The show must go on as BBC battles to keep Proms tradition alive
THE BBC has announced it will press ahead with the Proms despite coronavirus threatening the 125-year-old musical tradition.
Concerts have been performed in the summer season since 1895, and at the Royal Albert Hall since the Second World War.
Covid-19 has blighted the cultural calendar, forcing theatres and concert halls to close their doors across the country. But all the pomp and circumstance of the Proms may go ahead in a different form for its 125th anniversary year, the BBC has said.
Season announcements have been postponed and tickets will not go on sale as planned as the safety of audiences is prioritised. But the broadcaster intends to keep the tradition alive, and is considering options to ensure the show goes on.
These could include streaming or going ahead in a more traditional way should the national lockdown be lifted in time for the July opening night.
The BBC hopes to have a plan in place for its classical music showpiece by the end of May. A statement from the BBC said: “Like all cultural organisations, we at the BBC Proms are currently dealing with unprecedented challenges and uncertainty.
“We are still hoping that the Proms will be part of the summer this year, although that will involve adapting and changing the festival we originally planned. We are working hard to find the best way to deliver Sir Henry Wood’s mission to make the best classical music available to the widest possible audience.”
It is understood the BBC is developing plans based on the latest Government guidance, and remains flexible in terms of how it will produce the latest annual show.
There are no firm plans for the form the concerts could take in order to reach their usual audience in the Hall, at home, and in outdoor venues showing the performances. While arrangements are being made, the BBC has pushed back its announcements for the concert season, and tickets will not be available in May as planned.
A statement said: “We are closely following news and guidance from the Government and public health authorities, and will update everyone with our plans for the 125th-anniversary season of the Proms by the end of May. Our number one priority will always be the safety of everyone involved with, and attending the Proms.”
The Proms have run from their origins at the Queen’s Hall in 1895, and the annual season of largely classical music endured through even the Blitz, although an air raid forced a venue change to the Royal Albert Hall.
The BBC is now responsible for organising and broadcasting the annual concert season, which culminates with= the Last Night of the Proms in September.