Royal Albert Hall launches first ever Proms tour
13 June, 2014
Which pianist played a Prom 27 years after his death? How did an audience member save André Previn's Carmina Burana? And just what made the Soviet State Orchestra's 1968 concert so controversial?
The answers to these questions and more will be revealed in a unique tour guiding visitors through the history of the Proms – at the home of the Proms.
During the 2014 season, which runs from 18 July to 13 September, there will be up to three ‘History of the Proms’ tours a day around the iconic Royal Albert Hall.
As well as learning about the historic background to the BBC’s celebrated annual concerts programme, there will be a chance to see where the magic happens, as the tour climaxes in the Hall’s famous auditorium – with its 9,999-pipe organ – which has housed the Proms since 1941.
Anthony Lynch, Tours Manager at the Royal Albert Hall, said: "This famous venue is synonymous with the BBC Proms – among the finest and most well-known music festivals on the planet.
"We are thrilled to announce this unique new tour, which will take Proms devotees and newcomers alike on a journey through 120 years of history, as they visit the locations where many of these momentous events took place."
The tours will form part of the venue’s varied programme, which also includes the Grand Tour, the Afternoon Tea Tour, the Behind the Scenes Tour and the Inside Out Tour, focusing more closely on the exterior of the Victorian building.
BBC Proms 2014 includes the War Horse Prom – marking the centenary of World War One – performances by Rufus Wainwright, Paloma Faith and the Pet Shop Boys, and a celebration of the work of Richard Strauss.
The hour-long ‘History of the Proms’ tour will trace the evolution of the summer concerts from their inauguration in 1895 to this year’s event, which includes 76 concerts featuring more than 40 orchestra from around 15 countries.
Tickets for the ‘History of the Proms’ tour are priced at £12.25, with concessions £10.25 and tickets for children £5.25 (including a 25p per ticket booking fee). For more information, go to www.royalalberthall.com
ENDS
Notes to editors:
For more information/quotes/images relating to the ‘History of the Proms’ tour, please contact Rick Burin at rickb@royalalberthall.com / 020 7959 0531.
Royal Albert Hall
The Royal Albert Hall is the world’s most famous stage. Its breathtaking auditorium hosts over 370 shows a year by the world’s greatest artists. The magical atmosphere combined with inspired artists creates legendary events.
Opened in 1871 as part of Prince Albert’s vision for a centre for the Arts and Sciences, the Hall is a registered charity which operates without public funding, remaining true to his founding ambitions within a modern context. Extending the brand with 200 events outside the auditorium, the Hall has broadened its appeal to younger, diverse audiences whilst still engaging its existing customers.
The Hall also offers the Elgar Room, a state-of-the-art small-scale performance space which hosts performances of classical music, jazz and world music, comedy and dance. In the main auditorium, it stages the Albert Sessions, an initiative that encourages up and coming acts to play at the Hall by offering reduced rental fees to promoters and lower ticket prices to encourage younger audiences to visit the Hall. It also works extensively with schools, young people, disadvantaged groups and partners such as Music for Youth through its Education programme, and has reached over 100,000 as part of its extensive public benefit remit. The Hall is also a Strategic and Creative Partner for the Tri-borough Music Service, recognised as one of the country’s music education hubs appointed by the Arts Council.
For more information, please visit www.royalalberthall.com
Registered charity number: 254543