Highlights from the First Night of the Proms

Elizabeth Alker showcases the best performances by BBC orchestras, choirs, ensembles and other great performing groups from Europe and around the globe.

We begin the programme with highlights from the the 2025 First Night of the Proms. The BBC Symphony Orchestra and conductor Sakari Oramo perform Sibelius’s Violin Concerto with soloist Lisa Batiashvili. We will also hear British classics from Bliss and Vaughan Williams.

Elsewhere, we will hear performances from the Regensburg Early Music Festival. Today, The Beggar’s Ensemble play music by Joseph-Nicolas-Pancrace, Jean-Marie Leclair and Jean-Philippe Rameau. There is also a spotlight on alumni of Radio 3's prestigious New Generation Artists scheme across the week with performances from guitarist Sean Shibe, pianist Beatrice Rana and tenor Allan Clayton, who features in this evening's Prom.

Jean Sibelius
Violin Concerto in D minor
Lisa Batiashvili (violin)
BBC Symphony Orchestra
Sakari Oramo (conductor)

Johannes Brahms
Piano Sonata No. 2 in F sharp minor
Beatrice Rana (piano)

Ralph Vaughan Williams
Sancta civitas
BBC Symphony Chorus
London Youth Choirs
BBC Symphony Orchestra
Sakari Oramo (conductor)

Joseph-Nicolas-Pancrace Royer
Ritournelle, from 'Phyrrus'
The Beggar’s Ensemble
Augustin Lusson (violin and direction)

Agustín Barrios Mangoré
La Catedral
Sean Shibe (guitar)

To listen to this programme (using most smart speakers) just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Classical Live".