The world’s greatest classical music festival returns to London this summer – these are The Proms events you do not want to miss.
We don’t mean to brag, but London is a hella cool city.
Don’t believe us? Take the fact that the city has managed to take a series of classical music concerts (which can quite often be a bit of a snoozefest) and turn it into a major highlight on the British calendar.
The Proms are running between 14th July and 9th September 2023 this year, bringing with them eight weeks of incredible classical performances at The Royal Albert Hall.
Ready to explore our top picks?
What’s On at The Proms 2023
Prom 1: First Night of The Proms
14th July
Benjamin Britten’s The Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra is making the opening night of the proms this year. That’ll be accompanied by a Nordic-themed session of songs like Grieg’s Piano Concerto and Sibelius’s Finlandia – a stirring piece on Finish national identity.
All of the above is also joined by music from Ukrainian composer Bohdana Frolyak on her global debut.
Prom 4: Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons
16th July
This classic piece of music is performed by Finnish violinist and conductor Pekka Kuusisto who’ll lead The Deutsche Kammerphilharmonie Bremen.
It’s preceded by recitals of Andrea Tarrodi’s Birds of Paradise and the famous Beethoven’s Symphony No. 1 to make a night of some truly spectacular music.
Prom 15: Late Night: Moon and Stars
25th July
On the 25th you’ll have a chance to hear the near-1000 pipes of the Royal Albert Hall’s organ in action as organist Anna Lapwood plays in a late night session that includes some movie scores in with the big classical numbers.
Those being Hanz Zimmer’s suits for Nolan’s Interstellar – something that will no doubt sound incredible on an organ. Come to think of it, so will the song that follows: The Clair de Lune from Debussy’s Suite bergamasque.
Prom 36: A Space Odyssey
11th August
The theme of movie scores continues with something that’s really getting us excited. It’s a night of the music of Kubrick’s masterpiece 2001: A Space Odyssey.
The evening culminates with the classic drum thumping movie opener by Richard Strauss Also Sprach Zarathustra.
Prom 66: Rufus Wainwright – Want Symphonic: Want One
5th September
The great Rufus Wainwright will be taking to the stage of the Royal Albert Hall to perform what’s being described as “Baroque pop” with the BBC Concert Orchestra.
This show, Want One, is the first of a duo happening on the evening of the fifth. The second, Want Two will be played later in the night.
Prom 72: Last Night at The Proms
9th September
For many, Last Night at The Proms is one of the highlights of the year, and this year’s finale promises all the fanfare, dances, anthems, and pomp we’ve come to know and love from The Proms.
If you’re struggling to decide which Prom’s event to attend, this is the top choice. Brush up on the lyrics of Jerusalem, Rule, Britannia!, and the National Anthem, and get ready to belt it out.
BBC Proms 2023: Practical Information and Map
When?
BBC Proms 2023 is running between 15th July and 9th September 2023.
Where?
BBC’s The Proms will be held at The Royal Albert Hall – the nearest tube stations are South Kensington and Knightsbridge.
Tickets?
Getting tickets for The Proms can seem a little bit overwhelming at first, but luckily the Royal Albert Hall has released a step-by-step guide to help you.
In essence, general tickets for events are on sale now and you can purchase them by adding them to the basket (planner) on the Royal Albert Hall website. Use the Proms planner to select tickets for as many events as you would like to attend.
Promming is another popular option that allows you to buy last-minute tickets on the day of the event at a reduced price. They go on sale at 10:30am on the day of the concert and can be purchased online.
