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BBC Proms in the Park.
A few months back I attended BBC Proms in the Park in the grounds of Belfast’s City Hall. Many of you are probably sitting wondering what on earth that is, and those classical music enthusiasts among you are probably insanely jealous! Proms in the Park is an annual Classical Music event that takes place in various locations within the U.K. It is incredibly difficult to get tickets for, especially in the Republic of Ireland, but somehow we managed to get them and off I went to the North with my Dad and my friend.
After arriving in Belfast we caught a quick dinner and headed for City Hall, which luckily was only a five minute walk from the restaurant. There was already a queue reaching around two blocks with people waiting to enter the grounds. Excitement growing, we finally passed through the gates. What immediately caught our attention was the green already filled with people sitting on folding chairs, picnic baskets in tow, focusing on a giant screen in front of them.
Big screen at the venue
My spirits plummeted as my dad grumbled about how he knew he should have brought a picnic blanket. Surely that couldn’t be the whole concert, staring at a screen? After a little aimless wandering we realised there was another open space at the opposite side of screen, facing the stage. That’s where we were heading, the venue for those willing to stand for the concert. I can’t say the atmosphere was anything to boast about. The majority of people attending the concert had traded their in-person, live viewing spot for the more comfortable spot in front of the screen sitting on a chair. There definitely wouldn’t be a problem with mosh-pits breaking out, that was for sure. Though it may not have been overflowing with excited flurry, there was a genuine buzz from the appreciative crowd awaiting the concert.
What this event lacked in atmosphere was made up for with outstanding musical performances. The immensely talented orchestra and several guest acts made for a very enjoyable evening of listening. The programme included a vast array of music ranging from true to the core classical to musical theatre and opera. The orchestra played various pieces of beautiful classical music but particularly caught my attention as they played the theme music to Indiana Jones. It was a colourful reminder that classical players don’t have to stay one hundred per cent true to ‘classical’ playing.
Among the guest acts were two child prodigies, one playing trombone and the other violin. Both gave outstanding performances which left me with my jaw hanging open as I tried to conceal my envy! The Irish traditional group Altan appeared giving an awesome performance. I listened with gleeful content to Gweebarra Bridge, beaming with Irish pride.
Overall I would rate the evening as a great success and would advise anyone with an interest in classical music to attend Proms in the Park if given the chance. Though the atmosphere might not have been anything like Oxygen, it was still fantastic to see so many people turn out to a classical music event. It was an experience I will cherish and stands as a reminder to everyone that classical music can be enjoyed the same way as any other type of music.
Words and Photos by: Ruth Ní Bheoláin
