Last Night of the Proms

Last Night of the Proms is the concluding concert of the annual BBC Proms summer season of orchestral music. Held at the Royal Albert Hall in London, it is renowned for its festive, patriotic atmosphere and a set of traditional musical pieces. The event is broadcast live across the United Kingdom on BBC Radio 3 and BBC One, and to many countries worldwide via the BBC World Service.

History and origins

The tradition originated with the final concert of the first Promenade concert season in 1895, founded by impresario Robert Newman and conductor Henry Wood. Initially held at the Queen's Hall, the early "last nights" were light-hearted affairs but lacked the structured patriotic format known today. The event moved permanently to the Royal Albert Hall after the Queen's Hall was destroyed in the Blitz of 1941. Under the stewardship of the BBC, which took over the Proms in 1927, the Last Night gradually evolved its distinctive character, particularly in the post-war era under conductors like Malcolm Sargent.

Format and traditions

The concert is traditionally split into two distinct halves. The first half features serious classical works, often including a concerto or a major symphonic piece. Following an interval, the second half is devoted to lighter, patriotic fare. Key rituals include the audience singing along to Rule, Britannia! and Jerusalem, and the waving of Union Flags. The conductor delivers a humorous speech from the podium, a tradition solidified by Malcolm Sargent. Attendees often wear elaborate costumes and hats, contributing to the carnival-like atmosphere within the Royal Albert Hall.

Music and repertoire

The core repertoire of the second half is remarkably consistent, anchored by Hubert Parry's Jerusalem, Thomas Arne's Rule, Britannia! (usually with a soloist from the Royal Opera House), and Edward Elgar's Land of Hope and Glory. The concert invariably concludes with Henry Wood's Fantasia on British Sea Songs and the national anthem, God Save the King. The first half program is more varied, having featured works by composers from Ludwig van Beethoven and Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky to contemporary figures like Judith Weir, the former Master of the King's Music.

Broadcast and audience

The event is a major broadcast occasion for the BBC, with television coverage presented from the Royal Albert Hall. It is simulcast on BBC Radio 3 and the BBC World Service, reaching a global audience estimated in the tens of millions. A large outdoor Proms in the Park event, formerly held in Hyde Park and now in Battersea Park, runs concurrently, featuring pop and classical acts. The Last Night is also relayed to big screens in venues across the United Kingdom, including Belfast, Glasgow, and Swansea.

Cultural significance and controversies

The Last Night is viewed as a significant national cultural event, celebrating British music and communal singing. However, its overt displays of patriotism have periodically sparked debate. Critics have associated it with jingoism and imperialism, leading the BBC to occasionally modify elements, such as omitting verses from Rule, Britannia!. Discussions about the event's symbolism have intensified during periods like the Brexit negotiations and following the death of Queen Elizabeth II. Despite this, it remains a resilient institution, with conductors like Dalia Stasevska and Marin Alsop bringing fresh perspectives to the podium.

Category:BBC television programmes Category:Classical music in London Category:Recurring events established in 1895