BBC Proms to be broadcast on World Service

THE world’s largest and longest-running festival is underway and there is not a denim cut-off or muddy gumboot in sight. Here’s how Aussie listeners can tune in.

proms

THE world’s largest and longest-running festival has begun with not a denim cut-off or muddy gumboot in sight.

The BBC Proms is underway for 2015, marking the 120th year for the iconic festival held in London’s Royal Albert Hall and various locations around the city.

Short for promenade concerts, the event was designed as a way to bring classical music to the masses and features a mash-up of musical styles you never thought possible.

Think Fat Boy Slim played by a live orchestra under the direction of star conductor Jules Buckley for Pete Tong’s Ibiza Prom, or Family Guy creator Seth McFarlane singing Frank Sinatra in a swing-style session.

Lazers? ✓ Whistles? ✓ Raving? ✓ @BBCR1's Ibiza Prom had it all. Watch it now http://t.co/zlZqzQLJnv #IbizaProm pic.twitter.com/z5ovNz481y

— BBC Music (@bbcmusic) July 31, 2015

The 76 concerts cover symphonies from classical giants like Tchaikovsky, Ravel and Mozart played by world-class orchestras in an event attended by more than 300,000 people last year.

However the BBC-designed program also has an incredible commitment to innovation, with other shows inspired by Sherlock Holmes, images from the Hubble Telescope or narrated by Sir David Attenborough based on his Life Story television show.

This year, Australian listeners will be able to tune in via the BBC World Service with six programs covering memorable moments. They’re presented by a team of experts to discuss themes and give insights into what the music is really all about.

Aussies can listen to Brit award winner Nicola Benedetti. Picture: Simon Fowler

Pete Tong takes dance tunes to the next level in the Royal Albert Hall.

BBC Proms Director Edward Blakeman said: “We are all delighted that BBC World Service will once again be broadcasting a selection of BBC Proms, giving audiences across the world the chance to experience the magic of the festival.

“The Proms is a truly international festival and it’s wonderful that the BBC World Service will be showcasing such a broad range of programming with our line-up of world-class musicians.”

The six-week series starts on August 15 with shows including Brit-award winning violinist Nicola Benedetti and cellist Yo-Yo Ma.

For more details on the World Service broadcast click here or watch the full line up online at the BBC Proms website.