Tipped

classical music for the people

November 04, 2007

There is a huge history to the Proms that I won't go into here (google it) suffice to say that over 100 years ago a man named Robert Newman decided that 'the people' needed access to classical music ( although back then it might not have been called classical).

Forward to now and its just an awesome series of concerts that take place over a two and a half month period.

The best things:

1) tickets for 'promming' which means standing or watching from the atrium only cost £5!!!!!

2) if you sit up in the atrium you can take wine and a picnic blanket.

3) for the first couple of months of the Proms you really don't have to queue - you can get there like 10 minutes before the show starts.

4) If its a warm summer you can pay the £7 for a bad seat - however when you get to the seat you realize that most of the place is empty so you just scurry on over to the expensive seats and no one minds.

Sunday Jazz, Rock, Messiah, & more!

October 31, 2007

Royal Albert Hall is a must do for everyone. It’s a beautiful, ornate music hall made specifically to enhance the true sound of the music being played so no matter where you are in the dome, you have a wonderful experience. Across the street from Hyde Park in Kensington, it is a mecca for world class musicians and I find it always a treat to be there no matter what is playing.

I’ve been there several times from seeing a Cirque du Soliel show to Handel’s Messiah last Christmas to recently partaking in the Sunday Jazz and Brunch.

The Jazz/Brunch I would give just 3 stars because I’m now thinking in terms of the food and not just the music. For a 2 hour brunch plus music you pay £25 for a main, dessert and mimosa or Bloody Mary. The food was decent; typical brunch of smoked salmon with eggs or eggs Benedict or waffles. The jazz was great; however for a 2 hour session they took a break mid way through which was annoying. Can’t they play for 2 hours straight? Nonetheless, an atypical Sunday with some friends which is always a welcome treat.

But my recommendation is to make sure you see a proper performance for your first visit here. Food is not their focus.

Tags: music, jazz, rock, Christmas, dome, sunday brunch