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BBC National Chorus of Wales

Find out all about BBC National Chorus of Wales

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Get in touch

Email: bbcncw@bbc.co.uk

Made up of over 120 singers, BBC National Chorus of Wales is one of the leading mixed symphony choruses in the UK and, whilst preserving its amateur status, works to the highest professional standards under Artistic Director, Adrian Partington.

BBC National Chorus of Wales step with ease through stirring choruses, blissful songs and weaving counterpoint
The Times

The Chorus comprises of a mix of amateur singers alongside students from the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama and Cardiff University. The Chorus, based at BBC Hoddinott Hall in Cardiff Bay, works regularly alongside BBC National Orchestra of Wales, as well as performing concerts.

Recent performance highlights for the BBC National Chorus of Wales include a powerful rendition of Stravinsky’s Symphony of Psalms under the baton of Ryan Bancroft, an evocative performance of Brahms’ A German Requiem in the stunning setting of St Davids Cathedral, and a vibrant interpretation of Poulenc’s Gloria conducted by Michal Nesterowicz, featuring celebrated soprano Sophie Bevan. These standout moments reflect BBC NCW’s commitment to delivering exceptional choral and orchestral experiences with world‑class artists.

Committed to promoting Welsh and contemporary music, BBC National Chorus of Wales gave the second-ever performance of Grace Williams’s Missa Cambrensis, 45 years after its premiere, which they also recorded for a CD which was released in spring ‘25, and have premiered works by many composers, including a special performance of Kate Whitley’s Speak Out, set to the words of Malala Yousafzai’s 2013 UN Speech.

The Chorus can be heard on BBC Radio 3, BBC Radio Wales and BBC Radio Cymru, and recently featured in Paul Mealor’s soundtrack for BBC Wales’ Wonders of the Celtic Deep.

Who's who

  • Adrian Partington, Artistic Director

Adrian has directed the Chorus since 1999. He works regularly with many of the most famous choirs in the UK, including the Philharmonia, the BBC Symphony Chorus, and the London Bach Choir

  • Christopher Williams, Assistant Director

Christopher has accompanied the Chorus since 2000 and in 2014 he was appointed Assistant Director. He plays piano with the Orchestra, Welsh National Opera and other orchestras in Europe and has recorded widely with the BBC and as a soloist for Chandos.

How to apply

To apply for an audition with the BBC National Chorus of Wales, please email us with your name and contact details, and details of the music you would like to sing at an audition.