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London’s Royal Albert Hall plays host to the BBC Proms once again throughout the summer and with this week’s announcement of the full line up there is plenty to shout about. While it is strictly considered a Classical music festival, the organisers – particularly Proms’ director Roger Wright – are always keen to get more diverse audiences through the door and as such things slip into the programme that might raise a few purist eyebrows but nonetheless make contemporary music lovers very happy.
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The highlight of the season for us here at Music from the Movies is the second Doctor Who Prom, which was a massive success the first time around (back in July 2008). Reflecting the demand for tickets on that first occasion, this year sees two performances of The Doctor’s prom. So on the evening on Saturday July 24th and the afternoon of Sunday July 25th you can experience the music of Murray Gold, alongside a selection of Classical pieces (namely ones by John Adams, Richard Wagner, Carl Orff and Gustav Holst) with all sorts of visual treats I’m sure – if the first one is anything to go by. This second prom is extra special as the music will be performed by The Doctor’s regular music makers, The BBC National Orchestra of Wales. Ben Foster will once again preside over the ensemble, with Grant Llewellyn stepping up to the podium for the Classical set. It’s sure to be a great event, so don’t miss out.
Later in the season, - August 30th to be exact – finds an interesting programme which includes music by William Walton, Malcolm Arnold and John Williams. The latters ‘Flight to Neverland’ from Hook will be performed, followed by an intriguing segment entitled ‘You Must Remember This: A Cinematic Singalong’. Taking its lead from last year’s massively popular Proms turn by the brilliant Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain, audience participation seems to be the name of the game!
In a very interesting turn, the famous Last Night of the Proms will this year see music by Hans Zimmer being performed.
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The finale show has always included ‘The Sailor’s Hornpipe’ from Henry Wood’s ‘Fantasia On British Sea Songs’, but this year the official ‘Last Night’ will instead use Zimmer’s own ‘Hornpipe’ from his score for Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest. The committed promenaders needn’t worry though, the usual Wood piece will feature in the ‘Last Night of the 1910 Proms’, which is a special Proms concert recreating that year’s finale show.
While not strictly screen music based, Prom 49 – on August 22nd – takes in the music of Rodgers and Hammerstein. The John Wilson Orchestra will return to the Proms stage, still basking in the glow of their knockout performance at last year’s ‘MGM Musicals’ Prom, for an evening of classic songs from some of the greatest musicals ever written. Expect an array of singing stars to join in the fun. Finally, and preceding the R&H Prom, is a special Proms celebration of the music of Stephen Sondheim, whose 80th Birthday this year will be marked in the Royal Albert Hall. What a way to celebrate the big day…
More information on all these great live music events can be found by visiting www.bbc.co.uk/proms. Check it out.
Michael Beek
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