Last Night of the Proms pulls into York
Posted on 17 April 2007
Now his 21st Century namesake a 20-year-old University of York music student - is bringing the pomp and circumstance of the Proms to the city for the first time.
we are sure it’s going to be a memorable day for everyone involved
George Hudson
The modern George Hudson is one of a group of fellow University students who are organising the first York Proms in the perfect setting of the city’s Rowntree Park on 16 June 2007. Tickets for the concert go on sale today.
Proceeds from the Proms will go to York Charitable Foundation and, ultimately, towards the establishment of musical education schemes in the local area. The event is supported by City of York Council and has been organised through the University of York’s Centre for Enterprise Teaching and Learning (CETL).
During the afternoon, more than 400 musicians, dancers and street performers will provide entertainment, building to a fantastic evening featuring an unparalleled variety of music from popular film classics to Land of Hope and Glory, set to spectacular visual special effects.
The York Film Orchestra has been formed specially for this event, using members from the University of York’s orchestras and players from other City orchestras. Working with film companies in the USA, the orchestra has secured a fantastic popular repertoire including music from Lord of the Rings and the suite from Pirates of the Caribbean.
The orchestra will also work with local schools to provide the choirs required for music from Disney’s The Lion King and the Last Night of the Proms Finale.
The orchestra’s musical performance will be accompanied by dazzling visual effects, including columns of fire reaching heights of eight metres and 500 jets of water launched from banks of fountains at the side of the stage.
George Hudson, who will also conduct the orchestra, said: "It’s rare for a group of young people like us to be putting on an event as big as this. It’s been 18 months in the planning and we are sure it’s going to be a memorable day for everyone involved.
"As a resident of York, I am thrilled at the prospect of creating a sustainable music event for the city that will and inspire and communicate with all members of the community. This project will involve many local creative groups, businesses and residents working together to showcase York’s currently under-promoted musical culture to a wider audience."
Dave Meigh, Head of Parks and Open Spaces at City of York Council, said: "We’re delighted to be part of York’s inaugural Proms event. Rowntree Park has played an integral part in the city’s social activities for over 80 years and the Proms will provide local people with a unique opportunity to enjoy a wide range of musical performances in a beautiful setting."
Tickets for the York Proms cost £15 for adults, £5 for children and £9 for concessions. VIP tickets cost £30. Tickets are available from www.yorkproms.com or 01904 644194
Notes to editors:
- The York Proms will be held in Rowntree Park. The Park was given to the people of York by Rowntree and Company at the close of World War One as a memorial to all those members of the Company’s staff who lost their lives or suffered during the War. It recently underwent a £1.7 million facelift funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund. The 10-hectare site was given the Green Flag Award in 2004 (renewed in 2005 and 2006) by The Civic Trust.
- More details on York Proms are available at www.yorkproms.com
- The Centre for Enterprise Teaching and Learning (CETL) at the University of York has been established as part of a substantial £5 million grant from HEFCE. The CETL will enables students to develop enterprise skills so that they are equipped to make an impact in the future as social entrepreneurs, enterprising employees and successful business owners.