Proms 2021 General topics

[bluestateprommer]

Details from the RAH's website from this page:

https://www.royalalberthall.com/plan-your-visit-essential-safety-information/visiting-during-covid-health-and-safety-faqs/

"Q: Will I need to show 'Covid certification' to attend the BBC Proms?

A: Yes. The safety of our audiences is our main priority and we are taking every step we can to open the Proms safely without social distancing. This includes Covid Status Certification checks on arrival at the Royal Albert Hall.

We also strongly encourage audiences to wear face coverings for the duration of their visit.

In order to enter the Royal Albert Hall, those over 18 years old, will be required to demonstrate one of the following:

evidence of a negative lateral flow test, either taken at home or at a test centre, within 48 hours of the performance
evidence of double vaccination provided via the NHS App or letter provided by the NHS
proof of natural immunity based upon a positive PCR test taken within 180 days of the performance

Those under the age of 18 should have verbal confirmation from a parent or guardian that they have not received a positive test."

[Barbirollians]

Details from the RAH's website from this page:

https://www.royalalberthall.com/plan...d-safety-faqs/

Grim news - judging by the scrum to get into Haitink’s last concert and how cheek by jowl seats are it seems that Proms will be a season of superspreader events .

[Cockney Sparrow]

"Those under the age of 18 should have verbal confirmation from a parent or guardian that they have not received a positive test."

.......So that's alright then......

[french frank]

On the other hand, and in view of all this, the possibility of the Proms running at full capaity may be a hope rather than a reality. Who knows?

[But all Proms will be broadcast live, here on Radio 3 …]

[Frances_iom]

[I].. they have not received a positive test.
...

and to whom is the they referring ?

[Petrushka]

On the other hand, and in view of all this, the possibility of the Proms running at full capaity may be a hope rather than a reality. Who knows? ]

The trouble with this is that the Government have given the go-ahead for indoor events to proceed at full capacity so there's no 'hope' about it.. It's therefore not surprising that having lost £20million since the pandemic began the Royal Albert Hall would be unlikely to turn it down. My own view, for what it's worth, is that there will be a screeching U turn probably towards the end of August. Better to listen on Radio 3.

[french frank]

The trouble with this is that the Government have given the go-ahead for indoor events to proceed at full capacity so there's no 'hope' about it..

I meant so many people will choose not to turn up that they just won't shift enough tickets. Many concerts aren't sell-outs as it is.

[Petrushka]

I meant so many people will choose not to turn up that they just won't shift enough tickets. Many concerts aren't sell-outs as it is.

I see what you mean now, sorry, and agree. I'd spotted that many had seats available even when the 1000 capacity was in place.

[Simon B]

The trouble with this is that the Government have given the go-ahead for indoor events to proceed at full capacity so there's no 'hope' about it.. It's therefore not surprising that having lost £20million since the pandemic began the Royal Albert Hall would be unlikely to turn it down. My own view, for what it's worth, is that there will be a screeching U turn probably towards the end of August. Better to listen on Radio 3.

Isn't this decision down to the promoter - the BBC? The RAH just charges them a fee to hire out the hall and commission on ticket sales (hence the vexatious issue of the rather... generous commission on Proms ticket sales these days).

The RAH have clearly decided they are willing to run capacity events as they had 5500 in a few nights ago for a 150th anniversary event or similar. It is then presumably up to the BBC whether they want to take advantage of this.

Notable is that the Proms have their own Ts&Cs on the RAH website, and in my laypersons reading these are more restrictive than the general RAH ones. I think I spotted earlier that the general RAH ones talk about you may be asked to provide a Covid Pass etc whereas the BBC/Proms ones say you will be required to be able to prove your Covid status as a condition of entry.

See: https://www.royalalberthall.com/plan...nd-safety-faqs

Whether the RAH has to provide a rebate on the hire fee to the BBC in the event of restricting capacity is presumably covered by commercial confidentiality.

Does this mean the orchestras will now be full size? There's a photo of the RLPO rehearsing a new work scheduled for their Prom with clearly the same sort of cut down orchestra they had for V Petrenko's farewell concerts about 10 days ago, but then both took place before Jul 19th.

