Proms 2018

[greenilex]

Perhaps we should have a Russian music year to improve cultural relations?

[pureimagination]

To continue ferneyhoughgeliebtes reference to glasses 3/4 full to 1/4 empty I wouldn't go into a bar and order one of everything, but would choose something I like or take a chance and try something new ending up relishing or ruing my decision. I suggest the Proms for most people are a bit like that. The decision to go to a Prom and/or to listen to it is a personal choice but as I said in my original post there are over 70+ Proms (plus surrounding events to choose from) - no one is expecting that you should attend all or indeed enjoy all.

[ferneyhoughgeliebte]

To continue ferneyhoughgeliebtes reference to glasses 3/4 full to 1/4 empty I wouldn't go into a bar and order one of everything, but would choose something I like or take a chance and try something new ending up relishing or ruing my decision. I suggest the Proms for most people are a bit like that. The decision to go to a Prom and/or to listen to it is a personal choice but as I said in my original post there are over 70+ Proms (plus surrounding events to choose from) - no one is expecting that you should attend all or indeed enjoy all.

Just as well! As I said in an earlier post, there are about half-a-dozen concerts that I shall look forward to tuning in to - but there's nothing that makes me want to go through the hassle of public transport/accommodation fees to get to; not a single concert. For something that describes itself as "the World's Greatest Music Festival" to come up with yet another season so mundane, unadventurous, and restricted seems like a contravention of the Trades Description Act. Like the Chelsea Flower Show with only roses on show.

[MrGongGong]

Perhaps we should have a Russian music year to improve cultural relations?

Good plan
Starting with this maybe?

[Serial_Apologist]

it won't appeal to lots and lost of 'ordinary people'.

Nice Freudian slip-of-the keyboard there, ff!

[french frank]

Nice Freudian slip-of-the keyboard there, ff!

and again.

[pureimagination]

'"...mundane, unadventurous, and restricted..." Are you also proclaiming this of the artists/performers/orchestras/conductors ferneyhoughgeliebte?

[ferneyhoughgeliebte]

'"...mundane, unadventurous, and restricted..." Are you also proclaiming this of the artists/performers/orchestras/conductors ferneyhoughgeliebte?

Well, I wasn't at the time ... but you're right: there's also a lot of the "same old same old" people involved again this year. That's a possible reason why the repertory is also so unimaginative.

[pureimagination]

If you were describing the Queen's recent birthday concert, ferneyhoughgeliebte, then I would probably agree with you. I would be interested to hear your suggestions (and others) as to what would you would include if you were organising the Proms next year.

[Serial_Apologist]

If you were describing the Queen's recent birthday concert, ferneyhoughgeliebte, then I would probably agree with you. I would be interested to hear your suggestions (and others) as to what would you would include if you were organising the Proms next year.

How much will you pay us?

[pureimagination]

Do those who agree with ferneyhoughgeliebtes opinion that the Proms are '"...mundane, unadventurous, and restricted..." also believe this to be true of other venues/events and of the major orchestras? Is this purely a personal perception with the Proms or would those most critical of the Proms say that of also the Barbican/Southbank/ROH/Wigmore Hall (yes I know they are all London venues) but I'm trying to gauge where or who the doubters believe The Proms could learn from. I'm not against criticism but would prefer suggestions/?solutions to accompany it.

I would gladly organise a Prom season for nothing provided I had a free seat.

[vinteuil]

If you were describing the Queen's recent birthday concert, ferneyhoughgeliebte, then I would probably agree with you. I would be interested to hear your suggestions (and others) as to what would you would include if you were organising the Proms next year.

... well, I would like to have more music pre-1750 and post-1950.

Let's be bold - let us have one year with no music composed between 1750 and 1950....




.

[teamsaint]

The generally unadventurous programming at the core of the concert hall programmes at places such as the RFH, Barbican, as well as provincial halls speaks volumes about the way that public subsidy is currently constructed.
I don’t think much will change without brave voices from inside the industry. But of course the most influential voices in the business tend to receive most of that public subsidy.

[french frank]

I wonder if they are afraid of a half full hall ,and how that might look, as well as revenue implications.
There is plenty of mainstream Classical repertoire that wouldn't look particularly " elitist " EG Honegger, Martinu, Malcolm Arnold that hasn't had any sort of Proms coverage of note for decades, if ever. But the received wisdom is that those composers don't shift tickets.

As I understand it, half full halls and reduced revenue would impact on Radio 3 and its round-the-year schedule, since R3 pays the shortfall between revenue and expenses.

(I spent a few moments trying to recall who EG Honegger was -<doh>)

[MrGongGong]

... well, I would like to have more music pre-1750 and post-1950.

Let's be bold - let us have one year with no music composed between 1750 and 1950....




.