions.