Critical acclaim and standing ovation for the Royal College of Music at the BBC Proms

Tuesday 27 August 2024

Described as ‘powerful’, ‘extraordinary’ and ‘tantalizing’ by reviewers, the Royal College of Music Symphony Orchestra and Chorus made their spectacular debut at the world’s biggest classical music festival, the BBC Proms, to critical acclaim. 

Combining forces with the Sibelius Academy Symphony Orchestra, Royal College of Music students conducted by Sakari Oramo, took BBC Proms audiences on a dazzling journey through space with Holst’s The Planets. They were joined by the RCM Junior and Senior Chamber Choir for the ethereal sounds of ‘Neptune’ described by Broadway World as ‘a gorgeous listen’.

The sounds of Finland opened the programme with Sibelius’ lesser-known tone poem, The Wood Nymph, followed by the world premiere of Laulut Maaseudulta (‘Songs from the Countryside’) by Royal College of Music alumna Lara Poe, channelling haunting Nordic cow-calling traditions.

Behind the scenes: Lydie’s journey to the BBC Proms at Royal Albert Hall

Watch as RCM double bass student, Lydie, navigates the journey from rehearsals at College to performing live at one of the world’s largest classical music festivals.

With high praise across the board, here’s what the reviewers had to say:

‘Sibelius’s early tone poem The Wood Nymph combined abundant drive with teasing mystery, while Holst’s suite sounded splendid, all the way from Mars’s marauding rhythms to the disembodied beauties of Neptune.’ – The Times

‘If anyone were to worry about the future of classical music, Prom 46 would surely reassure them that we are in good hands’ – Broadway World.

‘Poe’s musical language is captivating, with inventive orchestrations supporting an expansive piece of storytelling.’ – Thoroughly Good

‘Few concert spectacles are as heart-warming as a confident student orchestra tackling symphonic repertoire with total aplomb.’ – The Times 

RCM Symphony Orchestra with Anu Komsi and Sakari Oramo at the BBC Proms. Photo by Chris Christodoulou.

RCM Junior and Senior choirs rehearsing in the gallery of the Royal Albert Hall. Photo by Chris Christodoulou.

RCM Symphony Orchestra at the BBC Proms. Photo by Chris Christodoulou.

RCM alumna and composer Lara Poe. Photo by Chris Christodoulou.

RCM Symphony Orchestra with Sakari Oramo. Photo by Chris Christodoulou.

Watch the performance again on BBC iPlayer. 

Find out more about the incredible performance opportunities offered when studying at the Royal College of Music.