In April 1928, BBC National Orchestra of Wales gave its very first performance and began touring around Wales in the 1930s. Its aim as a new orchestra for Wales was to serve audiences across the nation and ninety years later, the orchestra works to the same remit. This March, just ahead of its 90th birthday, the orchestra returns to Pembrokeshire to perform two concerts in Haverfordwest.

“Our musicians always receive such a warm welcome in Pembrokeshire,” says Suzanne Hay, head of partnerships and learning at BBC NOW. “We have an incredibly talented group of musicians that are passionate about music making and connecting with audiences, whether they are performing in a leisure centre or on the stage at the Royal Albert Hall in London. It’s wonderful to celebrate our 90th birthday with our supporters in West Wales.”

Suzanne, who grew up in Haverfordwest, is producing BBC NOW’s family concerts in March.

“There is nothing quite like experiencing the sound of an orchestra performing live. I remember hearing BBC NOW for the first time when I was a teenager in Pembrokeshire and the experience had a lasting influence. I am very privileged to have spent my entire professional career working with BBC NOW and I still find the scale, force and sound of the orchestra inspiring and emotional. I rehearsed every Friday evening at Sir Thomas Picton School Hall in Haverfordwest as a member of the Pembrokeshire County Youth Orchestra and it’s very nostalgic to return to the school for our BBC NOW family concerts.

BBC NOW has regularly performed Christmas celebrations concerts in Haverfordwest but this year’s family concerts will offer something different - a journey through classical music for people of all ages and an introduction to the instruments and sections of the orchestra in fun and participatory way. Music featured will include popular classics by Bernstein, Bizet and Leroy Anderson and music from films including Star Wars and Toy Story. The audience will be invited to sing-along with BBC NOW as well as vote, to choose which piece of music will be performed next. Will it be Pirates of the Caribbean or Jungle Book?

Presented by Pembrokeshire born, world-renowned conductor, Grant Llewellyn, BBC NOW’s family concerts in Haverfordwest aim to inspire the musicians and audiences of the future. Suzanne says: “We hope that our BBC NOW family concerts can play a role in motivating young people to take up an instrument and aim for the highest level - in the same way that BBC NOW inspired me.”

An important part of BBC NOW’s learning work is its inclusive programme of activity, ensuring that music is for everyone. Musicians from BBC NOW will also visit Pembrokeshire in February for a series of music workshops working with adults with learning disabilities.

BBC National Orchestra of Wales family concerts will take place at Sir Thomas Picton School Hall, Haverfordwest, on Saturday, March 3, at 3 pm and 7pm. Tickets £15. Family tickets are also available.

For more information, visit bbc.co.uk/bbcnow or contact BBC National Orchestra of Wales Audience Line on 0800 052 1812.