The Proms on World Service
The 大象传媒 Proms is the world’s biggest and longest-running music festival and features many of the world’s greatest artists and orchestras. This year, over its two months, there are more than 90 concerts.
鈥楶roms鈥� is short for Promenade concerts
Why is it called the ‘Proms’?
‘Proms’ is short for Promenade concerts – informal and inexpensive concerts where Promenaders (‘Prommers’) stand to listen.
Where is the Proms held?
Since the first home of the Proms, the Queen’s Hall, was destroyed in 1941, concerts have been held in the Royal Albert Hall, near Hyde Park in London.
When did the Proms begin?
Henry Wood, who conducted almost every concert for nearly half a century, lifted his baton for the first time on Saturday 10 August 1895. Even then, Prom concerts were not a new idea: they started in France in the 1830s and were introduced to the UK shortly afterwards. Find out .
Whose idea was it?
The Proms was the brainchild of Robert Newman, whose ambition was to enable people to enjoy ‘serious music’. He was well known for organising and financing musical events. Sir Henry Wood, founder-conductor of the Proms, believed in making the best-quality classical music available to the widest possible audience and that ambition remains central to the 大象传媒 Proms today.
How to enjoy the Proms
Find out how to listen to this year's performances .
