Monday evening was “A Night at the Opera” at the Albert Hall; my first Prom this season.
First an early supper at the Polish Club (Ognisko) which takes hygiene pragmatically.
Usually I am discouraged when the first item on the programme is performed for the first time at the Proms and by a composer also making a Proms debut. My fears were justified on Sunday evening when the programme was “Africa Meets Europe”.
South African cellist Abel Selaocoe is redefining his instrument, blending traditional playing styles with improvisation, singing and body percussion. Get ready for a boundary-crossing concert with the BBC NOW showcasing his unique brand of musical fusion.
I started listening but quickly switched to Choral Evensong from the Chapel of Rugby School. If I say “Christine Rice” you will see the connection between Evensong at Rugby and opera at the Albert Hall. Her husband is Head of Modern Languages at the school. But I digress.
The Proms has been around since 1895 but Francesca Caccina wrote her opera, La liberazione di Ruggiero dall’isola d’Alcina, in 1625. It is the first opera composed by a woman. The BBC Philharmonic played three orchestral excerpts – a Baroque delight transporting me to the 17th century Florentine Court of Francesca’s employer, Regent Archduchess Maria Maddalena of Austria, wife of Cosimo II de’ Medici. Then there were a selection of the best bits from Fidelio, Orfeo ed Eurydice, La Bohème, Carmen, Rodelinda, Hansel and Gretel and Jenůfa.
The atmosphere was very different this year. The orchestra was spread out over an expanded stage. The side stalls seats were empty and the Albert Hall was only at about 60% of capacity. Nice not to have to queue at the bar but the infectious enthusiasm of the Prommers was missing. You can judge for yourself on BBC Radio 3 and at a future date watch on BBC Four.
Yesterday I reported Kensington Palace was closed; true but misleading. The Palace is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.