Ah, Sweet Sounds Of Summer!

So, high summer is once more flavoured by the tasty melodies and luxurious harmonies of the BBC Proms wafting from the portals of the Royal Albert Hall.

While the overall popularity of the series continues to go from strength to strength, it’s interesting to take a quick look at which concerts have been this year’s hot spots, so far...

Prommers camped out overnight before Gustav Dudamel’s hugely anticipated appearance with the exuberant Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra – and tickets for the Horrible Histories Prom sold out incredibly quickly, proving that orchestral music in grand venues is something that can appeal to youngsters and their families, on any number of educational and musical levels. The Bolivar orchestra has been a Prommers’ favourite ever since they made their first, sensational appearance in 2007, prompting the Daily Telegraph to ask: ‘Was this the greatest Prom of all time?’ The sheer pleasure of music making is one that is readily conveyed to listeners and that pleasure is clearly intensified when young players have free and equal access to a musical education, as these young players from Venezuela have.

The decision to present a series of great choral works has been a master stroke this year. The fastest selling (seats) have been for performances of Verdi’s Requiem and Havergal Brian’s epic Gothic Symphony, the latter a rarity in performance due to the gargantuan performing resources called for. Hooray for Hollywood (29 August) and Charles Dutoit’s appearance with the Philadelphia Orchestra on 8 September have both benefited from huge pre-sales, but it’s worth reminding music lovers that this only refers to seated tickets. Up to 1,400 £5 standing tickets are available on the day for every concert.

Look out for the Audience Choice Prom on 2 September. The Budapest Symphony Orchestra will be inviting members of the family audience to choose what they would like to hear, from the orchestra’s huge repertoire. Then, of course, we can look forward to the Last Night celebrations on 10 September, boosted by the Proms in the Park event in Hyde Park. With artists ranging from Katherine Jenkins and Russell Watson through to Westlife and Deacon Blue, there should be something for every taste.

Chris Wood is resident composer with Guest House Opera and editor of Epsom, Sutton and Cheam Time & Leisure.

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