BBC NOW | Enigma Variations with Tadaaki Otaka

Event Info

Grace Williams – Sea Sketches
Elgar – Enigma Variations

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BBC National Orchestra of Wales
Tadaaki Otaka conductor
Catrin Finch harp

Although written in London, it is a longing for the seas of Barry that inspired Grace Williams’ surging musical seascape, her Sea Sketches. An unmistakable Welshness also pervades William Mathias’ Harp Concerto; with the harp introduced to the audience as an accompanying instrument, reflecting its traditional role withing Welsh music, before assuming a more soloistic position, and quoting the Welsh song Dadl Dau in its closing movement. We’re delighted to welcome Welsh harp sensation, and a regular face with BBC NOW, Catrin Finch to perform.

Striking a balance between the light-hearted and the noble, Elgar’s Enigma Variations is an ingenious collection of musical sketches of his friends and an astute self-portrait – an enigma hidden within the score as each variation is tagged with the initials of the friends’ nicknames. To conduct we’re delighted to welcome back much-loved Conductor Laureate Tadaaki Otaka.