The Proms are a summer tradition at London’s Royal Albert Hall, featuring a wide range of classical concerts. Most people know the flag-waving finale of the ‘Last Night of the Proms’, but there’s so much more to the season, with a surprising variety of musical genres.
Seated tickets to a prom are expensive. However, there’s an alternative! Promming is the tradition of standing in the arena or gallery. It only costs £8 per ticket, considerably cheaper than a seat. Aside from standing for a couple of hours, the downside is you can only buy the ticket on the morning of the prom. It’s a bargain but if you want a guaranteed ticket it’s probably best to book a seat.
I attended the matinee ‘Traitors Prom’, a tie-in to the TV programme of the same name which promised music from the show and inspired by it. I’ve never seen The Traitors so this choice was a leap of faith, only chosen because it was on a day I was available.
I arrived about 30 minutes before the prom started, and made my way up four flights of stairs to the gallery. Early arrivals had already bagged their floor space at the front of the balcony. However it was easy to squeeze in and get a space. As the gallery is high up you get a great view down to the stage. However, I imagine the arena standing area offers more of an atmosphere.
The prom was presented by Claudia Winkleman, the host of the TV show. The Traitors theme ran throughout the afternoon with ex-traitors emerging from the choir and orchestra, Claudia wafting around in a dark cloak, video clips from the programme and performers mingling with the arena audience. It definitely wasn’t your average prom!
The music was provided by the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra and the BBC Singers. Along with special guests, such as opera singer Andrés Presno, who sang part of Puccini’s Tosca.
Despite the orchestra, the music was less classical and more pop than I’d expected. Britney Spears’ ‘Toxic’ and Oliva Rodrigo’s ‘Vampire’ were given the orchestra treatment. And although I don’t watch the show I loved listening to the theme tune, composed by Sam Watts. There were also brief excerpts from Beethoven, Mozart and Tchaikovsky classics. However, my favourite piece was O Fortuna from Carmina burana.
Considering that the original aim of the Proms was to make classical music more accessible, it certainly succeeded. I will definitely go again. After all, where else can you have this much enjoyment for £8!
Challenge complete
Challenge completed. Pop over to read the full list of my 60 things to do before I’m 60.