The Proms, short for The Henry Wood Promenade Concerts presented by the BBC, represent one of the most enduring and beloved musical traditions in the United Kingdom. Established in 1895, the Proms have grown into an eight-week summer festival of daily orchestral classical music concerts held predominantly at the Royal Albert Hall in London. The Proms continues to bring classical music to the widest possible audience, ensuring affordability and accessibility while showing off the impressive skills of the musicians involved.
A Slice of History
The Proms were founded by Robert Newman, manager of the Queen's Hall, to democratise classical music. He envisioned a series of concerts that people could attend without the constraints of formal attire, akin to a promenade concert in the open air. Newman brought in conductor Henry Wood, whose vision and dedication helped shape the Proms into a national institution. Wood's influence was so profound that his bust still oversees the stage at the Royal Albert Hall every season, reminding audiences of his enduring legacy. Despite interruptions during both World Wars, the Proms continued to thrive, eventually becoming an integral part of the BBC's cultural programming when they took over the running of the concerts in 1927.
Tickets and Accessibility
Attending the Proms is an experience open to everyone, thanks to the affordable ticketing system. For each concert at the Royal Albert Hall, approximately 1,000 tickets are available in the Arena and Gallery for a modest £8 each. These can be booked online from 10:30 am on the day of the concert, or purchased in person at the box office at Door 12 from the same time. Some concerts have a different arrangement, where tickets can be bought the day before. This system ensures that classical music remains accessible, continuing the Proms' mission of bringing high-quality performances to a broad audience.
What’s on Offer This Year?
The 2024 Proms season, starting on July 19 is particularly noteworthy as it marks the final year for director David Pickard before Radio 3 controller Sam Jackson takes over. This year’s lineup promises a huge selection of performances by some of Europe's most prestigious orchestras and soloists.
The Berlin Philharmonic, under the baton of Kirill Petrenko, will grace the Proms with two concerts. Renowned conductor Simon Rattle will return with the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra, showcasing his enduring connection to the festival. The young maestro Klaus Makela will lead the Orchestre de Paris, and Jakub Hrusa, the Royal Opera's incoming music director, will bring the Czech Philharmonic to the stage.
The season also celebrates significant anniversaries of composers like Bruckner, Smetana, and Holst, featuring top-tier soloists such as pianists Vikingur Olafsson and Yunchan Lim, violinist Anne-Sophie Mutter, and cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason. Beyond the traditional fare, there are notable performances including Julius Eastman’s rediscovered Symphony No. 2, and Florence Welch presenting an orchestral rendition of her album Lungs.
Must-See Proms Highlights
Yunchan Lim, the youngest winner in the history of the Van Cliburn competition, will captivate audiences with Beethoven’s Emperor Concerto, accompanied by the BBC Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Paavo Jarvi. The evening also features Bruckner’s Symphony No. 1.
New to classical music? Sheku and Braimah Kanneh-Mason, along with guitarist Plínio Fernandes and the Fantasia Orchestra, are just the ticket with a repertoire spanning Bartok to Burt Bacharach.
Not only that, but the hotly anticipated, and postponed from last year, Cassandra Miller’s Viola Concerto inspired by Simone Weil will be performed by Lawrence Power with the BBC Philharmonic, conducted by John Storgards. Shostakovich’s Fourth Symphony will complete the program.
Benjamin Grosvenor tackles Busoni’s formidable Piano Concerto, a piece rarely performed due to its complexity. He will be accompanied by the London Philharmonic and Edward Gardner. Finally, Daniel Barenboim will conduct the Arab-Israeli ensemble through Schubert’s Great Symphony, with Anne-Sophie Mutter joining for Brahms’s Violin Concerto.
Where Can I Watch it?
Every concert of the Proms is broadcast live on Radio 3 and BBC Sounds in the UK, allowing audiences worldwide to enjoy the performances. Additionally, several key concerts will be televised on BBC2 and BBC4, providing a visual feast of orchestral mastery and solo brilliance. Notable broadcasts include the First Night of the Proms, featuring the BBC Symphony Orchestra with pianist Isata Kanneh-Mason, and a Disco Prom celebrating the genre’s legacy.
The 2024 Proms season encapsulates the festival’s commitment to musical excellence and accessibility. With an array of performances by world-renowned artists and orchestras, the Proms continue to be a beacon of cultural enrichment, celebrating the timeless power of music and its ability to unite audiences from all walks of life.
