BBC Proms 2011: The Briefing

Mouth-watering prospectus promises both youth and choral blockbusters

by David NiceSaturday, 16 April 2011

In 2010, the prospectus didn't excite but the concerts turned out better than ever. "Let's hope it's not the other way round this year," commented Proms Director and Radio 3 Controller Roger Wright on Thursday afternoon as we milled around with our tea and biscuits under the eaves of the Royal College following a very jolly press briefing. For what's on offer looks, this time, very promising indeed, to me at any rate. (See theartsdesk's full listings.}

The ultimate Albert Hall blockbuster this year is Havergal Brian's "Gothic" Symphony - this is indeed where the colosseum of Albertopolis comes into its own

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Permalink Submitted by HH (not verified) on Sun, 17/04/2011 - 16:58

Without wishing in any way to diss the Proms, I'd say that 4-euro standing places at the at the back of the stalls in the Vienna State Opera surely take the prize for 'best bargain in the whole world of quality music-making'. Ok, now I'll 'shut up, look forward and enjoy'...

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Permalink Submitted by David Nice on Wed, 27/04/2011 - 09:32

Fair enough, HH, and how I benefited from them on a student interail holiday. But that's still the back, isn't it? Here we're talking the only decent place to be in the Albert Hall, plum stalls position. Even if I have a seat I often wander down into the Arena for a second half and usually enjoy myself much more. As for the season ticket - yes, I had a half-season all those years ago - the nice people at the Proms office have kindly computed for us that it works out at £2.57 a concert.

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