Meet The Boss Of The Proms

David Pickard

I am the Director of the BBC Proms, responsible for programming over 90 concerts as part of the festival. I started in the role in November 2015.

The Proms were founded in 1895 by Robert Newman and Henry Wood. Their aim was to present the best of classical music to the widest possible audience. Over the past 120 years, those founding principles have remained central to the Proms and are as important in 2016 as they were in the first season. It is generally acknowledged to be the greatest classical music festival in the world.

The Ten Pieces Proms are important for two reasons. Firstly, it will give thousands of young people the chance to hear some of the finest classical music in the extraordinary setting of the Royal Albert Hall. For many this may well be the first time that they have heard a 'live' symphony orchestra. Secondly, it enables us to showcase some of the extraordinary creative work that has been devised up and down the country, inspired by the music we have chosen. So the experience for young people will be about participating as well as listening, and I hope it will encourage them to engage with more classical music in the future.

For this year’s Ten Pieces proms the audience can look forward to exceptional music making by the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, some outstanding soloists, a range of music from Bach to the present day, and the chance to hear how these pieces have inspired young people to create their own work.