New audiences
The Proms opens its doors with key projects and partnerships designed especially to introduce classical music to those who may not have experienced it before.
Published: 20 April 2017
The BBC Proms, in collaboration with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales and the Royal Albert Hall Education and Outreach team, presents the first ever Relaxed Prom (29 July), offering an informal environment for everyone from children and adults with autism, sensory and communication impairments and learning disabilities to individuals who are Deaf, hard of hearing, blind and partially sighted. BBC NOW, with conductor Grant Llewellyn and musician Andy Pidcock, presents a relaxed matinee full of colour, laughter and audience participation. This performance follows on from the orchestra’s Relaxed Concert at St David’s Hall, Cardiff
(2 July).
BBC Radio 3 presenter Tom Service and conductor Nicholas Collon return following their presentation of Mozart’s Jupiter last year, appearing alongside the Aurora Orchestra in a deconstruction of Beethoven’s Eroica Symphony, before orchestra and conductor perform the complete symphony from memory (22 July).
Saxophonist and BBC Young Musician finalist Jess Gillam (pictured) joins the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and the Ten Pieces Children’s Choir for Ten Pieces Presents… Sir Henry’s Magnificent Musical Inspirations!, showcasing a range of works from Respighi’s jubilant Pines Of Rome to an excerpt from Ravi Shankar’s Symphony (23 July).
In numbers
75 Proms at the Royal Albert Hall
72 Proms Extra events at the Imperial College Union
29 premieres including 15 world premieres and 14 European, UK or London premieres
10 Late Night Proms 8 Matinees
13 Proms At... events including:
8 Proms Chamber Music concerts at Cadogan Hall
4 Last Night celebrations across the UK
Sir Mark Elder and the Hallé take the audience Beyond The Score in a concert devised by Gerard McBurney, combining actors, projections and live musical examples to explore the history of Dvořák’s New World Symphony (23 August).
A series of weekend matinees offers engaging concerts that present the perfect introduction to classical music at a time of day that is convenient for those who may not be able to attend evening events.
The Proms offers half-price tickets for under-18s to all Proms (except the Last Night).
