Peter Thomas

A British institution that works just as well over here, Last Night of the Proms is back. Mike Alexander chats to the man who will conduct it.

Last Night Of The Proms has become an annual event on the Auckland Symphony Orchestra’s calendar. What do you think makes it so popular?

The combination of great music, wonderful traditions, and audience involvement make the Last Night of the Proms a memorable and fun occasion. This is our 16th Proms but the original series has been going on each summer in London since 1895.

Is it hard to find material that hasn’t already been performed and is well enough known?

Not at all. There are always the traditional favourites at the end of the evening, which make the Last Night what it is. Things like Jerusalem, Sailor’s Hornpipe, and Rule Britannia. We always feature wonderful soloists, choirs and, of course, the lovely musicians of the ASO. I try to build programmes which give our audience a taste of the familiar, as well as introducing newer works, as well as the odd surprise.

Does Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody fit the format?

Yes! We will perform it at this year’s concert after a break of around five years. It goes down a treat as it works so well in the orchestra format. The ASO is such a versatile ensemble so can move easily between a range of styles.

What’s the most adventurous piece of work you’ve presented on the

Proms programme?

The whole concert is an adventure as I try to rein in the combined forces of orchestra, choir, soloists, dancers, and pipers. This year we add pipe organ into the mix, so I better get my game on! Oh, I forgot the other huge bunch of performers – the audience. They come ready to sing, festooned in red, white, and blue, and ready to have ball!

As musical director and conductor, how much pomp and how much ceremony do you think makes for a good balance?

I let the traditional music of the Proms do the talking with this aspect. The last part of the evening is dedicated to this and there is a very special buzz in the crowd when you have 1000 voices singing Land of Hope and Glory. We balance the rest with classical favourites, show music, a touch of opera and much more.

Do you have to get sign off on your programme from Her Majesty?

I hope not! I’m sure she wouldn’t mind a little celebration of her 90th birthday in little old New Zealand. Anyway, we’ve got away with it so far, so will ride our luck.

What’s the funniest thing that has happened at Last Night of the Proms?

The year that our soloist took her role of Carmen a bit too far and got up close and personal with the conductor – me! I ended up hiding in the orchestra, while the music continued.

The Auckland Symphony Orchestra’s Last Night Of The Proms is on at the Bruce Mason Centre on July 2 and the Auckland Town Hall on July 3.