First Night of the Proms

Overview

The greatest classical music festival in the world gets underway from the Royal Albert Hall. Katie Derham introduces music on a sea-inspired theme by English composers Vaughan Williams and Britten and two sets of the well-known Paganini variations by Rachmaninov and Polish composer Lutoslawski. There is also the world premiere of Julian Anderson's Harmony. Sakari Oramo conducts the BBC Symphony Orchestra, BBC Symphony Chorus and the BBC Proms Youth Choir and soloists Stephen Hough (piano), Sally Mathews (soprano) and Roderick Williams (baritone).