From the final strains of 'Land of hope and glory' to 6,000 ladies singing 'Jerusalem' at the AGM of the National Federation of Women's Institutes, this unique Victorian concert hall has changed its mood hundreds of times. From the wild and full houses for the big sounds of Frank Sinatra , Shirley Bassey and Phil Collins to the solo vocal of Brenda Arnau bravely facing thousands of empty seats. From the mayhem of the Chelsea Arts Ball (when dinner was served at every seat) to the sombre sounds and colours of the Festival of Remembrance in November, followed a few days later by the bright lights, the glitter and gloss conjured up for the election of a new Miss
World. All this with a sprinkling of brass bands, boxing, tennis, ballroom dancing, gymnastics, gala evenings - and a performance of Messiah nearly every month.
Reporter Nigel Farrell has haunted this famous auditorium for the past 12 months. Producer PETER ESTALL
Stereo
(The opening concert of this year's
Proms season is on Radio 3 and BBC2 tonight at 7.15)
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