For its return visit to the West Country this summer the BBC Proms gave us a weekend of ensembles that we should consider national treasures. The Britten Sinfonia and the Orchestra of Welsh National Opera have had tough times over the past few years after deep public funding cuts, but for now they play on \u2014 and brilliantly. Whatever struggles remain, how good it was to hear them at Bristol Beacon.<\/p>\n
The hall\u2019s seats were full, but the Bristol audience hasn\u2019t entirely taken Promming to its heart yet, leaving the arena looking a little sparse (although some Prommers enjoyed their yoga mats and cushions). Still, traditions can take time to grow, and offering standing tickets feels like an important part of the Proms ethos. As did the bank holiday programme\u2019s celebratory, eclectic mood, including the Paraorchestra, the Danish National Vocal Ensemble (who sang with cool beauty and utter composure) and a classical DJ set \u2014 which, from the snippet I heard, the presenter Georgia Mann made far less awkward than that sounds.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Read more classical reviews, guides and interviews<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n The Britten Sinfonia, directed by its new leader Zo\u00eb Beyers, was mesmerising in Arvo P\u00e4rt\u2019s Tabula Rasa, its soloists Beyers and Miranda Dale finding a crystalline purity that stilled the room. Also notable was Gavin Higgins\u2019s Rough Voices, a Proms pandemic commission, conducted here by Tess Jackson. A cry of anger at how the poorest were affected by Covid, this uncomfortable piece\u2019s message still rings true, expressed as a tussle between dissonant outbursts and serene strings.<\/p>\n Still, nothing was quite as dramatic as the dazzling performance of Rossini\u2019s William Tell overture by the WNO orchestra (on fiery, flexible form) and the conductor Carlo Rizzi. It opened an \u201cUnder the Italian Sun\u201d evening that crackled with energy and didn\u2019t always go for the obvious.<\/p>\n Instead, we had early Puccini, heady Respighi and the piquant orchestrations of Berio\u2019s Folk Songs, sung with chestnut warmth and tongue-twisting eloquence by the mezzo-soprano Virginie Verrez. Elgar\u2019s In the South (Alassio) blended swagger and wistfulness, with exquisite viola solos by Dunia Ershova. Available on <\/b>BBC Sounds<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n
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