‘It’s the climactic conclusion of the 2023 Proms season. On stage, superstar cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason and world-renowned Norwegian soprano Lise Davidsen join the BBC Symphony Orchestra and Maestro Marin Alsop for a mix of classical favourites, lesser-known gems and a dash of the new. Presented by Katie Derham, with special guests Sandi Toksvig and Danielle de Neise, this first half of the night’s celebrations includes music by Verdi, Wagner, Bruch and Mascagni – and there’s a world premiere from rising star James B Wilson, specially commissioned to commemorate the BBC’s centenary last year. The night kicks off with Richard Strauss’s swashbuckling Don Juan. [on BBC 2 at 7pm]. The concert continues on BBC One at 9pm’. ‘Last Night of the Proms (bbc.com). Enjoy!
Last year my favourite Prom was Prom 47: Aretha Franklin – Queen of Soul – which is available to watch on BBC i-Player. Jules Buckley conducted what was then his all-new orchestra in a symphonic tribute, featuring singer-songwriter Sheléa. It was sheer joy! See also by Googling – ‘Shelea Sings “Until You Come Back to Me (That’s What I’m Gonna Do)” at NAMM 2018.’ To listen to a wonderful Jazz & Blues medley Google – ‘Sheléa – Live At The Aretha Franklin Tribute Acoustic -sidney marques.’
This year, and I discovered this concert by accident, it was Northern Soul at the Proms. Google the following on YouTube ‘Darrell Smith Northern Soul Prom There’s A Ghost In My house’. You are in for a treat! Look out in particular for the synchronised flowing arm movements of the back-up singers – who incidentally are all lead solo artists in their own right. Now that’s what I call collaboration! See also by Googling – ‘R Dean Taylor – Ghost in my house – New HD version (with lyrics)’ – which is set to dancing by Fred Astaire.
[Picture – taken in 2016 is of an unknown artist (not me if that is what you are wondering – although I bought a guitar just like that on Charlotte Street with my first wage) – who suddently appeared in a restraurant where I was having lunch with my Mother. He sang a repertoire of Tom Jones hits and I persuaded him to do a couple of Elvis numbers. Everyone in the restaurant – well most of us – joined in. Loud applause followed plus demands for More! I congratulated the restaurant staff – ‘you must feel so proud!’ but they urged me not to encourage him – ‘Senor – You do not have to listen to him everyday – sometimes three times a day’ said one – which I think was unfair. The music business can be so fickle. Play on Maestro! – Incidentally beyond the rocks is where I used to spear-fish in the sea as a little boy].