The Proms

The Henry Wood Promenade Concerts, more familiarly known as the Proms, run for eight weeks from mid-July (Friday, 19th in 2002) to mid-September (Saturday, 14th in 2002). The concerts take place in the Royal Albert Hall in South Kensington, London, and every single one of them is broadcast live on BBC Radio 3.

My wife, Lisa, refers to them as the "classical music olympics" and they must be the greatest classical music festival in world, offering an unrivalled mixture of established repertoire and new commissions played by world-class artists in a feast of music making every night.

Although nowhere near as dedicated as some, I consider myself a keen Proms-goer. This year's was my 18th season (and Lisa's 7th) since I first went (to just one concert, prommenading in the gallery) in 1984 and I've been to a total of 135 Proms, including this year. For the first few years I only ever attended as a promenader (always in the arena after that very first time). My last time as a promenader was in 1988 and since then I have only ever been in the seats. The atmosphere in the seats is not quite as intense as down in the arena, but it's far more comfortable!

I feel particularly fortunate in that I was able to get to each Last Night from 1987 to 1998 inclusive (except 1997). The Last Night is wonderful fun, so much better in the Hall than on TV or radio. The end-of-term atmosphere is unique in my experience, especially at the end of a season where I've perhaps seen some twenty Proms (about a third of all the concerts) in the eight weeks. Knowing that I'll not be back in that familiar auditorium until the following July (I hardly ever go to the Royal Albert Hall except to go to the Proms) certainly adds to the feeling.

In fact, all Proms concerts have a unique atmosphere which I just adore. The mixture of new commisions and established repertoire, the range and calibre of the performers (the home team as well as the visitors), the gorgeous Royal Albert Hall auditorium (beloved in spite of its drawbacks) and the attentive and appreciative audiences have no equal in my view. There is something magical in the air of South Kensington at Proms time and the BBC are to be heartily thanked for keeping the series going.

Since 1996 I've written up my impressions of those we attend in person.