Here’s something of a treat for fans of Doctor Who. While it seems incredible, it has now been 60 years since the first adventure of the Timelord from Gallifrey was broadcast on the BBC.
This is a link to the audio of a 2023 performance by the BBC National Orchestra of Wales and the BBC Singers performing music from the series. Hosted by Jo Whiley at Cardiff’s Hoddinott Hall, it also includes interviews with several of the composers and people who have been involved with the show.
Even if you are not a fan of the series, the music here is a wonderful collection of symphonic sounds and ethereal vocals that the BBC does so well.
Jo Whiley presents this unique performance celebrating the 60th anniversary of Doctor Who from Cardiff's Hoddinott Hall. Featuring the BBC National Orchestra of Wales and The BBC Singers conducted by Alastair King. The music includes composer Murray Gold's best known Doctor Who themes including I Am The Doctor, The Long Song, Doomsday and Abigall's Song (Silence Is All You Know). The classic years of Doctor Who are also featured by the Radiophonic Workshop's Mark Ayres and Peter Howell as they hark back to the days of the Sea Devils, City of Death and The Five Doctors. And there are brand new works premiered including The Woman Who Fell To Earth, a full length suite composed by Segun Akinola and 3 of Murray Gold's new works. These are heard here for the very first time before making their debut in the new season of Doctor Who in 2024. Plus Jo talks to the three Doctor Who showrunners of the modern era, Russell T. Davies, Chris Chibnall and Steven Moffat.
There’s a list of the 16 tracks at the link. While 15 of the numbers are from the later revival of the series, there’s one track featuring the BBC’s Radiophonic Workshop (Mark Ayres & Peter Howell) along with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales in a medley of classic melodies from the early years of the show. It evokes memories of the Sea Devils, Cybermen, the City of Death, and The Five Doctors.
The music is only going to be available for a few days more, so find time to listen while you can — unless you have access to a Tardis and all of time and space.
Enjoy!
Track List
- I Am The Doctor — BBC National Orchestra of Wales & BBC Singers
- All The Strange, Strange Creatures — BBC National Orchestra of Wales & BBC Singers
- 'Classic' Doctor Who Medley — Radiophonic Workshop (Mark Ayres & Peter Howell) & BBC National Orchestra of Wales
- Abigail's Song (Silence Is All You Know) — BBC National Orchestra of Wales, BBC Singers & Rebecca Lea
- This Is Gallifrey — BBC National Orchestra of Wales
- The Rings Of Akhaten (The Long Song) — BBC National Orchestra of Wales & BBC Singers
- The Companions Suite: Rose Tyler, Martha Jones, Donna Noble, Amy Pond — BBC National Orchestra of Wales & BBC Singers
- Doomsday — BBC National Orchestra of Wales & BBC Singers
- Vale Decem — BBC National Orchestra of Wales & BBC Singers
- A Good Man? — BBC National Orchestra of Wales & BBC Singers
- I Am A Good Man — BBC National Orchestra of Wales
- The Woman Who Fell To Earth Suite — BBC National Orchestra of Wales & BBC Singers
- The Life of Sunday (Ruby's Theme) — BBC National Orchestra of Wales
- Fifteen — BBC National Orchestra of Wales & BBC Singers
- The Shepherd's Boy — BBC National Orchestra of Wales & BBC Singers
- Doctor Who Theme (2023 version) — BBC National Orchestra of Wales & BBC Singers