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Charpentier's Medea

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Image for Prom 04 - Proms Choral Sunday: Havergal Brian's Gothic Symphony

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Prom 04 - Proms Choral Sunday: Havergal Brian's Gothic Symphony

Duration:
2 hours, 15 minutes
First broadcast:
Sunday 17 July 2011

BBC PROMS 2011

Live from the Royal Albert Hall, London

Presented by Tom Service

The first Choral Sunday of the season boasts the grandest statement of British choral music, Havergal Brian's Gothic Symphony. Two BBC orchestras, four brass bands, six choruses, four youth choruses and four star soloists join together for the Proms debut of this epic English "Symphony of a Thousand".

According to conductor Martyn Brabbins it will be one of the biggest classical undertakings ever mounted - "It's going to be a fantastic sonic spectacle, Gothic in the sense of architecture, detail, grandeur and mystery". Written in 1920, it's only been performed in concert five times since. The Gothic Symphony won a place in the Guinness Book of Records for being the longest symphony, requiring the largest forces. This is a rare chance to hear a unique and massive work, and not to be missed.

Brian: Symphony No. 1 in D minor, 'The Gothic'

Susan Gritton (soprano)
Christine Rice (mezzo-soprano)
Peter Auty (tenor)
Alastair Miles (bass)

CBSO Youth Chorus
Eltham College Boys' Choir
Southend Boys' and Girls' Choirs
Bach Choir
BBC National Chorus of Wales
Brighton Festival Chorus
Côr Caerdydd
Huddersfield Choral Society
London Symphony Chorus

BBC Concert Orchestra
BBC National Orchestra of Wales
Martyn Brabbins (conductor)

This Prom will be repeated on Tuesday 19 July at 2pm.

Music Played

1 item
Timings (where shown) are from the start of the programme in hours and minutes
  • Image for Havergal Brian

    Havergal Brian Symphony No. 1 in D minor, 'The Gothic'

    Performers: Susan Gritton (soprano), Christine Rice (mezzo-soprano), Peter Auty (tenor), Alastair Miles (bass), CBSO Youth Chorus, Eltham College Boys' Choir, Southend Boys' and Girls' Choirs, Bach Choir, BBC National Chorus of Wales, Brighton Festival Chorus, Côr Caerdydd, Huddersfield Choral Society, London Symphony Chorus, BBC Concert Orchestra, BBC National Orchestra of Wales, Martyn Brabbins (conductor)

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