A NIGHT TO REMEMBER
Charles Smith shares his memories of the Last Night of the Proms.
Aged 11, I was put in the care of an aunt who probably shaped the outcome of my life and my love of classical music. My aunt, who was a pianist, soon saw the potential in my voice. I was sent to a professional singer for training. In the church choir, as my confidence grew, I became the soprano soloist. I continued to entertain at various local chapels until my voice broke, and I never sang in public again.
In recent years, visits to the Royal Albert Hall have included Yo-Yo Ma’s enchanting rendition of Elgar’s Cello Concerto, Catrin Finch’s harp and the Halle orchestra’s superb playing of the 1812 Overture.
In 2004 I decided to treat myself to a mini Proms season to attend concerts on two consecutive nights in order to spend the day between, visiting museums and art galleries. The two hour train journey is a great way to unwind and prepare for the delights ahead and watch the changing scenery en route.
Included in the Proms were one of my favourite symphonies,
Beethoven’s 9th, and a late night with Sir John Tavener’s The Veil of the Temple. Dame Evelyn Glennie left us all spellbound as she dashed from one instrument to another. The longlasting applause showed the appreciation of such a gifted lady.
Then came the Last Night that I had enjoyed many times on the television. To add to the vast array of costumes in the audience I decided to dress as Charlie Chaplin.
I took the short walk through Kensington Gardens to the Royal Albert Hall. As I left the west carriageway behind, a shout from a cab driver told me I looked the part, acknowledged with a wave of my walking stick.
Audience chatter reduced to a murmur as the BBC orchestra and chorus assembled, followed by baritone Sir Thomas Allen with conductor Leonard Slatkin taking a bow, to a very warm welcome.
Having attended the inauguration of the organ after restoration, I was pleased to see organist Simon Preston taking his seat in the console, high above the stage. I could hardly wait to hear once again the thunderous explosion from its 999 pipes.
The varied programme in the first part included Carnival Overture by Dvořák, composer Samuel Barber’s Proms premier Toccata Festival and, the rich baritone voice of Sir Thomas Allen singing Five Mystical Songs.
We were also treated to exerts from Richard Rodgers’ Oklahoma, and Kiss Me, Kate by Cole Porter.
After the interval there followed a build-up to the grand finale of yet another popular proms season, first with a light hearted speech from the conductor. The much-loved perennials of Edward Elgar’s Land of Hope and Glory and Jerusalem by Hubert Parry, allowed the voices of the almost 5,000-strong audience to attempt to raise the roof, a sound never to be forgotten. Henry Wood’s Fantasia on British Sea Songs ended with the stamping of feet by the prommers, in a race with the orchestra, which surely could only happen in the Royal Albert Hall.
Music was ringing in my ears as I walked back to the hotel and continued when travelling home on the early morning train. I had waited for so many years to be part of the
Last Night of the Proms, with memories that I hope will stay with me but, having achieved one ambition and, with limited time left to fulfil future plans, this surely was Charlie’s Last Night.
Charles Smith, Forest of Dean