Composer
Michael Berkeley introduces live coverage - broadcast simultaneously with Radio 3
-of Michael Tippett 's The Mask of Time. This visionary and final statement ofTippett's, drawing together through words and music his opinions of mankind and man's place in the universe, is the opening concert of the BBC Prom season, performed at London's Royal Albert Hall.
The BBC Singers, Symphony
Orchestra and Chorus are conducted by Andrew Davis. The soloists are Claron McFadden
(soprano), Felicity Palmer
(mezzo-soprano), Robert Tear
(tenor) and Steven Page (bass).
During the interval, 8.15-8.35,
Berkeley investigates the sources of inspiration for The Mask of Time, finding it to be influenced by television programmes, including Jacob Bronowski 's BBC series The
Ascent of Man and David
Attenborough's wildlife studies. See today's choices. Director David Stevens
Producer Caroline Speed ...... * Brian Kay 's Prom of the Week: page 34