PRINCIPAL conductor Thomas Søndergård returns with programmes that display the breadth and versatility of BBC National Orchestra of Wales (BBC NOW), from the delicacy of Mozart’s Symphony No. 40 to the might of Mahler.

On October 3 Søndergård conducts the orchestra and chorus in a performance of Rachmaninov’s choral symphony The Bells. The concert opens the BBC NOW season at St David’s Hall and also includes Stravinsky’s Fireworks, Borodin’s Prince Igor: Polotsvian dances, Elgar’s Cockaigne and London Concerto by new Composer-in-Residence Huw Watkins.

On January 22, 2016, Søndergård leads the orchestra, chorus and a stellar cast of soloists including soprano Susan Gritton, mezzo soprano Jennifer Johnston, tenor Timothy Robinson and bass Alastair Miles in a performance of Mozart’s Requiem (Sussmeyer version) at St David’s Hall. The programme also includes two pieces by Dutilleux: Metaboles and Sur le même accord as well as the UK premiere of Debussy’s Nocturne for Violin and Orchestra, completed and orchestrated by Robert Orledge, performed by Akiko Suwanai.

A Valentine’s Day special on February 14, 2016, at St David’s Hall sees two interpretations of Shakespeare’s classic love tragedy: Tchaikovsky’s Romeo & Juliet Overture and a selection of movements from Prokofiev’s Romeo & Juliet. Acclaimed pianist Freddy Kempf joins the orchestra for a performance of Rachmaninov’s Piano Concerto No. 2, one of his most enduringly popular pieces that established his fame as a concerto composer.

On June 17, 2016 at St David’s Hall, internationally renowned violinist Nicola Benedetti joins the orchestra for the season’s closing concerts in a performance of Szymanowski’s Violin Concerto No. 2. Continuing Søndergård’s exploration of Mahler’s symphonies, the programme also includes Symphony No. 1, with its large orchestra and use of German Lied, Mahler’s epic symphony provides grand finale to the 2015-16 season.

On December 11 at BBC Hoddinott Hall, Søndergård presents Christmas favourites with a twist. The concert includes Ellington’s Three Black Kings and Nutcracker and Gershwin’s Variations on I got Rhythm. German pianist Joseph Moog joins the orchestra for a performance Gershwin’s Piano Concerto.

For the full list of concerts please visit bbc.co.uk/now.