Page 265 - Media Coverage Book - 75th Aldeburgh Festival 2024

The past is also more radical than we sometimes care to imagine. If the first-ever Last Night of the
Proms from 1895 was re-presented it would remind the audience (and commentators who need to
have their opinions challenged by the facts) that the Last Night of the Proms has evolved over the
years and that traditions can be made fit for purpose for the times in which we live. A recreation
can remind us about the way in which tastes and fashions have changed and sometimes offer a
reason to dive into unfamiliar musical territory. So the Last Night programme would feature a
second half of music by Hawley, Wagner, Röckel, Grieg, Verdi, Cowen, Cavallini, Parry (not
Jerusalem), Mascheroni, Paderewski, Thomas, Casella, Braham and Koenig.

A recreation would allow us to investigate forgotten composers and celebrate Proms history. Bring
in other music, to diversify and enrich the programme, and you strengthen the experience.

The writer Somerset Maugham was right in saying that heritage should be a guide and not a jailer.
So, let’s allow rare music to be heard, social, historical and cultural discussions to be kickstarted
and an audience, new and familiar, to be given an unusual and intriguing musical diet – without a
hint of aspic.

Roger Wright CBE is Chief Executive of the Britten Pears Arts. The 1961 recreation is on June 14
(Radio 3, June 24) and the 1948 recreation on June 15 (Radio 3, June 17). Info on the Aldeburgh
Festival: brittenpearsarts.org