In the presence of TRH Prince and Princess Michael of Kent. A live relay broadcast.
Fifty years ago today in the Queen's Hall, the BBC Symphony Orchestra gave its very first public concert, under its founder Adrian Boult.
Tonight the orchestra celebrates its golden jubilee with a concert of 20th-century masterpieces under its present Chief Conductor, Gennadi Rozhdestvensky. The first part includes
Vaughan Williams Symphony No 5, in D
Prokofiev Violin Concerto No 1, in D Soloist Itzhak Perlman.

During the interval
Sir Adrian Boult recalls the formation of the orchestra, and its only remaining founder member, the principal harpist Sidonie Goossens, reminisces. The film includes a 1932 performance of Elgar's Pomp and Circumstance March No 1 in the Queen's Hall. The concert ends with Stravinsky's explosive ballet score The Rite of Spring Orchestrated by Bela Dekany (part 1) and Rodney Friend (part 2)
Introduced by CORMAC RIGBY
Lighting JOHN WIGGINS
Sound VIC GODRICH
Directors RON ISTED, PETER BUTLER

(For the best effect viewers with stereo Radio 3 should turn off TV sound and position their speakers on either side of the screen, but a few feet away. Stereo headphones provide a suitable alternative)