BBC Proms
BBC Proms Calendar
By Month
Fri 13 Jul 2012
- 16:30Royal College of Music
Sean Rafferty and Suzy Klein present a live Proms edition of BBC Radio 3’s In Tune, featuring artists from the season.
- 19:30Royal Albert Hall
Four conductors pass the baton in an all-English First Night featuring works by Turnage, Elgar, Delius and Tippett.
Four conductors pass the baton in an all-English First Night featuring works by Turnage, Elgar, Delius and Tippett.
Programme
- Canon Fever(3 mins)world premiere
- Overture ‘Cockaigne (In London Town)’(15 mins)
- Sea Drift(25 mins)
- interval
- Suite for the Birthday of Prince Charles(16 mins)
- Coronation Ode(33 mins)
Performers
- Edward GardnerconductorCoronation Ode
- Sir Roger Norringtonconductor
- Bryn Terfelbass-baritone
- Sir Mark ElderSea Drift
- Martyn BrabbinsSuite for the Birthday of Prince Charles
- Susan Grittonsoprano
- Dame Sarah Connollymezzo-soprano
- Robert Murraytenor
- Gerald Finleybass-baritone
Sat 14 Jul 2012
- 13:30Royal College of Music
Bring your family to join professional singers in favourite songs from My Fair Lady. Ideal for family members aged 7-plus.
- 17:15Royal College of Music
George Bernard Shaw’s play Pygmalion, the inspiration for My Fair Lady, is discussed by Shaw’s biographer Sir Michael Holroyd and Professor of Irish History, Roy Foster. Henry Higgins and Eliza Doolittle are brought to life by the actors Tim Pigott-Smith and Rachael Stirling, who recently appeared in Pygmalion on stage. Matthew Sweet presents.
- 19:00Royal Albert Hall
Reviving the original film orchestrations for the 1964 film of My Fair Lady, John Wilson returns with his hand-picked orchestra.
Reviving the original film orchestrations for the 1964 film of My Fair Lady, John Wilson returns with his hand-picked orchestra.
Programme
- My Fair Lady(170 mins)(semi-staged)
Performers
- Annalene Beecheyvocalist (Eliza Doolittle)
- Anthony Andrewsactor (Professor Henry Higgins)
- James Fleetactor (Colonel Hugh Pickering)
- Alun Armstrongactor (Alfred P. Doolittle)
- Siân Phillipsactress (Mrs Higgins)
- Julian Ovendenvocalist (Freddy Eynsford-Hill)
- Jenny Gallowayactress (Mrs Pearce)
- John Wilsonconductor
- Shaun Kerrisonstage director
Composers
- 22:00Royal Albert Hall
Informal post-Prom music and poetry from emerging young talent.
Sun 15 Jul 2012
- 17:15Royal College of Music
Louise Fryer explores Debussy’s only completed opera with guests Richard Langham-Smith and Patrick McGuinness.
- 19:00Royal Albert Hall
Sir John Eliot Gardiner conducts Debussy’s enigmatic masterpiece, Pelléas et Mélisande, with his period-instrument orchestra.
Sir John Eliot Gardiner conducts Debussy’s enigmatic masterpiece, Pelléas et Mélisande, with his period-instrument orchestra.
Programme
- Pelléas et Mélisande(145 mins)concert performance; sung in French
Performers
- Phillip Addisbaritone (Pelléas)
- Karen Vourc'hsoprano (Mélisande)
- Laurent Naouribass-baritone (Golaud)
- Sir John Tomlinsonbass (Arkel)
- Elodie Méchainalto (Geneviève)
- Dima Bawabsoprano (Yniold)
- Nahuel di Pierrobass (Doctor/Shepherd)
- John Eliot Gardinerconductor
Composers
Mon 16 Jul 2012
- 13:00Cadogan Hall
Opera star Alice Coote plays the more intimate concert arena in a recital of enchanting French song with pianist Julius Drake.
Opera star Alice Coote plays the more intimate concert arena in a recital of enchanting French song with pianist Julius Drake.
