BBC Proms is making its down under debut in 2016, the first time a Proms has been held outside its UK home. Spread over four days from 13 to 16 April at Arts Centre Melbourne, it will also be the first time that orchestras from Sydney, Melbourne and Queensland have played together on the same programme.
‘BBC Worldwide prides itself on showcasing the best of British across the globe,’ said BBC Worldwide CEO Tim Davie. ‘BBC Proms Australia is another wonderful addition to our successful live events portfolio.’
Five Proms are scheduled, including a matinee on the 16th, with work by Gershwin, Bernstein and Berlioz featured.
An array of top musical talent has been assembled for the concerts. Melbourne Symphony Orchestra’s chief conductor Sir Andrew Davis will take the podium, along with Queensland Symphony Orchestra’s (QSO) newly appointed music director Alondra de la Parra. Soloists include cellist Laura van der Heijden, pianist Sergio Tiempo as well as Australian beatboxer Tom Thum.
BBC Proms Australia will also include a Life Story prom, based on the television series of the same name narrated by David Attenborough. It will feature QSO performing sections of Murray Gold’s original score, accompanied by footage from the nature documentary itself.
Meanwhile Sydney Youth Orchestra will perform a concert aimed at 2-6 year olds titled Classics for Kids. The performance will be narrated by music educator John Ockwell and features the work of Haydn and Mozart. CBeebies will present the show, which includes interactive elements designed to engage young kids with classical music.
BBC Proms is in its 121st year, with over 300,000 people attending its 88 concerts in 2015. A limited number of AUD20 (€13) tickets will be made available for sale on the door at the Australian concerts.
