Taking responsibilty for the threat of nuclear warfare is the prominent and powerful theme in the dramatic "Or Shall We Die?" the chora; work of Ian McEwan and composer Michael Berkeley to be featured in a special concert on Thursday 22 May at 7.30pm at St David's Hall, Cardiff.

Or Shall We Die" is an invoking and passionate piece and will be performed by the BBC National Orchestra and Chorus of Wales in the concert entitled 'Berkeley @ 60', celebrating Michael Berkeley's 60th birthday and his final concert as Composer-in-Association with Orchestra.

Ian McEwan is most recently known for his award winning novel 'Atonement' for which he recieved the 2002 WHSmith Literary award and the 2003 National Book Critics Circle Fiction Award (USA).

Michael Berkeley is the Composer-in-Association with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales and is well known as a broadcaster on radio and television.

The evening will be conducted by Principal Guest Conductor Jac Van Steen who will lead the proceedings with his usual unique brand of energy. He will be joined by Canadian Valdine Anderson, a soprano noted for her brilliant interpretations of contemporary works and Roderick Williams, a baritone with a velvety tone and charismatic style.

Best known for his thought provoking and sometimes contraversial themes, Ian McEwan's libretto asks mankind to take responsibility for the prevention of nuclear warfare. Ian has always been facinayed by music which plays a large role in much of hhis writing. "Or Shall We Die?" will leave audiences inspired long after the concert has ended.

Michael Berkeley says of the piece "Nuclear Warfare is always under debate, it is always relevant and all an artist can do is warn people in music"

In a special hour long pre-concert talk (6pm-7pm) in the Main Auditorium, Ian and Michael will be discussing their love of literature and music. Ian will be avaliable for book signings of his literary works and both artists will be answering questions on their past and forthcoming projects.

In addition to this exciting presentation, the BBC National Orchestra of Wales will be performing Sibelius' Symphony No 7 which Michael says is "One of the most perfect pieces of musical symmetry. It has achieved structural perfection which is what I strive to do"

The Orchestra will perform another of Michael's compositions Organ Concerto as part of the programme. Michael chose this piece for his celebrations because he says "It's a good foil. I wrote it later as a much more mature and brilliant showpiece. I wanted a piece that reflected my more mature compositional style."

Ian and Michael origionally met through mutual friends and soon realised they shared similar passions for music. They are currently working together on an opera, "For You".

Tickets start at £12 and are available from the BBC National Orchestra of Wales Audience Line on 0800 052 1812 or from St David's Hall in person, by telephone on 029 2087 8444 or online at St David's Hall