BBC Proms facts for kids
The Proms are a huge music festival held every summer in London. They are a series of concerts organized by the BBC, which is why they are often called the “BBC Proms”. The festival takes place at the famous Royal Albert Hall from mid-July to mid-September each year.
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What are the Proms?
The Proms are a series of classical music concerts. They are one of the biggest and longest-running music festivals in the world. People from all over the world come to listen to amazing orchestras and musicians. The festival is known for its wide variety of music and its special atmosphere.
Why are they called “Proms”?
The Proms started over 100 years ago, in 1895. Back then, concerts were very expensive. Many people could only hear good music in London's parks. There, orchestras played in bandstands, and people could walk around while listening. These were called "Promenade Concerts."
A man named Robert Newman wanted to make classical music affordable for everyone. He decided to create a series of concerts where people could stand up. These standing spots cost much less money. The word "promenade" comes from the French word "se promener," meaning "to walk." This is how the Proms got their name.
The Start of the Proms
Robert Newman asked a talented young conductor named Henry Wood to lead the Proms. With financial help from Dr. Cathcart, they formed an orchestra. The very first Promenade Concert happened on August 10, 1895, at the Queen’s Hall. A standing ticket cost just one shilling, which was a very low price.
The concerts quickly became popular and were known as the "Henry Wood Promenade Concerts." Henry Wood conducted many types of music. He played classical pieces by famous composers like Mozart, Beethoven, and Tchaikovsky. He also supported English composers like Edward Elgar.
Henry Wood was a very important part of the Proms for 50 years. He conducted almost every concert until he passed away in 1944. He was also the first English conductor to have women play in his orchestra, starting in 1913.
The BBC and the Proms
In 1927, the BBC began to support the Proms. Radio was a new invention then, and broadcasting the concerts made more people interested in attending them live. In 1930, the BBC Symphony Orchestra was formed. This orchestra started playing at most of the Proms concerts.
The Proms During Wartime
During World War II, in 1941, the Queen’s Hall was destroyed by bombs. The Proms moved to the Royal Albert Hall. For a short time, it became too dangerous to hold concerts in London. So, the Proms were held in Bristol and then Bedford. After the war, the Proms returned to the Royal Albert Hall, where they have been ever since.
From the 1940s to the late 1960s, the BBC Symphony Orchestra played most of the concerts. They were often led by the popular conductor Sir Malcolm Sargent. His speeches on the Last Night of the Proms were famous for being very funny.
The Proms Today
Today, the Proms are much more international. The BBC Symphony Orchestra still plays many concerts. However, many other orchestras from all over the world also come to perform. You can hear different kinds of music at the Proms, not just classical music. There's jazz and music from different countries.
For example, in 2005, the famous Indian musician Ravi Shankar played the sitar. In 2008, the violinist Nigel Kennedy played a classical violin concerto. Later that same night, he came back to play jazz music with his band!
The Proms also have special events for children. The television show Blue Peter has even put on a "Blue Peter Prom." There are also workshops where children and their families can learn about music. In 2008, there was a very popular Dr Who Prom, which was a huge hit with kids.
Henry Wood always encouraged composers to write new music. This tradition continues today. The BBC often asks composers to create new pieces especially for the Proms. Some of these new pieces have become very well-known.
Every Prom concert is broadcast live on BBC Radio 3. Many are also shown on television on BBC2 or BBC4. You can even listen to the Proms online for several days after they happen.
The Last Night of the Proms
There is a Prom concert almost every night for two months during the summer. The very last concert is called the “Last Night of the Proms.” It is incredibly famous! Millions of people watch it on television in many countries around the world.
People who go to the Last Night often dress up in fun costumes and wave flags. They sing along to traditional British songs. One famous piece is "Fantasia on British Sea Songs" by Henry Wood. It includes old sailors' songs and a fast dance called a 'hornpipe'. The audience claps along, trying to keep up!
The concert also features Edward Elgar's Pomp and Circumstance March no 1, which has the tune Land of Hope and Glory. It finishes with Parry's hymn Jerusalem. The conductor also gives a special speech.
Since 1996, "Proms in the Park" events have been held in other towns across the United Kingdom. Thousands of people attend these outdoor concerts. They all happen on the same night as the Last Night in the Royal Albert Hall. There's even a way for the different locations to connect and share the experience.
How to Go to the Proms
You can buy a ticket for a seat, just like any other concert. But many people think the best way to experience the Proms is to be a "promenader." This means you have a standing place.
There are two main areas for promenaders:
- Downstairs in the arena: The Royal Albert Hall is round, like an old Roman amphitheatre. The floor is called the "arena." Promenaders here are very close to the orchestra. It can get crowded, so smaller children might need to be near the front to see well.
- Upstairs in the gallery: This area has more room. It's easy to see the stage from here, and you can even sit or lie down if you get tired.
A ticket to promenade costs £5. If you want to be a promenader, you usually have to wait in a queue outside the hall. For very popular concerts, especially on weekends, people start queuing hours early. It's part of the fun! People chat, read, or play games while they wait.
Related pages
- The Proms - A New History; ed Jenny Doctor and David Wright; ISBN: 978-0-500-51352-1
- The Henry Wood Proms; David Cox; ISBN: 0-563-17697-0
- The BBC Proms at bbc.co.uk
Images for kids
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Outside the Royal Albert Hall during the BBC Proms season of 2008.
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Sir Henry Wood's Queen's Hall Orchestra, rehearsing for the first Promenade Concert of the 1927 Season.
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The Proms 2005. Most people sit, while Promenaders stand in front of the orchestra. The Royal Albert Hall Organ is in the background.
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A panorama of the 2015 season of the Proms, with the seats behind the orchestra half-and-half with choral members and audience.
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The Last Night of the Proms celebrates British tradition with patriotic music of the United Kingdom.
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See also
In Spanish: Proms para niños
