BBC National Orchestra of Wales

The BBC National Orchestra of Wales (Welsh: Cerddorfa Genedlaethol Gymreig y BBC) is the only professional symphony orchestra organisation in Wales, occupying a dual role as both a broadcasting orchestra and national orchestra. Currently, the orchestra’s conducting team consists of Thierry Fischer (Principal Conductor, since September 2006), Jac van Steen (Principal Guest Conductor), Tadaaki Otaka (Conductor Laureate) and Grant Llewellyn (Associate Guest Conductor). Richard Hickox, following his final concert as Principal Conductor on July 23, 2006, was the orchestra's Conductor Emeritus until his death in November 2008. As Orchestra-in-Residence at St David's Hall, Cardiff, Wales, the orchestra gives over 20 concerts each year in the Welsh capital, but also performs regularly throughout Wales and beyond, including international tours and annual appearances at the Royal Albert Hall in London as part of the BBC Proms. Broadcasting work includes studio sessions for BBC radio and television, although the orchestra’s concerts form the bulk of its broadcasts, transmitted primarily on BBC Radio 3 but also on BBC Radio Wales, BBC Radio Cymru and BBC television. The orchestra performs a wide repertoire including contemporary music, and the post of Composer in Association is held by Michael Berkeley. Official website: http://www.bbc.co.uk/wales/now/ Read more on Last.fm. User-contributed text is available under the Creative Commons By-SA License; additional terms may apply.