As part of the collaboration and the UK/France Spotlight on Culture 2024 Imagine Together programme, musicians from the BBC National Orchestra of Wales and Orchestre National de Bretagne will perform together in a series of concerts in Rennes under the direction of Welsh conductor Grant Llewellyn.
To execute the demanding and dazzling programme for these concerts, the Orchestre National de Bretagne will welcome 17 musicians from the BBC National Orchestra of Wales. This collaboration builds on a rich and unprecedented partnership initiated in 2019 and supported by the British Council. For the past five years, the ONB and BBC NOW have developed an artistic collaboration to share best practice, to collaborate over concerts, and to develop artistic and educational programmes. The ongoing aim of this collaboration is to enrich both institutions through mutual learning and to build bridges between the two regions and countries, as well as bring new works and talent to British and French audiences.
After 8 years as the musical director of the Orchestre National de Bretagne from 2015 to 2023, Grant Llewellyn returns this time as a guest conductor to showcase British talents during these upcoming concerts.
As a tribute to Bretagne's cultural and musical exchanges with Wales, Grant has chosen works by the British composer Alun Hoddinott to open the programme, including Lanterne des morts, performed for the first time in France. Hoddinott, celebrated for his rich and vibrant compositions, stands as one of the most renowned composers of the 20th century.
The Orchestre National de Bretagne's artist-in-residence, Viviane Hagner, will then perform the acclaimed Violin Concerto by British composer William Walton, a challenging and breathtaking piece.
To conclude the programme, Grant will lead the orchestra in performing Brahms' Symphony No. 3, one of the composer's masterpieces, with its enchanting melodies and dazzling harmonies.
In 5 April, the "Symphony No. 3 by Brahms" will be played in a special concert for approximately 500 students.
On 6 April, an educational version of the concert will allow the entire family, including adults and children aged 7 and over, to enjoy Brahms' Symphony No. 3, commented and deciphered by a musicologist.
The British Council supports the longstanding collaboration between the National Orchestra of Brittany and the BBC National Orchestra of Wales. Supported by our UK/France Spotlight on Culture 2024 Together We Imagine programme, these concerts are a true celebration of the enduring relationship between France and the UK and will provide a unique artistic experience.
This activity is part of the GREAT's Audacious Kingdom campaign, celebrating the UK's audacious spirit as a hub of creators, trendsetters, and innovators who defy the status quo. GREAT is the UK government's international marketing campaign, showcasing the very best of the UK.
