Posts with the label BBC Proms
Showing posts with label BBC Proms. Show all posts
Showing posts with label BBC Proms. Show all posts
Monday, 10 September 2018
Proms in the Park, Hyde Park | Review and Five Reasons to Go
I have always loved the BBC Proms especially the last night which I have only ever seen on the TV. I was never really that aware of its alter ego The Proms in the Park, that is until last night. A friend and I were not only fortunate enough to attend this musical extravaganza but we were also given access to the VIP and Press arena. I can honestly say that it was one of the best evenings out I have ever had.
Every year the line-up of performers changes, this year as in previous years the event was hosted by the multi-talented Michael Ball. He was absolutely perfect in this role, linking everything seamlessly whilst making everyone feel included and thoroughly enjoying himself, which was totally infectious.
The afternoon kicked off at 3pm with the BBC DJ Tony Blackburn, who was then followed by the London based, Country, Folk, Pop quartet The Wandering Hearts. We were then treated to outstanding performances from The Rock Choir with the BBC orchestra followed by Lisa Stansfield, who performed some new material and wowed us all with her older hits. Matt Goss was next accompanied by the BBC Big Band, his set was not only excellent, but he also personally surprised and shocked a superfan.
Another highlight was the hugely talented and energetic cast from Bat out of Hell, led by Jordan Luke Gage and Christina Bennington, who had everyone on their feet belting out the songs. Just a small plug, if you only go to one show in London this year go and see Bat out of Hell, you won’t be disappointed! Also, on the bill was the young saxophonist Jess Gillam and award-winning songwriter Albert Hammond who were both outstanding.
The Maltese opera star Joseph Calleja was wonderful, and my personal favourite Josh Groban performed a truly beautiful version of Somewhere over the Rainbow, among other stunning songs. It was then time for the headline act which this year was Gladys Knight. What a fantastic performance she gave, she still has the most incredible voice and had all 40,000 of us dancing and singing along to all the hits we know and love.
Then came the iconic flag waving finale, it was so amazing to be part of this experience which was being mirrored over at the Royal Albert Hall. We all played our part in the rousing renditions of Land of Hope and Glory and Jerusalem. A spectacular firework display was a very fitting end to a truly wonderful day. I hope to be fortunate enough to go again next year and as if the musical performances aren’t enough of a reason to go, here are 5 more:
- This event is in the most glorious setting of Hyde park in central London, arrive early and take a stroll around this magnificent space. Maybe take a boat out on the lake, marvel at the stunning plants, trees and statues or simply sit peacefully and watch the world go by for a while, before entering the arena.
- This is a wonderful iconic event to attend, whether with a group of friends, as a couple or a family but even if you went alone you wouldn’t be for long. The camaraderie amongst the attendees was like nothing I have ever experienced at a large event or concert. People of all nationalities and ages from tiny tots to shall I say a more mature contingent were sharing, stories, drinks, food and lots of laughter.
- Whatever your taste in music there is absolutely something for everyone, from musical theatre, to Opera, rock, pop and disco. This is a wonderful opportunity to see a multitude of fantastically talented artists at one venue.
- The organisation of such a huge event, 40,000.00 people attended, is mind boggling and needs to be seen to be believed. I have no idea how something like this is put together so slickly. From the fabulous selection of food and drink vendors, the security, the staging, lighting, superb sound and visuals to the properly plumbed in toilets. Certainly, a feat of engineering in themselves.
- This event is a wonderfully eclectic mix of music, food, fun and revelry mixed with the superb Pomp & Circumstance associated with the Proms. In the words of a fellow reveller “it made you proud to be British”.
★★★★★
Last Night of the Proms, Royal Albert Hall | Review
Last Night of the Proms
Royal Albert Hall
Reviewed on Saturday 8th September 2018 by Olivia Mitchell
★★★★
After a spectacular eight weeks of concerts, the 2018 BBC Proms came to an end on Saturday night in a grand and celebratory fashion. As a first time attendee of the last night, I was excited to be part of such a well-known piece of theatrical history and the atmosphere and performances left me elated and proud to be British.
