The series of six concerts at the Brangwyn Hall, Swansea, runs from January to June with tickets for season packages now on sale.

The season sees Swiss conductor Thierry Fischer taking over the baton in his new role as BBC National Orchestra of Wales' new Principal Conductor. Concerts will also be conducted by the Orchestra's Principal Guest Conductor, Jac van Steen, and Conductor Laureate, Tadaaki Otaka.

Highlights include ...

• A concert of French music conducted by Thierry Fisher, including Fauré's Requiem.
• A New Year's concert, full of fizz and high spirits.
• Mahler's towering Fifth Symphony - an intense darkness to light experience, conducted by Tadaaki Otaka.
• Music of passion and colour from Russia by Prokofiev, Shostakovich and Tchaikovsky.

"I am delighted and proud to have been appointed as the BBC National Orchestra of Wales' new Principal Conductor." explains Thierry Fischer.

"Music cannot be separated from my everyday existence - it is a living and breathing element that teaches us about ourselves and gives us energy for what we do in our lives. I hope that the performances I have planned with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales will bring you a sense of energy and stimulation.

"During my first season, I am very much looking forward to coming to Swansea with a concert of French music by Berlioz, Chausson, Dutilleux and Fauré. I am particularly thrilled to be conducting this concert because this music, and indeed the music of France, is very close to my heart. I hope that you will join me on that evening and also enjoy the other concerts in the season."

Booking Information
Full details of all the concerts are available online and in the free season brochure from the BBC National Orchestra of Wales Audience Line on 0800 052 1812.

Tickets can also be booked through the BBC National Orchestra of Wales Audience Line. Money saving subscription tickets, with £49 worth of extra benefits, are available immediately, whilst general booking opens on Monday 23 October 2006 through the both the Audience Line and the Brangwyn Hall Box Office (01792 475715). Booking for groups of 8 people or more opens on Monday 16 October 2006.

BBC National Orchestra of Wales will also be performing in Swansea later this year as part of the BBC Proms in Proms in the Park on 9 September and in the Swansea Festival during October.

Education and Community Outreach
During the year, the BBC National Orchestra and Chorus of Wales will continue their Education and Community Outreach activity around Wales, extending the reach of the Orchestra and Chorus beyond the confines of the concert hall thorough workshops, projects and concerts for people of all ages and abilities.