Penarth News

Penarth composer selected for BBC National Orchestra of Wales showcase

By Robert James Owen

8:50am Friday 27th January 2012

A PENARTH woman is celebrating her ‘big break’ after being selected by the BBC National Orchestra of Wales for its Welsh Composers’ Showcase.

Twenty-three year-old Sarah Lianne Lewis will display her talents at the two-day event at BBC Hoddinott Hall at the Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff Bay on Wednesday February 1 and Thursday February 2.

There she will be led by Principal Guest Conductor of the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, Jac van Steen and Composer in Association Simon Holt, who selected the scores.

Originally from Aberystwyth, recently-graduated Cardiff University student Sarah said it was an ‘unbelievable’ opportunity.

"I was selected, along with six others, after winning a competition which recognised me as a composer worthy of wider exposure," she said.

"It’s certainly the biggest composition achievement I have won so far.

"I’m over the moon with the opportunity. It’s one that I am really relishing and hopefully it will lead to bigger things.

"My ultimate dream is to be an orchestrator," added the Windsor Terrace resident, who has a PHD in composition.

"But I’ll just settle for having my name out there for now!"

The showcase is part of the Education and Community Outreach activity of the BBC National Orchestra of Wales.

The aim is to showcase works by living composers worthy of wider exposure and is organised in collaboration with Composers of Wales, Ty Cerdd and the Welsh Music Guild.

Rehearsals - open to the public - will be held at the hall on Wednesday, February 1 (10am-1pm and 2-5pm), and on Thursday, February 2 (2.30-5.30pm).

The culmination concert, featuring highlights from the project, will be held on the Thursday from 7pm.

All events are free and tickets can be ordered from the BBC National Orchestra of Wales Audience Line on 0800 052 1812.

For more information log on to http://www.bbc.co.uk/orchestras/bbcnow

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