BBC National Orchestra of Wales - About The Orchestra - Chorus

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BBC National Orchestra and Chorus of Wales

The orchestra is acclaimed not only for the quality of its performances but also for its importance within its own community.

BBC National Orchestra of Wales is Orchestra-in-Residence at St David's Hall, Cardiff, and also presents a concert series at the Brangwyn Hall, Swansea. As well as international touring, it is in demand at major UK festivals and performs every year at the BBC Proms and biennially at the prestigious BBC Cardiff Singer of the World.

The work of BBC National Orchestra and Chorus of Wales is supported by the Arts Council of Wales

Full biography of BBC National Orchestra of Wales

About the BBC National Chorus of Wales

"BBC National Chorus of Wales step with ease through stirring choruses, blissful songs and weaving counterpoint...Dyson's Quo Vadis is the CD discovery of the year." - The Times

I'd love to join the chorus, but I don't know what's involved and don't want to make a fool of myself!

The only absolute requirements are to sing in tune, to have a reasonably good voice and to be able to read music. It's not necessary to be a great soloist! Why not fill in an application form?

If I get an audition, what would I have to do?

You would need to prepare a solo piece - it could be any song, or a solo from an oratorio. You can sing this from the copy or from memory, but if you do need to use the music, remember to bring another copy for the accompanist to use. The accompanist will be provided.

You will also be asked to do some sight-reading, a few aural tests and some vocal exercises to help establish your range. The auditions are held regularly and take about 10-15 minutes.

What sort of music does the chorus perform?

As a symphony chorus of some 140 voices, we tend to do primarily music from the late 18th-21st centuries, which is written for full symphony orchestra and chorus. We do smaller-scale works from time to time - we do occasional concerts on our own throughout the year as well as the annual carols concert in St David's Hall, Cardiff.

What does it cost to join?

Nothing. There is no subscription fee, and all music and folders are provided. You receive meal expenses for concerts, and transport is provided for all rehearsals and performances that take place away from the BBC in Cardiff. Travel expenses are paid if you live more than 35 miles from Cardiff.

Where do you perform?

As St David's Hall, Cardiff is the orchestra's main performance venue, most of the concerts are held there. We also perform at Brangwyn Hall, Swansea but there are a limited number of venues in Wales that can accommodate a full symphony orchestra and chorus, although we do give performances in Llandaff Cathedral, St Asaph Cathedral, St Mary's Swansea, Brecon Cathedral and at the National and International Eisteddfodau.

We perform regularly at the BBC Proms in the Royal Albert Hall, and also at venues such as the Royal Festival Hall in London, Symphony Hall in Birmingham, Cheltenham Town Hall and Worcester Cathedral.