The Sights And Sounds Of Wales: Hearing Places Concert by BBC National Orchestra Of Wales 17 February

Mixing sound recordings collected from across Wales with live electronics and video, the ‘Hearing Places’ concert by the BBC National Orchestra of Wales at 7:30PM on Friday 17 February at BBC Hoddinott Hall in Cardiff promises a multimedia event not to be missed. 

Created by renowned composer, Colin Riley, ‘Hearing Places’ celebrates the rich audio and visual patterns found all around us in Wales. From the rushing waters of Welsh rivers and waterfalls, to the toll of church bells in Ruthin and the vibrations of inner city traffic, he has carefully captured the unique sounds of our landscapes before transforming them into audio that runs through this unique piece of music. 

With large screens placed in the concert hall showing video filmed at each location, and digital samples triggered by the keyboardist in the orchestra, the audience will be immersed in the textures, sights and sounds of different parts of Wales. Conducted by the famed Australian conductor, Matthew Coorey, ‘Hearing Places’ is a uniquely piece of music inspired by some well-known and more mysterious parts of the country.

Alongside this new work by Colin Riley, audiences will also hear another two pieces of music. Famed for its use of digital samples alongside a live orchestra, Steve Reich’s iconic ‘City Life’ captures the hustle and bustle of his home town, New York City – from car horns, police sirens and slamming doors, to subway chimes, boat horns and pile drivers. 

Also capturing the exuberance of New York, Gershwin’s Second Rhapsody is filled with jaunty melodies, vivid orchestral colours and glittering piano writing, all bathed in jazz undertones. Dazzling pianist Freddy Kempf, one of today’s most successful pianists with an unusually broad repertoire, joins BBC NOW for this exhilarating work. Freddy has built a unique reputation as an explosive and physical performer who is not afraid to take risks as well as a serious, sensitive and profoundly musical artist.

Others Details

Artists: Colin Riley, Freddy Kempf, Steve Reich, BBC National Orchestra of Wales