Meanwhile, the Mystery Proms are still a mystery. Are they really expecting people to book for a concert of unknown works performed by unknown performers? Seems like a bizarre proposition even in these strange times.

I don't envy those who are having to make the decisions about all this. The only thing you can really guarantee is that whatever they do it will turn out to be viewed as wrong...

[EnemyoftheStoat]

Does this mean the orchestras will now be full size? There's a photo of the RLPO rehearsing a new work scheduled for their Prom with clearly the same sort of cut down orchestra they had for V Petrenko's farewell concerts about 10 days ago, but then both took place before Jul 19th.

It will be interesting to see whether the litigation-conscious BBC management (and others) are going to be as happy about reducing social distancing on stage as they are about ditching it for the punters.

[Barbirollians]

Isn't this decision down to the promoter - the BBC? The RAH just charges them a fee to hire out the hall and commission on ticket sales (hence the vexatious issue of the rather... generous commission on Proms ticket sales these days).

The RAH have clearly decided they are willing to run capacity events as they had 5500 in a few nights ago for a 150th anniversary event or similar. It is then presumably up to the BBC whether they want to take advantage of this.

Notable is that the Proms have their own Ts&Cs on the RAH website, and in my laypersons reading these are more restrictive than the general RAH ones. I think I spotted earlier that the general RAH ones talk about you may be asked to provide a Covid Pass etc whereas the BBC/Proms ones say you will be required to be able to prove your Covid status as a condition of entry.

See: https://www.royalalberthall.com/plan...nd-safety-faqs

Whether the RAH has to provide a rebate on the hire fee to the BBC in the event of restricting capacity is presumably covered by commercial confidentiality.

Does this mean the orchestras will now be full size? There's a photo of the RLPO rehearsing a new work scheduled for their Prom with clearly the same sort of cut down orchestra they had for V Petrenko's farewell concerts about 10 days ago, but then both took place before Jul 19th.

Meanwhile, the Mystery Proms are still a mystery. Are they really expecting people to book for a concert of unknown works performed by unknown performers? Seems like a bizarre proposition even in these strange times.

I don't envy those who are having to make the decisions about all this. The only thing you can really guarantee is that whatever they do it will turn out to be viewed as wrong...

It seems to be suggested in the Times I think this morning that the "mystery Proms " were to make space for choral works . I suppose most importantly for the Proms Beethoven's 9th symphony .

[Cockney Sparrow]

Maybe a honed down orchestra, plus the ubiquitous BBC Singers (chorally the spotlight has been nobody else's from March 2020 until comparatively recently.........). Add a small sized Youth choir, distanced, to add the "Youth" gloss - they are at minor risk as long as vaccinated - and maybe a Beethoven 9th would work.....

Not that I'd go to it, though.......

[Petrushka]

It seems to be suggested in the Times I think this morning that the "mystery Proms " were to make space for choral works . I suppose most importantly for the Proms Beethoven's 9th symphony .

I was thinking that the 'Mystery Proms' might be earmarked for whichever international orchestras might be induced to visit the country at this time. If so it looks a forlorn hope.

[teamsaint]

In the gap between those who think it is too risky to go, and those who don't want to undergo " covid certification", and effectively compulsory mask wearing, lies, presumably, a small group of diehards who will actually go to the concerts.

Can't make up my mind as yet.

[Petrushka]

In the gap between those who think it is too risky to go, and those who don't want to undergo " covid certification", and effectively compulsory mask wearing, lies, presumably, a small group of diehards who will actually go to the concerts.

Can't make up my mind as yet.

I think of it this way. Going to the Proms has been the highlight of every summer for me (apart from last year, obviously) since 1978. However, there is so much attendant hassle involved this year as to make it no pleasure at all and pleasure is what it should be all about. Where is the pleasure in being in a concert hall wearing a mask and worrying about the person sitting next to you? Ditto travelling on the tube. In addition, I have a real fear that by mid season the whole thing could collapse with restrictions back in place.

I'm a diehard Prom-goer but I've weighed up the pros and cons and, sad to say, the latter romp home by a comfortable margin.