Friday, January 11, 2013 Followusontwitter @Argus_TheGuide


9 OUT&ABOUT


Tackle the Ridgeway epic walk


Caerphilly Challenge


Britten-ia rules thewaves CELEBRATING BRITTEN: The BBC National Orchestra and Chorus of Wales Picture: Betina Skovbro


THEBBCNational Orchestra and Chorus ofWales will per- formaseries of concerts in 2013 featuring the works of Benjamin Britten, as part of UK-wide celebrations of


Britten’s centenary. One of the UK’s most feted com- posers,Benjamin Britten wrote prolificallyduring his lifetime, leaving behind atreasured legacy of operas,orchestral works,con- certos and choral pieces.In2013, the centenary of his birth will be commemorated withawide range of concerts across theUK–includ- ing in Cardiff. As part of the celebrations,BBC


National Orchestra and Chorus of Wales will present aperformance of Britten’s Spring Symphony,at Cardiff’sStDavid’s Hall on Friday, January 25. Britten’s Spring Symphony isawork that, in the composer’s ownwords,represents ‘the progress of Winter to Spring and the re-awakening of the earth and life whichthatmeans’. Comprising 12 songs,Britten takes his inspiration fromspringtime texts by poets including John Milton, William Blake,and his friendWHAuden. Returning to the orchestra for


this performance is conductor David Atherton: “My relationship with the musicians of theBBC National Orchestra ofWales goes waybacktoMarch 1969 and Ihave


Benjamin Britten Season


appeared with them in most sea- sons since.Itisalwaysagreat pleasure to work with this terrific group.Iparticularly relishedmy recent time with them as Principal Guest Conductor.They bring a vitality and commitment to every- thing they do,soitwill be areal joy to perform with them one of Britten’s finest works,his glorious Spring Symphony.” The piece is scored fororchestra,


chorus and soloists.For this per- formance the orchestra and chorus are joined by soprano Elizabeth Atherton, alto Jennifer Johnston, tenor AndrewKennedy, and the voices of the CardiffPolyphonic Choir,alongside achildren’s choir of choristers fromcathedrals across southWales. Joining the orchestra on stage for


this concert is Paul Lewis,the British pianist who wasthe first to perform all of Beethoven’s piano concertos at theBBCProms in 2010. In this concert he presents Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No 5 – his ‘Emperor’ Concerto,the last piano concerto thatBeethoven completed. The celebrations continue in the orchestra and chorus’ home in


CONDUCTOR: David Atherton


CardiffBay,BBCHoddinott Hall, CardiffBay,with four concerts fromJanuary toMayfeaturing works by Britten: ●OnTuesday, January 8, Vilde Frang joins the orchestra to per- formBritten’s Violin Concerto; ● OnTuesday, February 19, the


orchestra’s Principal Clarinet Robert Plane explores Britten’s Movements foraClarinet Concerto; ● OnThursday, March 28, Britten’s Double Concerto features performances by violist Lawrence Power and violinist Anthony Marwood; ● BBCNational Chorus ofWales


will explore the vocal output of Britten in aconcert atBBC Hoddinott Hall on Wednesday,May 8.


Tickets forthe concert at St SOPRANO: Elizabeth Atherton


David’s Hall, Cardiff, on Friday, January 25, at 7.30pm are £10 – £27.50 (discounts available) and are availablethrough the St David’s Hall boxoffice on 02920 878444, or by visiting stdavidshall- cardiff.co.uk. Tickets forthe four Britten con- certs atBBCHoddinott Hall, CardiffBay,are priced at £8.50 – £11.50 (discounts available) and can be booked through theWales Millennium Centre by calling 02920 636464, or by visiting wmc.org.uk. Alternatively, tickets forall of the


orchestra’s concerts can be booked through theBBCNational Orchestra ofWales’ Audience Line by calling 0800 052 1812.


POSTCARDS From The Edge is aquirky, all-year-round, open submission exhibition now based permanentlyinthe lower level gallery at Barnabas Arts House,Newport. The concept wasborn acou-


EXHIBITION: Postcards from the Edge


ple of years ago, when gallery owner Janet Martin –who also runs Gwent’s longest estab- lished independent picture framing business,Gwent Picture Framing–made it into work during bad snowy condi- tions.Customers were scarce due to the severe weather and her eyes settled on apile of wood off-cuts,oddments left redundant in acorner.


Original and affordable art Exhibition


Janmade piles of 6x4 frames – postcard-sized dimensions – and an exhibition wasborn. Postcards From The Edge is


recycling in action, it embodies the whole ‘make do and mend’ philosophyand engages with the surrounding community. The ever-changing exhibition


is arefreshing celebration of handmade originality,where individuality and imaginative independent makers are appre- ciated. The most expensive piece featured is an original work by RoyalAcademy


FOLLOWING2012’s hugelysuc- cessful CaerphillyChallenge Series opener with the ‘TwmbarlwmTrek’,the challenge continues along the equally famousRhymneyValley Ridgewaywith its challenging ter- rain andcommandingviews. CaerphillyCounty Borough Council’s Countryside and Landscape Service,inconjunction withBedwas High School, CaerphillyAdventureGroup, RamblersCymruand other part- ners,are once again throwing downachallenge towalkers,jog- gers and runners of all abilities. Fromaone-mile stroll along the banks of theRhymneyRiver,to takingupthe challenge of the monstrous 22-mile ‘Ridgeway’, there will beaChallenge to suit you-nomatter howfit youare! Join us on Saturday,May11, in CaerphillyCounty Borough’s rich and colourful countryside.Entries are invited fromwalkers,joggers and runners! Visit your. caerphilly.gov.uk/countryside’ to seemoreinformation on the four different challenges and to book your place online.9,16and22-mile routes are £10 to enter or take advantage of the early bird offer of just £8 if booking beforeMarch 1, 2013.RhymneyRiver ledwalks of 1–5miles are free to enter and require registration on the day. If youneed anyfurther informa-


tion or advice orwould likeacopy of the application formand rules to be mailed to you, please call BrianBegg on 07788 547350 or AndyPowell on 01495 235092.


See Strictly stars shine in newshow Dance


painter Philip Muirden priced at £50, so it also offers the chance forart lovers to own original works of art at afford- ableprices.Itpresents agreat opportunity forartists to gain exposure and exhibition experi- ence. To enter apiece,pop by Barnabas Arts House and select aframe.Hanging fees and framing costs are covered in a£5entry fee.Take your cho- sen frame home and fill it with your work, return it with title and selling price.There is no extra commission if it sells. Forfurther information, con- tact 01633 673739.


CRAIG Revel Horwood’s brand newshowStrictlyConfidential will give the audience the chance to get up close and personal with stars of the smash hit BBC One television series, StrictlyCome Dancing in this incredible dance spectacular.The showcomes to the Motorpoint Arena Cardiff between August 2and 4. Starring Lisa Riley,Artem Chigvintsev, Natalie Lowe and Ian Waite, StrictlyConfidential will take fans on an epic journey through music,song and breath- taking dance routines. Tickets are availablevia the Motorpoint Arena CardiffBox Office on 029 20 22 44 88.


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