The First Night of the Proms

Synopsis

James Naughtie introduces live coverage from London's Royal Albert Hall - in simultaneous broadcast with Radio 3 - of Berlioz's Damnation of Faust, the opening concert of this year's BBC Proms season. The Damnation of Faust, with a dramatic score recounting the story of a man who uses his soul to strike a deal with the Devil, reflects one of the 1998 Proms season's major themes - the connection between magic, mystery and music. Baritone Bryn Terfel takes the role of Mephistopheles while tenor Richard Margison and mezzo-soprano Ann Murray play, respectively, Faust and his lover, Marguerite, with baritone Donald Maxwell as Brander. Andrew Davis conducts the BBC Symphony Orchestra and Chorus, BBC Singers, and New London Children's Choir.