Last updated: 03 March 2011
The 91Èȱ¬ National Orchestra of Wales is acclaimed not only for the quality of its performances but also for its importance within its own community.
91Èȱ¬ National Orchestra of Wales occupies a special role as both a national and broadcasting orchestra.
The orchestra has won acclaim with its conducting team of Principal Conductor Thierry Fischer, Principal Guest Conductor Jac van Steen, Associate Guest Conductor François-Xavier Roth and Conductor Laureate Tadaaki Otaka.
As well as the core repertoire, the orchestra undertakes adventurous programming in new or rarely-performed works. In 2008 Simon Holt took up the role of Composer-in-Association, consolidating the ensemble's commitment to contemporary music.
91Èȱ¬ National Orchestra of Wales is Orchestra-in-Residence at St David's Hall, Cardiff, presents a concert series at the Brangwyn Hall, Swansea and tours throughout Wales. It performs every year at the 91Èȱ¬ Proms and at other major UK festivals and undertakes international touring. Education and community outreach is integral to the orchestra's musical life and extends its work into schools, workplaces and communities.
The orchestra is based at its state-of-the-art recording and rehearsal base, 91Èȱ¬ Hoddinott Hall at Wales Millennium Centre. It works closely with radio and television programme-makers and records numerous soundtracks, including 91Èȱ¬ Wales's Doctor Who and Torchwood series and the 91Èȱ¬'s Human Planet series.
Recent CD recordings include the 2011 Grammy-nominated Ivanhoe by Arthur Sullivan on Chandos.