The First Night of the Proms

Synopsis

James Naughtie introduces live coverage of a new-style, celebratory First Night. The BBC Singers, the BBC Symphony Chorus and Orchestra are conducted by Andrew Davis, with pianist Evgeny Kissin, soprano Christine Brewer, mezzo Louise Winter, tenor David Kuebler, baritone Nicolai Putilin and organist Simon Preston. The first half of the programme comprises Copland's Fanfare for the Common Man, Stokowski's orchestral arrangement of Bach's Toccata and Fugue in D minor, and Rachmaninov's Piano Concerto No 2 in C minor. The concert ends with Janacek's spectacular choral work, Glagolitic Mass. Also broadcast on Radio 3. During the interval, Francine Stock hosts a special Proms edition of the music quiz Full House, with teams led by Simon Callow and John Sessions and guests Thomas Allen and Barbara Bonney.