Music / BBC Proms
BBC Proms and Bristol Balloon Fiesta to join forces
The BBC Proms is returning to Bristol for a first-of-its-kind crossover with the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta.
The unique collaboration between the two events, both taking place across the same weekend in summer, will see recordings from the Proms programme accompany the fiesta’s opening ceremony and the morning ascents.
To celebrate the partnership, performers from the weekend’s three South West ensembles played inside an inflated hot air balloon in the middle of Beacon Hall, an event programme director Todd Wills described as “possibly one of the most unusual things we’ve had in there”.
BBC Proms Bristol weekend coincides with the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta
The Bristol Beacon’s orchestra in residence, the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra (BSO), will be performing an evening of Russian music, while National Open Youth Orchestra (NOYO) will be making their proms debut and are reimagining of Benjamin Britten’s A Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra.
Paraorchestra, an ensemble made up of professional disabled and non-disabled performers, will be opening the proms in Bristol with a reimagined performance of Steve Reich’s Music for 18 Musicians.
“It’s really great that for the first time at Proms you’ve got three South West orchestras performing together,” Paraorchestra chief executive Jonathan Harper said.
“NOYO and Paraorchestra have very similar ambitions in terms of transforming the landscape for disabled musicians.”
“That only happens in Bristol. You don’t get that at the London Proms, that kind of social change,” he added.
Organisers describe the crossover as “a timely celebration of the South West as a cultural powerhouse – pairing world-class music with one of the region’s most iconic events”
Wills added: “The programme each year have all been fantastic and the fact it coincides with the balloon fiesta this year is particularly exciting.
“I think its shows that Bristol when it comes together can really punch above its weight in terms of policy.
“Having the BBC and something as exciting as the Proms is always exciting and for it to come to Bristol and for it to be in its third year is an amazing achievement for the city.”
Musicians from Paraorchestra, BSO and NOYO came together for a special performance at the Beacon to announce the news
Other BBC Proms events over the weekend include a concert by Tenebrae choir at St George’s and a live recording of BBC Radio Three’s jazz show ‘Round Midnight.
BSO’s principal percussionist Matt King described the Proms as “a jewel in the British music scene’s crown that competes with every big festival around the world”.
King added: “We know this hall completely and it’s going to be on fire the repertoire is fast and loud and exciting.
“Bristol is an incredible city and to be able to contribute to the cultural life of a city like Bristol gives the orchestra a real sense of pride.
“We are so passionate about giving the people of Bristol what they want to hear.”
BBC Proms Bristol weekend and the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta take place on August 7-9
All photos: Rob Browne
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