BBC Proms 2024 to feature star-studded line-up and expand across the UK

The BBC Proms is set to dazzle audiences this summer, from 19^th July to 14^th September 2024, with a line-up that convenes the crème de la crème of the world’s musical talent at the Royal Albert Hall and extends its reach with more residencies across the UK. Celebrating a rich tapestry of international and British orchestras, the festival will host over 3,000 musicians across 90 concerts, featuring star soloists such as Yo-Yo Ma, Anne-Sophie Mutter and Yunchan Lim, alongside weekend festivals in Bristol, Nottingham and Gateshead.

The season boasts an array of standout performances, including the Berlin Philharmonic under Kirill Petrenko and the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra led by Sir Simon Rattle. In a nod to Bruckner’s 200^th anniversary, Petrenko’s ensemble will deliver a special programme, while the latter will explore compositions by Bruckner and Mahler. The festival will also mark the Year of Czech Music with the Czech Philharmonic’s all-Czech repertoire under Jakub Hrůša, and celebrate the 25^th anniversary of the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra with Daniel Barenboim at the helm.

Domestic talent shines brightly with 38 Proms featuring BBC’s own ensembles and a further 20 orchestras and over 25 choirs from across the UK contributing to the festival’s rich diversity. Noteworthy is the First Night of the Proms, where the BBC Symphony Orchestra, under Elim Chan, will premiere Ben Nobuto’s Hallelujah Sim, alongside performances by soloists Isata Kanneh-Mason and Sophie Bevan.

Expanding beyond London, the BBC Proms introduces 17 additional Proms across the UK, including a new weekend festival at the Bristol Beacon and residencies in Gateshead and Nottingham. These events underscore the festival’s commitment to national engagement, offering a variety of orchestral and choral experiences to audiences far and wide.

This year’s Proms also celebrate choral music with a special three-concert Choral Day and the BBC Singers’ 100^th anniversary, featuring performances across the summer including Verdi’s Requiem and Britten’s War Requiem.

Adding to the eclectic mix, the festival welcomes non-classical artists such as Florence Welch of Florence + The Machine and Sam Smith, both making their BBC Proms debut, alongside a tribute to the disco era and concerts celebrating the legacies of Nick Drake, Sarah Vaughan and Henry Mancini.

Sam Jackson, Controller of Radio 3 and the BBC Proms, expressed his excitement about the season: “Following last year’s record-breaking figures on BBC Sounds and iPlayer, we’re thrilled to be bringing the Proms to millions of people this summer.” He praised David Pickard for curating a season that caters to every musical taste and highlighted the broad array of broadcasts that will enable audiences to enjoy the festival from anywhere.

David Pickard, Director of the BBC Proms, described this year’s festival as one of the most ambitious ever presented. “With a total of 90 concerts, audiences can look forward to the starriest international artists and orchestras in a programme that encompasses the very best in classical and orchestral music,” he stated, emphasizing the expanded national reach and the honour of leading the festival.

The BBC Proms continues to champion new music, with 23 premieres and co-commissions slated for performance, ensuring the festival remains at the forefront of contemporary classical music. This blend of esteemed tradition and innovative programming ensures the BBC Proms remains a pivotal event in the global classical music calendar, inviting audiences to explore a summer of unparalleled musical journeys.

The editorial unit
Photo: Jean-Baptiste Millot

For further information and future events visit BBC Proms 2024’s website here.