Excitement certainly abounds in our office when the BBC Proms programme is announced. This year was no different, from Joyce DiDinato closing the season, Marin Alsop becoming the first female conductor to lead the Last Night of the Proms, to a number of our clients performing in this year’s lineup.

Another great asset to this year’s Proms was the inclusion of new commissions, along with more national and world premieres in the programme. Whilst it is still less than 20% of the Proms that include new commissions, it is still a fantastic effort by the BBC to bring new works to a new, and very wide, audience. We hope that this number continues to grow in future!

This year’s BBC Commissions include works by Julian Anderson, Frederic Rzewski, John McCabe and Charlotte Seither. A definite highlight of the Proms will be the BBC co-commission of Mark-Anthony Turnage, with the Royal Philharmonic Society and New York Philharmonic: Frieze in Prom 38.

One of the 8 UK premieres this year is Colin Matthews’ Turning Point in Prom 21, performed by the BBC National Orchestra of Wales under the baton of Thomas Søndergård, in his Proms debut. Also appearing in this Prom is violinist Daniel Hope, who is playing Prokofiev’s Violin Concerto No. 2.

Daniel Harding conducts works by Mozart, Schumann and Sibelius at Prom 23 with the Mahler Chamber Orchestra, while pianist Anika Vavic makes her Proms debut at Prom 64 with the London Philharmonic Orchestra and Vladimir Jurowski, also performing Prokofiev.

Prom 19 is a performance of Wagner’s Tristan and Isolde including tenor Andrew Staples with the BBC Singers, BBC Symphony Chorus and BBC Symphony Orchestra.

We salute all of these great performers with a ‘Toi toi toi!’ and look forward to the summer and another great year of BBC Proms programming.

(Written on April 18, 2013 )

With the grand final of the Choir of the Year competition fast approaching, WildKat PR is getting into the vocal spirit! We’ve come up with a selection of not-to-be-missed vocal and choral concerts which are taking place in London in the next couple of weeks.

What? South American connections: Music by South American composers and their European contemporaries

Where? Wigmore Hall

When? Thursday 25th November, 7.30pm

The celebrated Colombian soprano Juanita Lascarro joins the Academy of Ancient Music in a concert which features some fascinating vocal music.  The contrast between national styles will be explored in this programme of 18^th Century South American and European works, including music by Lobo de Mesquita, Zipoli and Torrejón y Velasco.  Ticket prices range from £18 to £32.  If you buy two or more tickets for this concert, you will receive the Wigmore Hall Live’s Academy of Ancient Music CD absolutely free of charge!

Where? Barbican Hall

When? Friday 26th November, 7.00pm

Oliver Knussen conducts the BBC Symphony Orchestra and Chorus in this exciting concert of choral works inspired by the 19^th Century poet Emily Dickinson, which features two exciting premieres.  The concert will open with the European premiere of Sean Shepherd’s orchestral showpiece ‘Wanderlust’.  This will be followed by Copland’s ‘Eight poems of Emily Dickinson’ featuring the soloist Clare Booth.  Finally, Susan Bickley will appear as the soloist in the world premiere of the revised version of Julian Anderson’s ‘Heaven is Shy of Earth’, a work praised by the Guardian for evoking a ‘shimmering soundworld’.  Ticket prices range from £8 to £24.  Ticket holders are also invited to attend a pre-concert talk in the Fountain Room at 6pm. Since places are limited for this event, it’s a good idea to arrive early to avoid disappointment.

Where? Christ Church Spitalfiels

When? Friday 3rd December 2010 19:00

Nonsuch Singers, described by The Times as “one of London’s best chamber choirs”, has a reputation for innovative programmes, high-quality singing and communicative performances. The choir’s considerable repertoire encompasses a cappella and accompanied works from the Renaissance to the present day, and the choir performs regularly with many of the UK’s leading period instrumental ensembles and finest young vocal soloists. In an intimate venue, this performance sees the choir performing the epic Handel’s Messiah.

Where? Crispin Place, Spitalfields E1

When? Tuesday 14th December 12:30pm – FREE EVENT!

This event is going to be an extremely friendly concert with a young, vibrant feel. Join 120 young musicians from Harry Gosling, Hague, Virginia and Shapla primary schools to celebrate the inauguration of Tower Voices. Together with Spitalfields Singers and THAMES Saturday Music Centre Community Choir, enjoy the sounds of winter in this celebration of all things shimmering and frosty. Come and watch for a FREE lunchtime concert!

(Written on November 22, 2010 )