The year is racing by at rip-roaring pace, which means it’s already time to dust off your Union Jack and prepare to sing your heart out again, as Last Night of the Proms returns.
With a superb offering of British musical gems from some our finest local performers, prepare yourself for a delightful evening at Takapuna’s Bruce Mason Centre on 23 June, or head into the city for a Sunday evening on the town at the Auckland Town Hall on 24 June.
Last Night of the Proms offers the perfect chance to celebrate all the exciting Royal news of late, as Brit fever has well and truly swept the nation. After the arrival of the beautiful Prince Louis and the glorious wedding of Harry and Meghan setting hearts aflutter, British festivities are in full flight. A little closer to home, Last Night of the Proms has been delighting audiences on the North Shore for an impressive 16 years now with its musical fanfare, always delivering a riotous celebration of the best of the Brits. It’s become a tradition as steadfast as a Sunday roast.
This energetic showcase takes the audience on a musical journey that will have people of all ages waving their flags and singing at the top of their lungs in an exuberant salute to Old Blighty. The veritable line-up of outstanding British music from through the years will have something to everyone’s musical tastes, with a splendid display of classic music from the likes of Brit-pop darlings The Beatles to iconic tunes such as Land of Hope and Glory, Rule Britannia and Jerusalem.
The 17th year looks to be the best yet, with Auckland Symphony Orchestra welcoming more than 100 performers to the stage, with brilliant conductor Peter Thomas at the helm once again. With an impressive career and a broad repertoire, Peter has conducted numerous orchestras, and is particularly adept at making orchestral music accessible and fun for his audiences. Peter brings his expertise as musical director of the Auckland Symphony Orchestra and his many years of experience in music to the show.
“Every year I look forward to this lively evening. It’s a fantastic feeling for everyone on stage to see the audience joining in and singing along to some of Britain’s most iconic music” says Peter of the annual calendar highlight.
Among the performers for the 2018 iteration of the famous concert is violinist Maia-Dean Martin, who is just 17 years of age and was the recipient of the Dame Malvina Major Foundation Arts Excellence Award. An impressive collection of talented vocalists also take to the stage, including classically trained bass-baritone Samson Setu who has travelled as far as South Africa as a singer, as well as North Shore local mezzo soprano, Caroline Everitt.
Make sure to grab your nan for the biggest Brit celebration of the year and join the crowds donning red, white and blue for a roaring night of British revelry and nostalgia that will leave you craving your aunt’s signature Yorkshire pudding and invigorate your patriotism.
Last Night of the Proms, Takapuna’s Bruce Mason Centre, 23 June, and the Auckland Town Hall 24 June.
For more information and tickets visit aucklandlive.co.nz or 0800 111 999
