Last Night of the BBC Proms 2007
September 8th 2007
Over the last eight weeks, people across Britain have enjoyed a wonderful series of classical concerts and other events associated with the largest classical music festival in the world, all brought to the stage by the very best performers. But alas, all good things have to come to an end. Not to worry though, because this Saturday will see the traditional season-ending finalé, the Last Night of the Proms 2007.
Held at the Royal Albert Hall in London, the Last Night is arguably one of the most classical music concerts in the world. Not only are tickets for the concert highly sought-after (and often sold out), an audience of millions across the globe tune in on the TV or radio. For those lucky enough to get tickets, it is a fine opportunity to see the British at their patriotic best; many “Prommers” arrive at the venue dressed in Union Jack T-shirts, proudly waving the British flag when the traditional piece Rule Britannia is performed.
The first half of the concert is usually relaxed, beginning with such “winding-down” classics as Elgar's Pomp and Circumstance March No.1 (Land of Hope and Glory) and Sir Henry Wood's Fantasia on British Sea Songs. The second half is, following tradition, the most patriotic not only in this particular concert but in the series as a whole, with the performance of the aforementioned Rule Britannia. The concert concludes with the traditional speechs of the Last Night conductor, who usually discusses the year's main themes and thanks the audience and musicians for their support, before ending with the British national anthem, to the delight of the audience. This year's conductor will be Jiri Belohlavek of the Czech Republic.
Those not planning to attend can watch the first half live on BBC2 and the second half on BBC1. Radio listeners can tune in on BBC Radio 3.
All together now: Rule Britannia, Britannia rule the waves...
For more information about the Proms, visit www.bbc.co.uk/proms
Read more about London at www.oneplanettravel.com
Held at the Royal Albert Hall in London, the Last Night is arguably one of the most classical music concerts in the world. Not only are tickets for the concert highly sought-after (and often sold out), an audience of millions across the globe tune in on the TV or radio. For those lucky enough to get tickets, it is a fine opportunity to see the British at their patriotic best; many “Prommers” arrive at the venue dressed in Union Jack T-shirts, proudly waving the British flag when the traditional piece Rule Britannia is performed.
The first half of the concert is usually relaxed, beginning with such “winding-down” classics as Elgar's Pomp and Circumstance March No.1 (Land of Hope and Glory) and Sir Henry Wood's Fantasia on British Sea Songs. The second half is, following tradition, the most patriotic not only in this particular concert but in the series as a whole, with the performance of the aforementioned Rule Britannia. The concert concludes with the traditional speechs of the Last Night conductor, who usually discusses the year's main themes and thanks the audience and musicians for their support, before ending with the British national anthem, to the delight of the audience. This year's conductor will be Jiri Belohlavek of the Czech Republic.
Those not planning to attend can watch the first half live on BBC2 and the second half on BBC1. Radio listeners can tune in on BBC Radio 3.
All together now: Rule Britannia, Britannia rule the waves...
For more information about the Proms, visit www.bbc.co.uk/proms
Read more about London at www.oneplanettravel.com