Programme
- Au printemps(2 mins)
- Aimons-nous(4 mins)
- Poème d'un jour(6 mins)
- Cinq mélodies 'de Venise' – En sourdine(3 mins)
- Au bord de l'eau(2 mins)
- Les roses d'Ispahan(3 mins)
- Le secret(2 mins)
- Notre amour(2 mins)
- Je te veux(4 mins)
- L'énamourée(4 mins)
- Fumée(3 mins)
- Dans la nuit(2 mins)
- Chansons grises(2 mins)
- Métamorphoses – C'est ainsi que tu es(2 mins)
- Banalités(2 mins)
- Les chemins d'amour(4 mins)
Performers
- Alice Cootemezzo-soprano
- Julius Drakepiano
- 17:45Royal College of Music
Ara Guzelimian (Provost and Dean, Juilliard School of Music) and Jonathan Freeman-Attwood (Principal, Royal Academy of Music) discuss the long-standing series of collaborations between their distinguished conservatoires. Louise Fryer hosts.
- 19:30Royal Albert Hall
Exuberant orchestral colours guaranteed in a transatlantic partnership of music colleges, conducted by composer John Adams.
Exuberant orchestral colours guaranteed in a transatlantic partnership of music colleges, conducted by composer John Adams.
Programme
- Roman Festivals(22 mins)
- Piano Concerto in G major(22 mins)
- interval
- City Noir(34 mins)
Performers
- Imogen Cooperpiano
- John Adamsconductor
Composers
Tue 17 Jul 2012
- 17:45Royal College of Music
Kaija Saariaho discusses Laterna magica with Tom Service prior to its UK premiere and introduces performances of her chamber works Serenatas and Tocar given by musicians from the London Sinfonietta Academy Ensemble.
- 19:30Royal Albert Hall
Lush Strauss favourites (Four Last Songs and Also sprach Zarathustra) feature alongside music by Finns Sibelius and Saariaho.
Lush Strauss favourites (Four Last Songs and Also sprach Zarathustra) feature alongside music by Finns Sibelius and Saariaho.
Programme
- Also sprach Zarathustra(32 mins)
- Four Last Songs(22 mins)
- interval
- Laterna magica(22 mins)UK premiere
- Symphony No. 7 in C major(23 mins)
Performers
- Anne Schwanewilmssoprano
- Juanjo Menaconductor
Wed 18 Jul 2012
- 17:15Royal College of Music
Conductor Jane Glover begins a four-part series in which musicians from this year’s Proms season reveal their literary passions and talk about what they are reading this summer.
- 19:00Royal Albert Hall
Russian-born Kirill Gerstein is the soloist in one of tonight’s two Russian classics: Rachmaninov’s romantic Piano Concerto No. 2.
Russian-born Kirill Gerstein is the soloist in one of tonight’s two Russian classics: Rachmaninov’s romantic Piano Concerto No. 2.
Programme
- Endless Forms(9 mins)BBC commission: world premiere
- Piano Concerto No. 2 in C minor(35 mins)
- Seven Virtuoso Études – I got rhythm(2 mins)Encore
- interval
- Symphony No 6 in E flat minor(43 mins)
Performers
- Sakari Oramoconductor
- Kirill GersteinPiano
- 22:15Royal Albert Hall
Handel’s resplendent Water Music suites and Music for the Royal Fireworks get an upsized French period-instrument treatment.
Handel’s resplendent Water Music suites and Music for the Royal Fireworks get an upsized French period-instrument treatment.
Programme
- Water Music Suite No. 1 in F major(26 mins)
- Water Music – Suite No. 2 in D Major(10 mins)
- Water Music – Suite No. 3 in G major(10 mins)
- Music for the Royal Fireworks(17 mins)
Performers
- Hervé NiquetProms debut artist
Composers
Thu 19 Jul 2012
- 17:45Royal College of Music
Musicians from the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment introduce Handel’s oratorio Judas Maccabaeus with musical examples. Sara Mohr-Pietsch presents.
- 19:30Royal Albert Hall
Once more popular than his Messiah, Handel’s Judas Maccabaeus receives its first Proms performance – with period-instrument punch.
Once more popular than his Messiah, Handel’s Judas Maccabaeus receives its first Proms performance – with period-instrument punch.
