BBC Proms 2025: A Spectacular Season of Classical Innovation and Global Talent
A Grand Musical Celebration Returns
The BBC has unveiled its highly anticipated 2025 Proms season, running from July 18 to September 13, featuring an impressive total of 86 concerts. Of these, 72 will be hosted at the iconic Royal Albert Hall, with 14 additional performances taking place at venues across the UK.
Innovation and Expansion
In an exciting development, the BBC Proms will make its debut in both Bradford, as part of Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture, and Sunderland. The festival is also returning to Bristol and Gateshead for vibrant three-day weekend residencies. Notable highlights include a performance by Grammy Award-winner Angélique Kidjo in Bradford, while Belfast will host a special celebration marking the centenary of Radio 4’s Shipping Forecast, featuring a new commission from Poet Laureate Simon Armitage.
World-Class Performances
The First Night will feature a world premiere of ‘The Elements’ by Master of the King’s Music Errollyn Wallen, while the Last Night will be conducted by Elim Chan, featuring trumpeter Alison Balsom and soprano Louise Alder, including world premieres by Camille Pépin and Rachel Portman.
International Excellence
The season boasts an impressive lineup of international orchestras, including the Vienna Philharmonic, Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra, and Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra. Star soloists will include pianists Yunchan Lim and Sir András Schiff, violinists Hilary Hahn and Janine Jansen, and soprano Golda Schultz.
Accessibility and Innovation
The BBC Proms maintains its position as Europe’s most democratic classical music festival, with Day Promming tickets available for just £8. For those seeking the best acoustic experience, the arena standing area continues to offer the finest sound. Every performance will be broadcast on BBC Radio 3 and BBC Sounds, with 25 programmes featuring across BBC TV and iPlayer.
As BBC Radio 3 and Proms Controller Sam Jackson notes, the summer of live music will showcase both the greatest international orchestras and the best of British talent, featuring repertoire ranging from beloved classics to entirely new works, while introducing some of today’s brightest young classical stars alongside world-famous soloists.
