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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.

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BBC Proms: BBC Proms in the Park

BBC Proms: BBC Proms in the Park: BBC Proms in the Park 2014

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Music

BBC Proms in the Park 2014

13/09/2014

BBC Proms in the Park

BBC Radio 3 - BBC Proms, BBC Proms in the Park, BBC Proms in the Park 2014

Terry Wogan is in Hyde Park with guests including Vittorio Grigolo and Earth, Wind & Fire.

Terry Wogan is in Hyde Park with guests Vittorio Grigolo, Pumeza Matshikiza, Rufus Wainwright and Earth, Wind & Fire.

"To be part of BBC Proms in the Park is the best of both worlds; to look out from the stage at a shining sea of faces, flags, costumes, balloons, lights and candles; the laughter, chatter and thunderous applause of the 40,000 strong crowd, and most of all, the mighty spirit of their magnificent singing of "Land of Hope and Glory" along with those in the Royal Albert Hall, is unforgettable. Don't worry about the weather - rain or shine make no difference to the Proms in the Park crowd. They always make it the best evening of the year...." Sir Terry Wogan.

Now in it's 18th year BBC Proms in the Park takes over London's Hyde Park for an evening of musical fun plus a chance to join in the Last Night of the Proms celebrations. As ever your master of ceremonies is Sir Terry Wogan who with fingers crossed for fine weather will introduce special guests - Vittorio Grigolo(tenor); Pumeza Matshikiza(soprano); Rufus Wainwright; Fisherman's Friends and pop legends Earth, Wind and Fire.

Vittorio Grigolo is one of the world's leading opera tenors - performing in all the major opera house of the world. This summer he has been at the Royal Opera House as Rodolfo in Puccini's La Boheme. He started his career as a chorister in the Sistine Chapel and was spotted and mentored by Luciano Pavarotti. Tonight in the park he sings a selection including Una Furtiva Lagrima from L'Elisir D'Amore by Donizetti and that all-time favourite operatic anthem - Nessun Dorma from Turandot by Puccini.

The lyric soprano Pumeza Matshikiza has been hailed one of the most exciting new voices of the opera stage. Born and raised in the townships of South Africa she learnt her music through church and singing in the local choir. Pumeza gained a scholarship to the Royal College of Music and is now principal with the Stuttgart State Opera. Her busy summer saw an appearance at the opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Games.

The American-Canadian singer songwriter Rufus Wainwright comes to the park hot foot from his own Prom in the Royal Albert Hall two days before. Rufus son of folk singers Kate McGarrigle and Loudon Wainwright III states Al Jolson, Edith Piaf and Judy Garland as his main influences. Tonight he sings three of his hits - Going to a Town; O What a World and Dinner at Eight with the BBC Concert Orchestra.

Flying the Cornish flag in Hyde Park are the 9 voices of Fisherman's Friends. All hail from North Cornwall's tiny fishing port of Port Isaac. Tonight they entertain with a selection of folk songs and sea shanties.

And finally pop legends Earth Wind and Fire - founded 45 years ago in Chicago by Maurice White. The group can count President Obama as one of their many fans. Hits include September;Let's Groove; Shining Star;Boogie Wonderland and After the Love Has Gone.

BBC Proms in the Park is broadcast live on BBC Radio 2 with highlights on red button.

Amazing music. Played by an amazing line up.

Radio 2: Amazing music. Played by an amazing line-up. The home of great music, entertainment and documentaries

A series of live concerts organised by the BBC, with high-profile artists and presenters

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