Classic FM Live with Laithwaite's Wine: behind the scenes

The Classic FM team, Laithwaite's Wine, and a host of classical music's brightest stars are in the Wales Millennium Centre to celebrate Valentine's Day - join us and take a look around the venue for tonight's Classic FM Live concert.

1. 

   1. Tim Lihoreau and Claire Jones

   Tim Lihoreau and Claire Jones bond over a glass of wine. Picture: Richard Johnson

2. 

   2. Empty chairs at empty tables...

   This is where we're doing all our backstage interviews from - as you can see, we're keen to make our guests feel as refreshed as they can be.

3. 

   3. Tim Lihoreau and Craig Ogden

   Craig Ogden and Tim Lihoreau smile for the camera backstage at Classic FM Live. Picture: Richard Johnson

4. 

   4. Inside the Millennium Centre

   We're in the bar (where else would we be?) at the Millennium Centre, with a gorgeous view.

5. 

   5. Claire Jones

   Claire Jones shares the story behind Heartstrings, the piece composed for her by her husband Chris Marshall. Picture: Richard Johnson

7. 

   6. Welcome to Classic FM Live!

   Making sure everyone feels welcome when they arrive at the Wales Millennium Centre.

8. 

   7. Tim Lihoreau interviews Craig Ogden

   Tim and Craig chat before an impromptu performance. Picture: Richard Johnson

9. 

   8. Tim Lihoreau and Claire Jones

   Cheers! Claire Jones and Tim enjoy a cheeky tipple backstage. Picture: Richard Johnson

10. 

    9. Craig Ogden performs

    Craig Ogden treats us to a performance ahead of tonight's romantic concert. Picture: Richard Johnson

11. 

    10. Roses are red...

    Can you guess the theme for Classic FM Live this February 14th? We're keeping it very firmly under wraps, obviously.

13. 

    11. Margherita Taylor, John Suchet and Tim Lihoreau

    The three presenters have a chat backstage. Picture: Richard Johnson

14. 

    12. Tim Lihoreau and Craig Ogden

    Tim interviews Craig ahead of tonight's performance, where he'll be playing Inspired by Howard Goodall. Picture: Richard Johnson

15. 

    13. HJ Lim backstage

    HJ Lim shares her thoughts on Rachmaninov. Picture: Richard Johnson

16. 

    14. Margherita Taylor and John Suchet

    A romantic Valentine's Day interview with Margherita Taylor and Prince Charming, John Suchet. Picture: Richard Johnson

17. 

    15. The audience arrive

    This picture, snapped by Louise Davies, captures the atmosphere before the concert starts.

19. 

    16. Tim Lihoreau and Craig Ogden

    The Waxed Bat. No, we're not talking about Tim Lihoreau as he interviews guitarist Craig Ogden - it's the name of the wine on the table! Picture: Richard Johnson

20. 

    17. Tim Lihoreau and HJ Lim

    Tim Lihoreau and HJ Lim smile for the camera backstage. Picture: Richard Johnson

21. 

    18. Craig Ogden plays guitar backstage

    Tim is impressed as Craig Ogden serenades us with romantic guitar music. Picture: Richard Johnson

22. 

    19. HJ Lim and Tim Lihoreau

    Rachmaninov and wine - a match made in heaven? Tim and HJ Lim certainly think so. Picture: Richard Johnson

23. 

    20. Capturing the atmosphere

    Soaking up the atmosphere in the Wales Millennium Centre, the guests chat in the interval - enjoying a glass of wine.

25. 

    21. Wynne Evans and Tim Lihoreau

    No wonder Wynne Evans is smiling - he's got a glass of bubbly! Picture: Richard Johnson

26. 

    22. Wynne Evans and Tim Lihoreau

    Wynne Evans shares his Valentine's Day plans with Tim. Picture: Richard Johnson

27. 

    23. No sinking feeling today

    The surroundings for tonight's concert are truly stunning - here's a pic of the harbour just outside the Millennium centre.

28. 

    24. Where the action is...

    The Wales Millennium Centre looks splendid in the morning sunlight (before it started raining, obviously).

29. 

    25. Classic FM taking over

    We like to pay attention to the little things. Especially the little comfy things.

31. 

    26. Orchestra of Welsh National Opera Leader David Adams

    David Adams and Tim Lihoreau share a drop of Laithwaite's wine and a chat before a rehearsal. Picture: Richard Johnson

32. 

    27. Setting the stage

    The interior of the Millennium Centre, where the stars will take the stage.

33. 

    28. HJ Lim warms up

    Giving us a quick burst of the Rach 2 ahead of her performance tonight, it's HJ Lim!

34. 

    29. Out and about in Cardiff

    The Millennium Centre is surrounded by some beautiful architecture.

35. 

    30. Welsh Dragon

    No prizes for guessing where we are - even the decor in the foyer is proudly Welsh.

36. 

    31. Hovering over the Millennium Centre

    This beautiful metallic sculpture hovers above the ground in the Millennium Centre as visitors arrive - at the moment, there's a live recital going on in the foyer!

37. 

    32. We're here!

    We're fully settled in at the Millennium Centre now - we've even put banners up outside to let everyone know we're here.

38. 

    33. Wynne, is that you?!

    The corridors of the Millennium Centre are covered in pictures of previous performances.

39. 

    34. Jamie Crick, Wynne Evans, HJ Lim, Jane Jones and Craig Ogden

    Performers, presenters, and management all come together after the show - and it's smiles all round.

40. 

    35. The stars of the show!

    Claire Jones, Jamie Crick, Margherita Taylor, John Suchet, HJ Lim, Jane Jones, Wynne Evans and John Brunning enjoy some well-earned drinks after Classic FM Live.

Latest on Classic FM

More Classic FM Events