Prom 13: Holst – The Planets (27.07.15)

[Stanfordian]

Was there last night, it's the second time this season I'm seen a crying child having to be whisked out quickly by the parents (happened in Prom 1). Also had a American family with young children sitting behind us who thought they were at the movies, munching at popcorn, rustling sweet bags, constantly shuffling around and talking. Think the RAH should consider raising the lower age limit to at least 8 years old for the Proms unless it's a specific concert for children. I don't blame the children who are either tired or don't want to sit still for an hour or so (or be at the concert!), but the RAH needs to ensure people buying children's tickets are reminded the environment for a classical concert is much quieter than pop concerts, cinemas etc. Hoping for a quieter night tonight.

Hiya jbareham,

I could not agree more as from my experience most children are often fed up even before the music starts, spending a restless/stressful time fidgeting, whispering/talking and kicking the seat in front etc. and generally annoying some poor so and so’s who have been unfortunate enough to sit in nearby seats. Many people write in defence of taking children to concerts but I believe young children would be far better off attending specialist children’s concerts with their friends or in school groups. Anyone who has paid for a seat has the right to watch and listen to the performance without their experience being disrupted by any child and adult for that matter. I wince in trepidation when I see young children taken to Mahler concerts and I've seen a few at performances of the extremely lengthy symphonies No's 2 and 3. It must be an unpleasant experience for everyone concerned, the children, the parents and those sat nearby.

Adult behaviour can be just as bad in concerts and theatres apart from generally talking the worst thing an its increasing is looking at i-phones and shining the LED so it can be easily seen shing into poeple's faces which is especially annoying in darkened cinemas.

[Simon Biazeck]

She was indeed, wasn't she!!?

We need more female conductors

Indeed! I find it hard to believe she hasn't taken up the conductorship of this orchestra, but then she's so good, perhaps she's just not interested in a full time post. We'll see, I suppose.

I never tire of The Planets. I was struck this time by the extraordinary economy in Saturn. Remarkable control in spinning out those few ideas across such a large orchestra and for that duration. The suite overall is so seminal and influential, it feels like we have heard it in so many guises, but here, as ever, I had the feeling that I was listening to THE SOURCE!

Were you in the arena? I saw it live there some years ago in a private balcony box (ooh err!) courtesy of a friend with wealthy in-laws. It was very much on the side and not entirely satisfactory, although the BBC Welsh were terrific. A little bit like a concert going on somewhere down a road to one's left and then traveling past! Yes, that's the RAH! Sonically, my most enjoyable experiences there have been (centrally) in the amphitheatre.

[Beef Oven!]

Indeed! I find it hard to believe she hasn't taken up the conductorship of this orchestra, but then she's so good, perhaps she's just not interested in a full time post. We'll see, I suppose.

I never tire of The Planets. I was struck this time by the extraordinary economy in Saturn. Remarkable control in spinning out those few ideas across such a large orchestra and for that duration. The suite overall is so seminal and influential, it feels like we have heard it in so many guises, but here, as ever, I had the feeling that I was listening to THE SOURCE!

Were you in the arena? I saw it live there in a private balcony box (ooh err!) courtesy of a friend with wealthy in-laws. It was very much on the side and not entirely satisfactory, although the BBC Welsh were terrific. A little bit like a concert going on somewhere down a road to one's left and then traveling past! Yes, that's the RAH! Sonically, my most enjoyable experiences there have been (centrally) in the amphitheatre.

Yes, I was in the arena, in about the first 25% from the stage.

I used to mix promming and seats, but these days I just prom it in the arena - not keen on the gallery.

[Cockney Sparrow]

but then she's so good, perhaps she's just not interested in a full time post.......

although the BBC Welsh were terrific.

Agree about Malkki. Perhaps like Bychkov, interested in doing what they agree to, rather than committing to a fuller number of engagements, etc

Not wanting to be picky (and without checking every post here, to check your intentions) but just to say it was BBCSO.

[Simon Biazeck]

Agree about Malkki. Perhaps like Bychkov, interested in doing what they agree to, rather than committing to a fuller number of engagements, etc

Not wanting to be picky (and without checking every post here, to check your intentions) but just to say it was BBCSO.

Yes, I was talking about a previous concert some years ago, not the present one.

[Cockney Sparrow]

Yes, I was talking about a previous concert some years ago, not the present one.

Of course, its page 5. When will I learn - in the way of these things, its about something else now.....

[ucanseetheend]

Good but Neptune production on TV spoilt by..

...no cameras for the singers, presumably in the Gallery( how pathetic) and who takes very young children, almost a baby, to this sort of concert , or to any concert for that matter. Inconsiderate parents extend to classical music audiences as well as everything else these days.

[Petrushka]

...no cameras for the singers, presumably in the Gallery( how pathetic) and who takes very young children, almost a baby, to this sort of concert , or to any concert for that matter. Inconsiderate parents extend to classical music audiences as well as everything else these days.

Can I repeat my message 29?

'Children under 5 are not allowed in the auditorium out of consideration for both audience and artists... Proms Guide page 166.

It's about time that the Albert Hall stewards enforced this sensible ruling for precisely the reasons stated.



It is there in the conditions of having admission to the hall. The stewards have the authority to refuse admission. They should do so.

[Sir Velo]

Can I repeat my message 29?

'Children under 5 are not allowed in the auditorium out of consideration for both audience and artists... Proms Guide page 166.

Someone's missed the "1" from before the "5".

[Petrushka]

Someone's missed the "1" from before the "5".

I was present at a 1993 Prom in which Kurt Masur conducted the Schubert 8 and Bruckner 4, as demanding a programme for children as you could get. Imagine my horror to find the seats next to me occupied by a mother and her two children aged, I would guess, at around 7 or 8. I needn't have worried. They sat perfectly still throughout and listened to the music without the slightest murmur or fidget.

[MrGongGong]

Someone's missed the "1" from before the "5".

After?

[makropulos]

Someone's missed the "1" from before the "5".

I certainly hope not! I was first taken to a Prom when I was 12 (Beethoven 9, in 1969), went to several the following year, and a good many more in years that followed. Eventually I got a season ticket when I was 17. I discovered plenty of friends who did similarly, so I certainly wasn't the only teenager who got the habit young in those years.

[BBMmk2]

Is it worth hearing?