The best Proms for newcomers...
A bit bowled-over by the BBC Proms? Not sure where to start? If you’re new to all things Proms, here’s are a few ideas to get you started.
Okay, so you’ve never been to the BBC Proms before. You know when it is… you know where it is… but with so many concerts, what should you start with?
The following is by no means definitive, but it might help!
Go big…
The Last Night of the Proms is the BIG one and a bit of a party, so what’s not to love? Tickets have probably sold out already, but there’s always the promming tickets on the door if you’re willing to arrive early and queue up! Don’t forget your flags, and your voice for Rule Britannia.
Go outside…
Proms in the Park is an altogether different experience and with regional concerts taking place simultaneously in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, it might even be easier for you to get to.
Hyde Park welcomes the BBC Concert Orchestra, presenter Michael Ball and a host of famous faces… and fireworks!
Go to the movies…
If you love a bit of film music, there are two Proms that might offer a good introduction to the Proms.
First up is The Sound of Space: Sci-fi Film Music (7 August), a ‘Late Night Prom’ featuring music from films like Interstellar, Moon, Under the Skin, Alien: Covenant, Gravity and Sunshine.
Then there’s The Warner Bros. Story with the John Wilson Orchestra, a thrilling ride through some of Hollywood’s golden age greats. (9 August)
Go with the kids…
Why not take the little ones along as well? That way you’ve got someone to experience the Proms with and they get an early classical music experience that they’ll never forget.
The CBeebies Prom is the obvious choice, featuring characters and presenters from the small screen (21 & 22 July).
Go and hear something familiar…
A Prom with at least one familiar classic might be a great way in, too. How about Holst’s The Planets (21 July), Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake (5 August) Elgar’s Cello Concerto (22 August) or Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony (13 September)?
Go with the flow…
If you’re an adventurous type, why not just pick a date, queue up for a cheap promming ticket and have a new experience?
Authors
Michael is the Reviews Editor of BBC Music Magazine. He was previously a freelance film music journalist and spent 15 years at St George's Bristol. Michael specialises in film and television music and was the Editor of MusicfromtheMovies.com. He has written for the BBC Proms, BBC Concert Orchestra, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Royal Albert Hall, Hollywood in Vienna and Silva Screen Records.
