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An orchestra all dressed in black with a packed out audience in a large round hall

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’.

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.

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.

With high praise across the board, The Times noted the compelling energy and intriguing mystery in Sibelius’s The Wood Nymph, and highlighted the powerful rhythms of 'Mars' and the ethereal qualities of 'Neptune' in The Planets. Broadway World remarked that Prom 46 was a strong testament to the promising future of classical music while Thoroughly Good praised Poe’s captivating musical style, pointing to its imaginative orchestration and narrative richness.

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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.

Watch the performance again on BBC iPlayer. 

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

 

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