The Soloists - Who's Playing What...

DJ Mr Switch’s Facts:

• I was the first DJ to play at the Royal Albert Hall in 2011 performing the whole concerto with the National Youth Orchestra. I’m really glad I got in there first before Pete Tong and the Ibiza Prom!
• I’ve performed the concerto on lots of occasions with different orchestras and I sample the players from each performance so it’s a fresh recording that I scratch with every time.
• I already have an idea of what I’m going to wear for the Proms I have a nice t-shirt with a picture of a conductor on it in black and white - which is quite stylish.

What will you be playing at the Ten Pieces Proms?

I will be playing the gorgeous British classic, 'The Lark Ascending' by Ralph Vaughan Williams.

Other than the violin, which musical instrument would you most like to play from the orchestra?

I admire so many instruments. They’re all fascinating in different ways. I’d love to be able to play the piano well, the deep warmth of the cello is very appealing to me and I think that percussion instruments are underrated!

How does it feel to be performing at the Royal Albert Hall?

It’s truly an honor to be playing at the Proms this summer as part of the BBC Ten Pieces. I have dreamed of playing at the Proms since I was a little girl and I can’t believe it’s coming true! Especially to be a part of such an important educational program like the Ten Pieces and to be able to share music with a younger audience is very special. I’m looking forward to creating and sharing a great musical memory with the orchestra and the audiences.

Apart from ‘The Lark Ascending’, what is your favourite piece from the Ten Pieces that you are looking forward to?

It’s so hard to pick a favourite! The whole program is fantastic because it features really classic works yet it’s a really fun and diverse mix. I think Gabriel Prokofiev’s 'Concerto for Turntables and Orchestra' is the most unusual work on the program so I’m really curious to hear that one live.

How do you prepare for your performance?

There are various elements that go into preparing for a performance. Of course, practicing and rehearsing are essential. Just before the concert I’ll do some stretches or some yoga moves to make sure my body isn’t tense anywhere and I also really enjoy doing my hair and makeup on my own as I find that process to be quite relaxing.

Esther's Facts:

• I started learning to play the violin at the age of four.
• It will be my first time performing at Royal Albert Hall so I’m also really excited about that!
• I always try to have coconut water, bananas and some dark chocolate handy backstage as they’re great and healthy sources of energy!

What will you be playing at the Ten Pieces Proms?

I am delighted to be performing Joseph Haydn’s 'Trumpet Concerto'.

How does it feel to be performing at the Royal Albert Hall?

I am extremely excited to be playing at the Royal Albert Hall for the BBC Ten Pieces Proms! I have played in three BBC Proms performances before, with the National Youth Orchestra, but for those I was sitting right at the back of a 100-strong orchestra. It will be a very different experience standing at the front of the orchestra, and one I am sure I will remember forever.

Do you have a favourite trumpet that you perform with?

I actually have five different trumpets of all shapes and sizes that I use for various occasions – and they all have names! Every novice learns on a Bb Trumpet (Bob!), as this is the instrument most of the standard repertoire is written for, so that trumpet is the one I probably use the most. However, for the BBC Ten Pieces II Proms, I will be playing my Eb Trumpet (Ed!), which I absolutely love because of the warm and pure sound it produces.

Other than the ‘Trumpet Concerto’, what piece are you most looking forward to at the Ten Pieces Proms?

I am most looking forward to hearing the Shostakovich’s 'Symphony No. 10' (2nd movement). I played in this symphony with my local youth orchestra many years ago and absolutely loved the power in this movement, which is supposed to depict the character of Stalin. The history behind this movement and Shostakovich’s music in general makes his music absolutely fascinating!

What advice would you give to someone who is new to classical music?

What I always say to someone who is new to classical music, or claims they don’t like classical music, is that this isn’t true! Can you imagine a film like Star Wars, Harry Potter or Lord of the Rings without their amazing film scores that help conjure up the atmospheres? Without even realising it, everyone has been exposed to classical music at some point, and the Ten Pieces Proms give new listeners the opportunity to focus on the music without it being masked by a film. The Ten Pieces Proms are an amazing way to be introduced to classical music due to the great variety in the pieces, so there will be something for everyone to enjoy!

Matilda's Facts:

• I was eight years old when I discovered my dad’s old trumpet lying around in a cupboard!
• I have been playing the trumpet for about twelve years.
• I have performed in many primary schools and given workshops - one of the main reasons I love playing the trumpet so much is to help inspire young people.