Prom 75 - 7.09.13: Last Night of the Proms

[salymap]

Mind you, I found the Sargent Last Night speeches terribly/boring/embarrassing, but he could control the audience well.

And the first half usually had some substantial items. Ah well, things move on

[Prommer]

I see Alsop is in charge. Whatever would Maestro Petrenko say? I suppose that because she has a female partner, at least the men in the orchestra won't be put off by her sexual energy since she won't be 'radiating' any in their direction. But what about the poor defenceless women of the BBCSO? How ever will they concentrate?

[Ferretfancy]

It's interesting that a large proportion of Prommers, those who have stood in the Arena for many nights, never go to the Last Night.This applies equally to season ticket holders who are entitled to go. In spite of the fact that they are supposed to be guaranteed entry, there is a complicated rigmarole with roll calls and name checks, and you still have to be there for hours beforehand.

What actually happens is that a big slice of the Arena audience are people who by hook or by crook have secured tickets, these are the fancy dress enthusiasts and bull horn virtuosi. Personally, I loath all the fake patriotics and flag waving. The last time I did go, it was partly because Andreas Scholl was singing Handel in the first half. This year's offerings seem to have reached a new low, just a ragbag of snippets.

[french frank]

Ditto here.

Roger Wright doesn't know what the heck to do with the Last Night, never has, and it's gradually slipping into something indistinguishable from Proms in the Park intro by Wogan on R2. Which will be jollier to be honest. Mish-mash is spot on.

It would be interesting to have a musical profile of people who go to enough Proms concerts to get tickets for the Last Night, and who want to go (for the musical programme, rather than the end of term party). But I suppose with all the lighter/non classical concerts gradually building up in number, there will be people who will be able to clock up the required number of attendances.

[salymap]

I've walked out of one or two last nights - even years ago they could drag and the sillyness get - well, boring. We had a pass in most jobs so no loss financially.

[Pabmusic]

A Programme that makes me truly pleased that I won't be there.

[Flay]

The Last Night is no longer about the music. It's the bling that counts:

http://www.thesundaytimes.co.uk/sto/news/uk_news/Arts/article1308061.ece

[jean]

The one time I went, I was in the BBC box. We did not wave flags; we looked down with a superior air on those who did.

(The person I knew at whose invitation I was there was not announcing that evening, but had to be on hand in case something happened to the far higher-profile person who would be appearing on TV. Can't even remember the high-profile person's name now. It was some time in the 1980s.)

[VodkaDilc]

The Last Night is no longer about the music. It's the bling that counts:

http://www.thesundaytimes.co.uk/sto/...cle1308061.ece

Another reason to avoid it. I've just realised I clicked on that link and visited the Sunday Times site. I thought Mr Murdoch charged for looking.

[VodkaDilc]

The one time I went, I was in the BBC box. We did not wave flags; we looked down with a superior air on those who did.

(The person I knew at whose invitation I was there was not announcing that evening, but had to be on hand in case something happened to the far higher-profile person who would be appearing on TV. Can't even remember the high-profile person's name now. It was some time in the 1980s.)

Was Richard Baker still going then? Or possibly the gardener man.

[jean]

Yes, it was Richard Baker.

[VodkaDilc]

Yes, it was Richard Baker.

I used to be indignant that all the wonderful R3 announcers of that era (Crowe, Scotland, Hughes, etc) were pushed aside for the last night.

[Flay]

I've just realised I clicked on that link and visited the Sunday Times site. I thought Mr Murdoch charged for looking.

It was only the first paragraph or so of the article. The rest was mercifully obscured from the non-subscriber's view.

I cannot understand why jewellery should be of any relevance to a musical event. It is an unnecessary distraction. No doubt the TV will focus on it and discuss it in great detail.

[jean]

...all the wonderful R3 announcers of that era (Crowe, Scotland, Hughes, etc)...

This one is still using his perfect diction to play buttoned-up civil servants and such....

[LHC]

I see Alsop is in charge. Whatever would Maestro Petrenko say?

As he mentioned her specifically in his retraction as a conductor who he admires, I imagine he would wish her well.