Live from London's Royal Albert Hall, the opening concert in the 98th season of Henry Wood Promenade Concerts. Almost 400 singers and players throng the stage to perform this mighty work. The line-up of international soloists - all of them making their Proms debut - is headed by the young American soprano Susan Dunn, already a leading Verdi exponent. The performance takes place in the presence of the Princess of Wales.

The BBC Symphony Orchestra's Chief Conductor Andrew Davis says: "The opening concert of the Proms has always been, for me, one of the most exhilarating musical events of the year. The Royal Albert Hall seems to be purring with pride as it prepares to host the most wide-ranging festival of music in the world. And what better way to begin than with the Verdi Requiem which, with its combination of dramatic power and spiritual vision, constitutes his crowning achievement."

With Marjana Lipovsek (mezzo-soprano), Vinson Cole (tenor) and Paul Plishka (bass), BBC Singers, London Symphony Chorus, BBC Symphony Chorus and Orchestra.
Introduced by Richard Baker.

(Simultaneous Broadcast: Radio 3)
(Stereo)
(Booklet: Proms Prospectus, price £3.00, available from booksellers)
Editor's Letter: page 109
Great Summer of Music Special: pages 19-31