Even a Just Stop Oil protest can't dent the atmosphere at the First Night of the Proms – we all came out rejuvenated
This year’s Proms started with a spontaneous ovation for an ensemble that was not originally going to be there at all: the. Though earmarked for closure earlier this year, the choir enjoyed such an upswell of public support that they were reprieved and restored to the programme. I hope their stay of execution will last.
They joined forces with the BBC Symphony Chorus and Orchestra for a rousing opener: the choral version of Sibelius’sIts fervour, idealism and deep-dug intensity seemed rather topical – and as a whole, this concert was heart-warming for its engagement with today’s burning issues, while simultaneously celebrating the timeless joy of music-making. The two things are perfectly compatible.
And Dalia Stasevska, the BBCSO’s principal guest conductor, is a treasure. Born in Kyiv, raised in Finland, at present heavily pregnant and, in her spare time, busy driving lorries of aid to Ukraine, she has oodles of energy and charisma; her down-to-earth warmth and her delight in the music seems to bring out the best in everybody, the audience included.
But the light came next: in Grieg’s Piano Concerto, soloist Paul Lewis – the Liverpudlian pianist who now lives in Grieg’s homeland, Norway – played with stylish poise, relishing the big romantic gestures. He and Stasevska in excellent partnership gave brightness and bounce to the folksy rhythms, ardour aplenty to the big tunes; rarely has the piece sounded so fresh and lovable.
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