Last Night of the Proms

Abstract

The annual Last Night of the Proms, featuring mainly classical music, takes place at the Royal Albert Hall. This year (2010) it fell on Saturday, September 11—a poignant day of remembrance—so it was fitting that an American, Renée Fleming, was the soprano. The Proms are so-called after the long-held practice of Prommers strolling in the main body of the concert hall. The evening is traditionally rounded off by the audience joining with the massive choir in rousing renditions of ‘Rule Britannia!’ ‘Jerusalem,’ and ‘Land of Hope and Glory.’

Key Words:

• contemporary English ritual
• Henry Wood Promenade Concerts
• Last Night of the Proms
• London Proms
• Royal Albert Hall
• September 11th