Record crowds flock to Proms
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The Proms achieved record attendances this year, the BBC said yesterday.
The 102nd season, which ends tomorrow, has averaged an 89 per cent of sale of seats for the evening concerts, a 7.8 per cent increase on last year.
This year's season also had a record number of concerts, 72 in 58 days, and a total of 240,000 tickets were sold, the highest ever.
Nicholas Kenyon, controller of Radio 3, who took over from Sir John Drummond this year as director of the Proms, said: "This has been an extremely adventurous Proms season, with 23 premieres and no less than 79 works new to the Proms.
"We have sold all seats at 37 concerts, for programmes including major contemporary works by Turnage, Glanert, Gerhard and Tippett among many others."
Research shows that the season at the Albert Hall attracted a substantial number of first-timers and it is hoped many will become Radio 3 listeners.
Mr Kenyon will take a more relaxed attitude to the atmosphere of the last night than his predecessor, who last year forbade "extraneous" noises. Mr Kenyon said: "I am a 'let joy be unconfined' man myself."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments