Live from London's Royal Albert Hall , Stephanie Hughes introduces the climax to this summer's 108th season of Promenade Concerts.
In the wake of the 11 September terrorist attacks on America, the corresponding night in 2001 saw a changed programme reflect the sombre national mood, but this year the event's traditional patriotic fervour and high spirits should be returning in an evening celebrating both the Queen's Golden Jubilee and the centenaries of William Walton and Richard Rodgers.
The first half begins with Leonard Slatkin conducting three Walton works - the Anniversary fanfare, the coronation march Orb and Sceptre, and the suite from
Walton's film music for Henry V, with Samuel West due to give the narration. Bright Cecilia: Variations on a Theme by Purcell, a world premiere collaboration by eight contemporary composers, is followed by young Norwegian virtuoso Leif Ove Andsnes performing his compatriot Grieg's Piano Concerto. Tonight Slatkin conducts the BBC Symphony Orchestra, BBC Symphony Chorus and BBC Singers.
During the interval there's a live roundup of Proms in the Park events taking place in London, Gateshead and Belfast, featuring contributions from Lesley Garrett , Jose Cura and Evelyn Glennie.
Also broadcast on Radio 3 and BBCi. The second half of the concert continues on BBC1.
Directors Jonathan Haswell. Oliver MacFarlane
Producer Peter Maniura The Rule, Britannia! argument: page 35