BBC Proms

Overview

Tonight's Prom marks anniversaries of two popular nationalist composers - Grieg and Tchaikovsky - but begins with Stravinsky's scintillating ballet-score Petrushka, in the original 1911 version. During the interval, there is a visit to Bergen to sample some of the novel ways in which Norway is celebrating Grieg's life and work. Part 2 comprises four songs by Grieg and the concert ends with Tchaikovsky's Suite No 3. The BBC Symphony Orchestra is conducted by Alexander Lazarev, and the soloist in the Grieg songs is the Finnish soprano, Karita Mattila, winner of the 1983 Cardiff Singer of the World Competition. "They represent the typical Grieg style, very romantic, very melodic, with lovely phrasing - a treat for a singer," she says. "They are quite intimate pieces, reflective rather than bravura. I love them and I'm very proud to sing them at the Proms." James Naughtie introduces the concert.