First Prom of the Year - some observations and questions

[Guest]

Morning all,

My first Prom of the year was yesterday, the fantastic experience of Verdi's Requiem at a sold out Royal Albert Hall. Described to my friend as "A hitherto unsurpassed level of epicness."

I noticed some things while I was there that I would like to ask about...firstly the building work on the hall. This took me by surprise somewhat, all that scaffolding and plastic sheeting adorning the front entrance to the hall. Presumably this has restricted the number of "outside shots" used for broadcast purposes...no bad thing actually, I hate the "intro from outside" section they do on televised proms! It also explains why Benjamin Grovesnor and the other soloists used for the Proms Launch performed round the back of the hall. I have heard nothing of this building work (perhaps due to my own ignorance) but was wondering whether anyone knows if it is a long term measure or not?

I was also wondering about programmes, my next Prom is the Gustav Mahler Jugendorchester, followed by Marc-André Hamelin's late night Liszt Tribute. Will there be two seperate programmes to buy for this concert, does anyone know?

I'll probably think of some other questions but I am currently sleep deprived, and the Verdi kind of knocked me sideways (thoughts not far from Norway throughout the performance...)

Thanks in advance for any info provided!

[Lee McLernon]

Morning all,

My first Prom of the year was yesterday, the fantastic experience of Verdi's Requiem at a sold out Royal Albert Hall. Described to my friend as "A hitherto unsurpassed level of epicness."

I noticed some things while I was there that I would like to ask about...firstly the building work on the hall. This took me by surprise somewhat, all that scaffolding and plastic sheeting adorning the front entrance to the hall. Presumably this has restricted the number of "outside shots" used for broadcast purposes...no bad thing actually, I hate the "intro from outside" section they do on televised proms! It also explains why Benjamin Grovesnor and the other soloists used for the Proms Launch performed round the back of the hall. I have heard nothing of this building work (perhaps due to my own ignorance) but was wondering whether anyone knows if it is a long term measure or not?

I was also wondering about programmes, my next Prom is the Gustav Mahler Jugendorchester, followed by Marc-André Hamelin's late night Liszt Tribute. Will there be two seperate programmes to buy for this concert, does anyone know?

I'm glad you enjoyed your first Prom; first of many I hope!

The scaffolding is at the rear (south) of the hall. The main entrance is door 6 on other side (north) of the building. What is now door 12 (and is covered in scaffolding) is an extension built early 21st century; before that the south side of the building did not have a porch or carriage drive at all (i.e. it was a continuation of the curved wall). Early September 2010, some masonary fell from the south porch and this is the reason for the scaffolding. We don't know how long it will take for the remedial work to be completed, but once it is I'm sure the scaffolding will be removed.

The programmes cover one Prom each, so if you're attending two Proms in one evening, there will be two separate programmes.

[David Underdown]

Both programmed are usually available for purchase together in the shop at Door 12 prior to the first concert. The sale points inside the hall usually only have one at a time

[Kuhlau]

Thanks David and Lee for your response, much appreciated, certainly cleared my queries up! Alas, not the first of many, but at least I have 3 more to look forward to! :)