Bristol Proms returns to Old Vic

One of the highlights of the UK classical calendar takes place at Bristol’s Old Vic again this year from July 27 to August 1.

Bristol Proms, run in association with Universal Music’s U-Live, will feature some of the best classical music from across the world.

Now in its third year, Bristol Proms has firmly established itself in the cultural calendar of Bristol and the UK as an unmissable opportunity to see world famous classical musicians perform in the exquisite environment of Bristol Old Vic, the oldest continuously working theatre in the UK.

Tom Morris, artistic director of Bristol Old Vic, said: “Bristol Proms was imagined three years ago as a bold experiment to find ways to reintroduce classical music as an art form which touches the hearts of anyone who listens. We’ll use any tactics: state of the art technologies to access music in different ways, live interactive evenings, or intimate performances in total darkness.  Nothing is out of bounds at Bristol Proms. This year, we’re pushing this further – taking music into the city, schools and to the next generation of artists and audiences. All this alongside some of the world’s greatest living musicians in the magical setting of our historic theatre.”

With more events yet to be announced, Bristol Proms 2015 will open in suitably bold and rousing style with the first performance anywhere of the winner of the Bristol Fanfare Competition, making Bristol the first city in the country to have its very own official fanfare. Commissioned by Bristol Proms, the fanfare is Bristol Proms’ very special gift to its home city.

Miloš Karadagli?? makes his Bristol Proms debut with From Bach To The Beatles, an intimate insight into the world’s most charismatic classical guitarist with a programme including a Bach chaconne, Spanish classics, cool Latin music and brand new Beatles arrangements.

The UK’s top trumpeter Alison Balsom will headline Bristol Proms 2015’s Wednesday night programme with a performance in which she will be accompanied by a quartet featuring two trumpets, a cello and a harpsichord.

Following her show stopping performance of Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas by candlelight last year Pumeza Matshikiza returns for My Life In Song, a musical conversation and performance with Charles Hazelwood and his Bristol Proms Chamber Orchestra, including arias from Turandot, Carmen and Madam Butterfly, timeless South African folk songs and Pumeza’s own Xhosa poetry.

Violinist Daniel Hope who once more returns to Bristol Proms, this year performing with a hand-picked ensemble of five to play the story of the fierce rivalry between Tchaikovsky and Brahms.

Other highlights include John Rutter, Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, Sacconi Quartet, Erebus Ensemble and Pilot.

For another year, the primary media partner for Bristol Proms is Classic FM.  The station will be based in Bristol all week, with presenters Tim Lihoreau, John Suchet, Anne-Marie Minhall and John Brunning broadcasting live from Bristol Old Vic.

Tickets start at £5 and are available from www.bristolproms.com/proms2015