The concert followed it's traditional format, with a more serious first half followed by an audience participation fuelled second act. Master of ceremonies for the night was Andrew Davis who made a triumphant return after eighteen years and brought together a magical night.
Debut work, Songs of Darkness, Dreams of Light by Roxanna Panufnik is a moving ten minute piece which brings together opposing religions and cultures and was especially exciting to witness. Of the various French and English choral pieces, a stand out was definitely Charles Villiers Stanford's The Blue Bird, performed expertly by the BBC Singers and causing the rambunctious audience to be in pin drop silence for its entirety.
Saxophonist Jess Gillam provided energy, glitz and talent in equal measure through her performances of Scaramouche and a selection of World War One songs arranged by Anne Dudley. Gerald Finley also gave dominant performances of Stanford's Songs of the Sea and the vast Soliloquy from Carousel.
The second act was a fine celebration of patriotism and community. The audience, orchestra, BBC Singers and BBC Symphony Chorus joined together for a number of classic Last Night of the Proms pieces including Jerusalem and Auld Lang Syne, all of which were rousing and left the audience elated as the Proms came to a close and we all left the Royal Albert Hall for another year.
Debut work, Songs of Darkness, Dreams of Light by Roxanna Panufnik is a moving ten minute piece which brings together opposing religions and cultures and was especially exciting to witness. Of the various French and English choral pieces, a stand out was definitely Charles Villiers Stanford's The Blue Bird, performed expertly by the BBC Singers and causing the rambunctious audience to be in pin drop silence for its entirety.
Saxophonist Jess Gillam provided energy, glitz and talent in equal measure through her performances of Scaramouche and a selection of World War One songs arranged by Anne Dudley. Gerald Finley also gave dominant performances of Stanford's Songs of the Sea and the vast Soliloquy from Carousel.
The second act was a fine celebration of patriotism and community. The audience, orchestra, BBC Singers and BBC Symphony Chorus joined together for a number of classic Last Night of the Proms pieces including Jerusalem and Auld Lang Syne, all of which were rousing and left the audience elated as the Proms came to a close and we all left the Royal Albert Hall for another year.
Sunday, 26 August 2018
On The Town (Prom 57), Royal Albert Hall | Review
Prom 57: On The Town (BBC Proms)
Royal Albert Hall
Reviewed on Saturday 25th August 2018 by Olivia Mitchell
★★★★
What better way to celebrate what would have been Bernstein's 100th birthday, than at the Royal Albert Hall with a glorious performance of On The Town?! Written in 1944 with Adolph Green, Jerome Robbins and Betty Comden, this show is a light-hearted look at love which takes place over 24 hours in New York and is accompanied by beautifully woven music.
The plot follows three sailors who are in the Big Apple for one day only. Their time soon becomes commanded by some humourous, strong, powerful women who provide a larger than life experience. Each character is memorable and brilliantly performed by the stellar cast which celebrates some of the best the West End theatre scene has to offer.
Each cast member came at their roles with vigour and embraced both the humour and more nuanced moments, fantastically. Whilst the humour is repetitive at times, it was very well pulled off, with well timed motifs remaining humourous instead of grating, especially the entrances of Pitkin (Barnaby Rea) whilst his fiancé Claire (Celinde Schoenmaker) and Ozzie (Nadim Naaman) were getting closer and closer.
Nathaniel Hackmann's smooth vocals were especially striking as the lovestruck Gabey, whilst Siena Kelly was perfectly flirty and humourous as Miss Turnstiles, Ivy Smith. Claire Moore was equally witty as drunken singing teacher, Madame Dilly, and earned several laughs from the audience.
Whilst the entire leading cast were extremely strong, it was Come Up To My Place, a back-and-forth duet by Hildy (Louise Dearman) and Chip (Fra Fee) which provided the most memorable scene of the night.
