| Main Performers | Carolyn Sampson - vocal,
Samuel West - speaker |
| Set List | 'Ikon of Light', Taverner,
'Requiem Fragments', Taverner,
'The Lamb', Tavener |
| Performance Notes | Spiritual in a secular age, combining silence and sound, simplicity and radiance, John Tavener captured the public imagination like few other composers.
The other-worldly atmosphere of a Late Night Prom frames a musical meditation by the English composer, who would have celebrated his 70th birthday this year, as we approach the exact anniversary of Britain's declaration of the First World War 100 years ago, at 11.00pm.
The Tallis Scholars and conductor Peter Phillips are joined by the Heath Quartet to perform two works written especially for them, including the heartbreakingly prescient Requiem Fragments, composed shortly before Tavener's death.
BBC commission and world premiere of 'Requiem Fragments', Taverner.
There was no interval.
This Prom was part of the 'Lights Out' national commemoration marking the centenary of the First World War. Stewards handed out 650 battery operated tea lights to Arena and Gallery Prommers. These were turned on at the conductors signal at the end of the performance. The lights were then turned off at the conductors signal to coincide with the dimming of the auditorium lights. Prom 25 joined in with the National commemoration 'Lights Out' which today marked the centenary of the First World War. Tea lights (battery) were handed out by stewards to Arena and Gallery Prommers. At the end of the Prom, the conductor told the Prommers to switch the lights on. Samuel West came on stage to recite a Wilfred Owen reading and concluded with words spoken by the Foreign Secretary, Sir Edward Grey, 100 years ago: 'The lamps are going out all over Europe; we shall not see them lit again in our lifetime' After which the auditorium lights and tea lights went out.
The concert was recorded and broadcast on BBC Four on 10 August 2014.
The event was broadcast on BBC Radio 3. |
| Related Archival Material | Proms Guide (RAHE/1/2014/53),
Programme (RAHE/1/2014/77),
Posters (RAHE/2/2014/41),
Proms Mini-Guide,
Digital Photographs |