BBC Proms to return to Bristol Beacon

The classical orchestra concert series BBC Proms is returning to Bristol this summer.

There will be four concerts from 22-24 August at Bristol Beacon and St Georges making it the second summer in a row that the Proms have taken up residency in the city.

The headliners include composer Charles Hazelwood, the founder of Paraorchestra, as well as the orchestra of Welsh National Opera with Carlo Rizzi and mezzo-soprano Avery Amereau.

Simon Wales, chief executive of Bristol Beacon, said: "We strive to offer world-class classical music to our audience as part of our wider artistic programme and we are proud to be working with the BBC Proms to continue to offer music that is open to all."

All four concerts at Bristol Beacon will be broadcast live on BBC Radio 3.

The radio station will also host its Late-Night Live edition of Late Junction in the Lantern Hall, which will be presented by Verity Sharp and guest artists Sarahsson and Wojciech Rusin.

An afternoon concert, which will also be recorded for broadcast, will take place at St George's Bristol as part of the Proms weekend.

Sam Jackson, a controller from BBC Radio 3 and BBC Proms said: "The Proms was founded in 1895 on the belief that everyone should have access to the very best of classical music, so I am delighted that our concerts across the UK reach audiences on their own doorstep, as well as being broadcast on Radio 3."

Mr Hazelwood and the Paraorchestra are collaborating with The Breath and composer Oliver Vibrans to create a folk-inspired sound for the events.

He said: "I can say, hand on heart, that this will be so much more than the standard orchestra-meets-band.

"I guarantee you will hear things - and instrumental combinations - that you have never heard before."

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