There’s no blow-out in classical music like the last night of the BBC’s promenade concerts, starring the BBC Symphony Orchestra and Chorus in the cylindrical, 5,272-seat Royal Albert Hall, named for Queen Victoria’s Prince Consort. (What’s a “promenade” concert? One in which the central round functions as a mosh pit, standing room only, tix sold on the day.) This year’s guest artists are the British star pianist and polymath Sir Stephen Hough and America’s luminous soprano Angel Blue, whose bonbons for the occasion include ”O mio babbino caro.” Sakari Oramo conducts. Can’t make it? Can’t score a ticket? Never mind! Broadcasts and live streams bring the party to the world, with live feeds from open-air stadium-style watch parties all over the land beaming back to the mother ship. In the hall, fancy-dress of the wildest variety is routine, the colonial rallying cry “Rule, Britannia!” from the guest vocalist is the showstopper (how long can that continue?), and singing along with “Jerusalem” is de rigueur. —Matthew Gurewitsch
The Arts Intel Report
A Cultural Compass
For the World Traveler
For the World Traveler
A Cultural Compass
For the World Traveler
Prom 73: Last Night of the Proms 2024
![](https://photos.airmail.news/vz0fg1q1shhzznbxfhu5hsx9uzpo-dfd58a79defb3a8f894c23628d8ed4bb.jpg)
Inside Royal Albert Hall, in London.
When
September 14, 2024
Where
Royal Albert Hall, Imperial College Rd, Kensington, London SW7 2AP, UK
Etc
Photo: © Andy Paradise