Excitement has been evoked in the West End as the BBC announces plans to feature the War Horse Prom as part of the 2014 BBC Proms programme.
War Horse Prom to be played at the Royal Albert Hall
This week details of the highly anticipated biggest ever celebration of global classical music was announced by the BBC. From Friday 18 July until Saturday 13 September the 2014 BBC Proms will be taking place at London’s Royal Albert Hall.
Now in its 120th season, the BBC has planned an all-compassing and exhilarating programme of events for this year’s classical prom season. The Royal Albert Hall will open its doors to many of the world’s most talented and iconic composers, artists, orchestras and ensembles.
Global classical music
Global classical music is a dominant feature of the 2014 BBC Proms programme. In celebration of the 50 year anniversary since the first international orchestra played at the Proms, ten ensembles from around the world will play at this year’s event. This truly multinational celebration will include orchestras from Turkey, South Korea, Singapore, Qatar, Lapland, Iceland, Greece and China perform in the Royal Albert Hall’s legendary grand and ornate halls.
A National Theatre and BBC collaboration
Though we have to admit what’s really elating about the BBC’s announcement is that this leading annual BBC event is to feature the War Horse Prom. Collaborating for the first time with the National Theatre, the War Horse Prom will showcase the life-size puppets from the internationally-acclaimed West End adaptation of the War Horse novel. These incredible puppets have been created by the Handspring Puppet Company. The horses in the show are equally as impressive, made from bendable bamboo frames.
Performing alongside the London theatre puppets will be the Proms Military Wives Choir, directed by Gareth Malone. Part of the show will include the performing of the New War Hymn. The New War Hymn was written by Sir Henry Wood, the Proms’ founder and will be given it modern-day première as part of the Prom. Sir Henry Wood wrote the hymn in response to the outbreak of the First World War.
An emotional drama
The stage adaptation of the War Horse needs little introduction. This emotional drama that tugs on the heartstrings has been cited as what “just might be the greatest puppet show you’ll ever see.” The skill and dexterity of the puppeteers who manage to weave life into these animate objects, ensures the War Horse captivates all who go and see it.
Asides the War Horse Prom, the Royal Albert Hall will showcase many other exciting performances. Palama Faith and Rufus Wainwright will perform a début. The legendary Pet Shop Boys will also perform the world première of their new song.
Bringing music and sport together
This year’s Proms will also entwine music and sport. Hosted by Gabby Logan, the first BBC Sport Prom will bridge the gap between music and sport in two special concerts.
An exciting new landscape will be explored at the 2014 BBC Proms this summer, of which the National Theatre’s War Horse is at the centre.
If you can’t wait until the summer to experience the passion and excitement of the War Horse, you can watch the drama unfold any time until the February 2015 at the New London Theatre. You can buy War Horse tickets here.