Programme
- Judas Maccabaeus(130 mins)
Performers
- John Mark Ainsleytenor (Judas Maccabaeus)
- Alastair Milesbass (Simon/Eupolemus)
- Rosemary Joshuasoprano (Israelitish Woman)
- Christine Ricemezzo-soprano (Israelitish Man)
- Tim Meadcounter-tenor (Israelitish Messenger/Israelitish Priest)
- Laurence Cummingsdirector
Composers
Fri 20 Jul 2012
- 18:15Royal College of Music
On the first night of Daniel Barenboim’s Beethoven/Boulez cycle, the conductor talks to Proms Director Roger Wright.
- 19:30Royal Albert Hall
Daniel Barenboim begins his Beethoven symphony cycle at the beginning, with the First and Second; plus Boulez’s Dérive 2.
Daniel Barenboim begins his Beethoven symphony cycle at the beginning, with the First and Second; plus Boulez’s Dérive 2.
Programme
- Symphony No. 1 in C major(25 mins)
- Dérive 2(45 mins)
- interval
- Symphony No. 2 in D major(35 mins)
Performers
- Daniel Barenboimconductor
Composers
Sat 21 Jul 2012
- 14:00Royal College of Music
Beethoven Family Orchestra and Chorus, with a little bit of Boulez!
- 15:00Cadogan Hall
A new arrangement of Bach’s supreme The Art of Fugue, intended to recreate Bach’s own informal Leipzig coffee-house concerts.
A new arrangement of Bach’s supreme The Art of Fugue, intended to recreate Bach’s own informal Leipzig coffee-house concerts.
- 17:30Royal College of Music
A live musical introduction perfect for all the family, with Rachel Leach and professional musicians. Bring your instrument and join in!
- 19:30Royal Albert Hall
Boulez’s work for solo clarinet and its electronic double appears in between Beethoven’s Fourth and the mighty Third (‘Eroica’).
Boulez’s work for solo clarinet and its electronic double appears in between Beethoven’s Fourth and the mighty Third (‘Eroica’).
Programme
- Symphony No. 4 in B flat major(35 mins)
- Dialogue de l’ombre double(20 mins)
- interval
- Symphony No. 3 in E flat major, ‘Eroica’(50 mins)
Performers
- Jussef Eisaclarinet
- IRCAMlive electronics
- Daniel Barenboimconductor
Composers
- 22:00Royal Albert Hall
Informal post-Prom music and poetry from emerging young talent.
Sun 22 Jul 2012
- 14:45Royal College of Music
An illustrated introduction to tonight’s performance of The Trojans with Sara Mohr-Pietsch.
- 16:30Royal Albert Hall
Hit and myth: Antonio Pappano conducts his Royal Opera forces in Berlioz’s celebrated operatic epic The Trojans.
Hit and myth: Antonio Pappano conducts his Royal Opera forces in Berlioz’s celebrated operatic epic The Trojans.
Programme
- The Trojans(255 mins)
Performers
- Bryan Hymeltenor (Aeneas)
- Fabio Capitanuccibaritone (Coroebus)
- Ashley Hollandbaritone (Panthus)
- Brindley Sherrattbass (Narbal)
- Ji-Min Parktenor (Iopas)
- Barbara Senatormezzo-soprano (Ascanius)
- Anna Caterina Antonaccisoprano (Cassandra)
- Eva Maria Westbroeksoprano (Dido)
- Hanna Hippmezzo-soprano (Anna)
- Ed Lyontenor (Hylas)
- Robert Lloydbass (Priam)
- Lukas Jakobskibass (Greek Chieftain)
- Jihoon Kimbass (Ghost of Hector)
- Ji Hyun Kimtenor (Helenus)
- Pamela Helen Stephenmezzo-soprano (Hecuba)
- Sir Antonio Pappanoconductor
Composers
Mon 23 Jul 2012
- 13:00Cadogan Hall
Choral group Tenebrae explores 400 years of music evoking the bustle of London’s streets, from Gibbons to the present day.
Choral group Tenebrae explores 400 years of music evoking the bustle of London’s streets, from Gibbons to the present day.
Programme
- First Set of Madrigals and Motets of Five Parts (1612) – selection(8 mins)
- The Cryes of London(7 mins)
- Sorowfull Songes(10 mins)BBC commission: world premiere
- Street Songs – selection(22 mins)
Performers
- Rob Farrermarimba
- Nigel Shortconductor
- 17:45Royal College of Music
Mariam Said and BBC Radio 3 New Generation Thinker Shahidha Bari on the story of the West–Eastern Divan Orchestra, with host Clemency Burton-Hill.