This very simplistic concert, whilst beautifully staged by Martin Duncan, with basic projections and innovative prop usage, really just highlighted how stunning the score of On The Town is. The music has wit and sharpness embedded in it which brings the story to life without a need for dramatic sets and scene changes.
John Wilson brought the vivid score to life, conducting the London Symphony Orchestra with energy and bringing out flawless sounds. The varied musical sections showcased the adaptability and versatility of the orchestra and really evoked feelings of the golden age.
The full-house of the Royal Albert Hall were treated to a truly spectacular performance which you would be a fool to miss on BBC catch up! Full of joy and life, watching On The Town was a joyous experience.
photo credit: Mark Allan
Monday, 13 August 2018
West Side Story (Prom 39), Royal Albert Hall | Review
Prom 39: West Side Story (BBC Proms)
Royal Albert Hall
Reviewed on Saturday 11th August 2018 by Olivia Mitchell
★★★★
At 61 years old, West Side Story remains one of the most well-loved and socially relevant musicals. Following the rivalry between the Jets and the Sharks and a forbidden love between Maria and Tony, it's a beautiful and heartbreaking story about the strength of love. The score was performed by a wonderful cast and the outstanding John Wilson Orchestra, but the omission of the majority of the text did dim the impact slightly. Following the narrative was a little difficult and some of the key characters were sidelined without their text but it was still a stunning performance.
The concert provided a reminder of the phenomenal way Bernstein contrasts musical styles and completely makes his own rules as he combines classical and contemporary music with exceptional effect. Tricky time signatures, scotch-snap rhythms, syncopation and chromatic notes are just some aspects which were played so wonderfully by the John Wilson Orchestra which Wilson conducted himself. The intensity and passion which they played with transferred to the audience and created some magical moments.
Our leads, Tony and Maria were played by the exceptionally talented Ross Lekites and Mikaela Bennett. Mikaela portrayed Maria's excited, fresh love with humour and warmth before bringing her heartbreak to life with honest pain. She was also vocally stunning with her pure operatic sound providing power which drew you to the character and worked wonderfully alongside Lekites' smooth, strong voice that flowed with flawless abandon.
Louise Alder performed Somewhere in a hauntingly beautiful way and was a certain highlight of the night. Eden Espinosa was vocally and physically fiery as Anita and gave a truly memorable performance of America alongside the vocally stunning Emma Kingston. Leo Roberts' Riff was notably strong, especially during his performance of Cool.
The concert provided a reminder of the phenomenal way Bernstein contrasts musical styles and completely makes his own rules as he combines classical and contemporary music with exceptional effect. Tricky time signatures, scotch-snap rhythms, syncopation and chromatic notes are just some aspects which were played so wonderfully by the John Wilson Orchestra which Wilson conducted himself. The intensity and passion which they played with transferred to the audience and created some magical moments.
Our leads, Tony and Maria were played by the exceptionally talented Ross Lekites and Mikaela Bennett. Mikaela portrayed Maria's excited, fresh love with humour and warmth before bringing her heartbreak to life with honest pain. She was also vocally stunning with her pure operatic sound providing power which drew you to the character and worked wonderfully alongside Lekites' smooth, strong voice that flowed with flawless abandon.
Louise Alder performed Somewhere in a hauntingly beautiful way and was a certain highlight of the night. Eden Espinosa was vocally and physically fiery as Anita and gave a truly memorable performance of America alongside the vocally stunning Emma Kingston. Leo Roberts' Riff was notably strong, especially during his performance of Cool.
The ensemble brought the two gangs to life, with Alistair Brammer, Jocasta Almgill and Michael Coulbourne standing out. The ArtsEd ensemble and Mountview choir added extra oomph, especially during their brief interactions with the performers on stage.
From the rapturous applause it was clear that Bernstein's score, performed by a stellar cast is a surefire way to entertain an audience. West Side Story is a beauty and it was truly glorious to see it performed in this well-rounded Proms version.
The BBC Proms continue until 8th September 2018
photo credit: Chris Christodolou
photo credit: Chris Christodolou
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