It might not seem like it was that long ago when the BBC Proms started its 2011 season, but tomorrow (September 10th) will mark The Last Night of the Proms.A highlight in the British classical music calendar, the much-loved celebration will have its usual favourites – Land of Hope and Glory, Jerusalem and ending with the National Anthem – as well as some notable guests.
Pianist of the moment Lang Lang will perform at Proms 74, as well as soprano Susan Bullock.
Speaking to the Telegraph ahead of her performance, which will be aired live to millions of people watching at home and across the UK in public parks, she said: “I can’t believe it’s really happening. It’s something that only happens to serious, grown-up people.”
She says this despite the fact that the opera singer is a former principle of the English National Opera and has been happily freelancing for 22 years.
“I’ve got to sing Rule Britannia, which is a real pig to sing, it’s full of twiddly fast notes which I don’t do so much any more.”
She will also sing other pieces on the night, including the Immolation Scene from Wagner’s epic Ring cycle.
“I’ll be rereading the text before I go on, because I have to throw myself into that ecstatic state Brunnhilde enters as she rides on to Siegfried’s pyre. She’s taking leaving of all the things that meant so much to her,” she told the news provider.
Meanwhile, Lang Lang will perform Liszt’s Piano Concerto No.1 in E flat major. The composer is one of Lang Lang’s favourites and his latest album is even called Liszt My Piano Hero.
Other highlights of the night will include the world premiere of Musica benevolens by master of the Queen’s music, Sir Peter Maxwell Davies. The piece has been commissioned by the Musicians Benevolent Fund.
Showing just how dear people hold the Last Night of the Proms in their hearts is surely the popularity of outdoor Proms concerts, which now run throughout the Proms season. Thousands of people will camp out with their Union Jack flags across the UK to sing along to the final songs with gusto.