- 19:30Royal Albert Hall
Daniel Barenboim reaches the midpoint of his Beethoven cycle, exploring Nature and Fate in the ‘Pastoral’ and Fifth symphonies.
Daniel Barenboim reaches the midpoint of his Beethoven cycle, exploring Nature and Fate in the ‘Pastoral’ and Fifth symphonies.
Programme
- Symphony No. 6 in F major, ‘Pastoral’(40 mins)
- Mémoriale (…explosante fixe… Originel)(8 mins)
- Messagesquisse(8 mins)
- interval
- Symphony No. 5 in C minor(30 mins)
Performers
- Guy Eshedflute
- Daniel Barenboimconductor
Composers
Tue 24 Jul 2012
- 17:15Royal College of Music
Ed Stourton, presenter of BBC Radio 4’s Sunday, is joined by a panel of guests to explore the influence on contemporary Arabic literature of the social and political uprisings of the ‘Arab Spring’.
- 19:00Royal Albert Hall
Two more Beethoven symphonies frame Boulez’s Anthèmes, for violin and electronics, under Daniel Barenboim’s baton.
Two more Beethoven symphonies frame Boulez’s Anthèmes, for violin and electronics, under Daniel Barenboim’s baton.
Programme
- Symphony No 8 in F major(25 mins)
- Anthèmes 2(25 mins)
- interval
- Symphony No. 7 in A major(35 mins)
Performers
- Michael Barenboimviolin
- IRCAMlive electronics
- Daniel Barenboimconductor
Composers
- 22:00Royal Albert Hall
An eclectic late night featuring the ever crusading Kronos Quartet, with influences from the USA, Syria, the Balkans and Scandinavia.
An eclectic late night featuring the ever crusading Kronos Quartet, with influences from the USA, Syria, the Balkans and Scandinavia.
Programme
- I'll Prevent the Hunters from Hunting You (La sidounak sayyada) (arr. Jacob Garchik)(4 mins)UK premiere
- String Quartet No. 4(12 mins)
- String Quartet No. 4, 'Amazing Grace'(11 mins)
- The Golden Age of the Radiophonic Workshop (Fibre-Optic Flowers)(10 mins)BBC commission: world premiere
- Tusen tankar (A Thousand Thoughts) transcr. Ljova, arr. Kronos Quartet(5 mins)
- … hold me, neighbor, in this storm …(22 mins)
- Death is the Road to Awe(9 mins)Encore
Performers
Wed 25 Jul 2012
- 17:30Royal College of Music
Rachel Leach takes you on a family-friendly whistle-stop tour of the evening Prom with live musical examples. Bring your instrument and join in.
- 19:30Royal Albert Hall
Jirˇí Beˇlohlávek conducts works by two Czech compatriots; Vadim Gluzman is the soloist in Prokofiev’s Violin Concerto No. 1.
Jirˇí Beˇlohlávek conducts works by two Czech compatriots; Vadim Gluzman is the soloist in Prokofiev’s Violin Concerto No. 1.
Programme
- String Quartet No. 1 in E minor, 'From My Life' (orch. Szell)(28 mins)
- Violin Concerto No. 1 in D major(22 mins)
- interval
- Symphony No. 7 in D minor(35 mins)
- Violin Sonata No. 2, ‘Jacques Thibaud’ – No 1, ‘Obsession’(8 mins)Encore
Performers
- Jiří Bělohlávekconductor
- Vadim Gluzmanviolin
Part ofProms 2012
Thu 26 Jul 2012
- 17:00Royal College of Music
Join Rachel Leach and discover the stories behind the music, learn about the composers and perform alongside musicians from the BBC National Orchestra of Wales. Bring your instrument and join in.
- 19:00Royal Albert Hall
A Channel-crossing Prom featuring Elgar’s sunny In the South plus classics of the French repertoire under Ryan Wigglesworth.
A Channel-crossing Prom featuring Elgar’s sunny In the South plus classics of the French repertoire under Ryan Wigglesworth.
