Proms season opens with US independence 250th anniversary celebration

The 'world's greatest classical music festival' has opened its doors at the Royal Albert Hall for another eight-week season. The first night program was built around the 250th anniversary of American independence. Principal guest conductor Dalia Stasevska led the BBC Symphony Orchestra in Aaron Copland's 'Fanfare for the Common Man' to start the evening.

Stasevska's interpretation of Gershwin's 'An American in Paris' was described as broad and hearty, with vivid wind and brass solos. South Korean pianist Yunchan Lim performed Ravel's Piano Concerto in G major, offering a restrained, refined reading with a slow movement of such introspective delicacy that it was barely audible in the hall.

After intermission, the program included a new commission by Josephine Stephenson based on Emily Dickinson poems, and Gerald Finzi's 'For St Cecilia' featuring tenor Thomas Atkins. The concert ended with a surprise encore of Oasis's 'Wonderwall' arranged for massed voices and orchestra.