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BBC Proms

Music: Classical

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BBC Proms: 2011

BBC Proms: 2011: Prom 04 - Proms Choral Sunday: Havergal Brian's Gothic Symphony

Performances & Events

Prom 04 - Proms Choral Sunday: Havergal Brian's Gothic Symphony

17/07/2011

2011

BBC Radio 3 - BBC Proms, 2011, Prom 04 - Proms Choral Sunday: Havergal Brian's Gothic Symphony

BBC CO, NOW and other musicians in the Proms debut of Havergal Brian's Gothic Symphony.

The BBC Concert Orchestra and National Orchestra of Wales join forces with a multitude of other musicians for the Proms debut performance of Havergal Brian's epic Gothic Symphony.

BBC PROMS 2011

Live from the Royal Albert Hall, London

Presented by Tom Service

The first Choral Sunday of the season boasts the grandest statement of British choral music, Havergal Brian's Gothic Symphony. Two BBC orchestras, four brass bands, six choruses, four youth choruses and four star soloists join together for the Proms debut of this epic English "Symphony of a Thousand".

According to conductor Martyn Brabbins it will be one of the biggest classical undertakings ever mounted - "It's going to be a fantastic sonic spectacle, Gothic in the sense of architecture, detail, grandeur and mystery". Written in 1920, it's only been performed in concert five times since. The Gothic Symphony won a place in the Guinness Book of Records for being the longest symphony, requiring the largest forces. This is a rare chance to hear a unique and massive work, and not to be missed.

Brian: Symphony No. 1 in D minor, 'The Gothic'

Susan Gritton (soprano) 
Christine Rice (mezzo-soprano) 
Peter Auty (tenor)
Alastair Miles (bass)

CBSO Youth Chorus 
Eltham College Boys' Choir 
Southend Boys' and Girls' Choirs 
Bach Choir 
BBC National Chorus of Wales 
Brighton Festival Chorus 
Côr Caerdydd 
Huddersfield Choral Society 
London Symphony Chorus

BBC Concert Orchestra 
BBC National Orchestra of Wales 
Martyn Brabbins (conductor)

This Prom will be repeated on Tuesday 19 July at 2pm.

Live music and the arts: broadcasts more live music than any other radio network. Classical music is its core. Genres include world and new music, jazz, speech and drama.

All broadcasts from the 117th season of the BBC Proms.

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Prom 04 - Proms Choral Sunday: Havergal Brian's Gothic Symphony

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