Programme
- In the South (Alassio)(23 mins)
- Piano Concerto(30 mins)
- interval
- Une barque sur l'océan(8 mins)
- Préludes, Book 1 – La cathédrale engloutie (orch. Henry Wood)(8 mins)
- La mer(25 mins)
Performers
- Joanna MacGregorpiano
- Ryan Wigglesworthconductor
- 22:15Royal Albert Hall
François-Xavier Roth conducts Pierre Boulez's iconic Le marteau sans maître in a Late Night Prom with members of the West–Eastern Divan Orchestra.
François-Xavier Roth conducts Pierre Boulez's iconic Le marteau sans maître in a Late Night Prom with members of the West–Eastern Divan Orchestra.
Programme
- Piano Quintet in E flat major(25 mins)
- Le marteau sans maître(35 mins)
Performers
- Hilary Summersmezzo-soprano
- François‐Xavier Rothconductor
Composers
Fri 27 Jul 2012
- 16:45Royal College of Music
Join Mary King in a special sing-through of the ‘Ode to Joy’ from Beethoven’s ‘Choral’ Symphony to mark the opening of the London Olympics. No need to book – just turn up!
- 18:30Royal Albert Hall
Daniel Barenboim’s Beethoven cycle concludes with the universal message of the Ninth, on the opening day of the London Olympics.
Daniel Barenboim’s Beethoven cycle concludes with the universal message of the Ninth, on the opening day of the London Olympics.
Programme
- Symphony No. 9 in D minor, ‘Choral’(77 mins)
Performers
- Anna Samuilsoprano
- Waltraud Meiermezzo-soprano
- René Papebass
- Daniel Barenboimconductor
Composers
Sat 28 Jul 2012
- 15:00Cadogan Hall
French music from the court of Louis XIV in a cross-Channel collaboration of music conservatoires, under Sir Roger Norrington.
French music from the court of Louis XIV in a cross-Channel collaboration of music conservatoires, under Sir Roger Norrington.
Programme
- Armide – suite(15 mins)
- Circé – suite(10 mins)
- Ariane et Bacchus – suite(15 mins)
- Tancrède – suite(13 mins)
- Symphonies pour les soupez du roy – suite(12 mins)
Performers
- Les 24 Violons du Roy
- Sir Roger Norringtonconductor
- 17:45Royal College of Music
Join Stephen Johnson for an illustrated introduction to the music in tonight’s Prom.
- 19:30Royal Albert Hall
Tchaikovsky’s turbulent ‘Pathétique’ Symphony and Shostakovich’s First Cello Concerto feature, conducted by Thomas Dausgaard.
Tchaikovsky’s turbulent ‘Pathétique’ Symphony and Shostakovich’s First Cello Concerto feature, conducted by Thomas Dausgaard.
Programme
- MeldBBC commission: world premiere
- Symphony No. 11, ‘Ixion’(5 mins)UK premiere
- Incontri(14 mins)UK premiere
- Cello Concerto No. 1 in E flat major(29 mins)
- interval
- Symphony No. 6 in B minor, ‘Pathétique’(45 mins)
- Cello Suite No. 2(4 mins)Declamato (Encore)
Performers
- Thomas DausgaardConductorconductor
- Daniel Müller‐Schottcello
Part ofProms 2012 - 22:00Royal Albert Hall
Informal post-Prom music and poetry from emerging young talent.
Sun 29 Jul 2012
- 11:00Royal College of Music
Join the Family Orchestra and Chorus in creating its own Wallace & Gromit soundtrack!
- 13:30Royal College of Music
Join the Family Orchestra and Chorus in creating its own Wallace & Gromit soundtrack!
- 15:30Royal Albert Hall
Wallace & Gromit appear in a new Proms adventure, before a screening of A Matter of Loaf and Death – plus classical favourites.
Wallace & Gromit appear in a new Proms adventure, before a screening of A Matter of Loaf and Death – plus classical favourites.
Programme
- Fanfare for the Common Man(4 mins)
- Short Ride in a Fast Machine(5 mins)
- Clair de Lune (arr. Caplet)(5 mins)
- Symphony No. 4 in C minor(5 mins)Fugue from first movement
- My Concerto in Ee, Lad(5 mins)BBC commission: world premiere
- interval
- A Matter of Loaf and Death(30 mins)BBC commission: world premiere
Performers
- Tasmin Littleviolin
- Nicholas Collonconductor
- 18:15Royal College of Music
Stephen Johnson and musicians from the Aldeburgh World Orchestra give an illustrated introduction to the music in tonight’s Prom.
- 20:00Royal Albert Hall
Stravinsky’s iconic The Rite of Spring is the highlight of the Aldeburgh World Orchestra’s Prom under Sir Mark Elder.
Stravinsky’s iconic The Rite of Spring is the highlight of the Aldeburgh World Orchestra’s Prom under Sir Mark Elder.
Programme
- Sinfonia da Requiem(21 mins)
- Symphony No 10 – Adagio(22 mins)
- interval
- At the Speed of Stillness(10 mins)BBC commission: world premiere
- The Rite of Spring(32 mins)
Performers
- Sir Mark Elderconductor
Part ofProms 2012
Mon 30 Jul 2012
- 13:00Cadogan Hall
A sequence of Baroque, traditional and improvised music inspired by the age-old myth of the power of music to heal the venomous bite of the tarantula spider; including works by Falconieri, Kapsberger, Kircher and Soler.
A sequence of Baroque, traditional and improvised music inspired by the age-old myth of the power of music to heal the venomous bite of the tarantula spider; including works by Falconieri, Kapsberger, Kircher and Soler.
- 17:45Royal College of Music
Conductor David Hill continues the series in which leading musicians from this year’s Proms season introduce their literary passions and talk about what they are reading this summer.
- 19:30Royal Albert Hall
Cowbells and marches are among the typical evocative references in Mahler’s Seventh Symphony, conducted by Gianandrea Noseda.
Cowbells and marches are among the typical evocative references in Mahler’s Seventh Symphony, conducted by Gianandrea Noseda.
Programme
- Don Giovanni – overture(6 mins)
- Symphony No. 2(17 mins)
- interval
- Symphony No. 7(78 mins)
Performers
- Gillian Keithsoprano
- Gianandrea Nosedaconductor
Part ofProms 2012
Tue 31 Jul 2012
- 17:00Royal College of Music
Members of the BBC National Orchestra of Wales explore music by four great British composers. Bring your instrument and join in!
- 19:00Royal Albert Hall
An all-British Prom including Vaughan Williams’s spacious ‘Tallis’ Fantasia and Walton’s riotous choral Belshazzar’s Feast.
An all-British Prom including Vaughan Williams’s spacious ‘Tallis’ Fantasia and Walton’s riotous choral Belshazzar’s Feast.
Programme
- Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis(16 mins)
- These Things Shall Be(22 mins)
- interval
- The Walk to the Paradise Garden(10 mins)
- Belshazzar’s Feast(36 mins)
Performers
- Jonathan Lemalubaritonebass-baritone
- Tadaaki Otakaconductor
- 22:15Royal Albert Hall
Energetic sounds from Colombia – both traditional and modern – from two leading accordionists, joined by an enthusiastic band.
Energetic sounds from Colombia – both traditional and modern – from two leading accordionists, joined by an enthusiastic band.
Programme
- Vallenato music of northern Colombia(75 mins)
Performers
- José Hernando Arias Nogueraaccordion
- Egidio Cuadradoaccordion
Composers
Wed 1 Aug 2012
- 17:45Royal College of Music
Choral director Simon Halsey introduces the new BBC Proms Youth Choir project and discusses tonight’s programme with Ken Burton, Principal Conductor of the London Adventist Chorale. Martin Handley hosts.
- 19:30Royal Albert Hall
American David Robertson conducts two US classics, including Barber’s enduring Adagio, as well as Tippett’s A Child of Our Time.
American David Robertson conducts two US classics, including Barber’s enduring Adagio, as well as Tippett’s A Child of Our Time.
Programme
- The Unanswered Question(6 mins)
- Adagio for strings(8 mins)
- Nobody knows de trouble I see(15 mins)
- interval
- A Child of Our Time(72 mins)
Performers
- Håkan Hardenbergertrumpet
- Sally Matthewssoprano
- Dame Sarah Connollymezzo-soprano
- Paul Grovestenor
- Jubilant Sykesbass-baritone
- BBC Proms Youth Choir
- David Robertsonconductor
