Fantasia Orchestra, BBC Singers and YolanDa Brown feature in this exploration of styles!
Relaxed Prom Fantasia Orchestra performed on Sunday 9th August at the Royal Albert Hall, exploring a range of styles and genres in their arrangements. Fantasia Orchestra, conducted by Tom Fetherstonhaugh, brings new young musicians in to create groundbreaking arrangements. Joining them were the BBC Singers, YolanDa Brown and Sean Chandler as British Sign Language interpreter. Timna Fibert is also credited as the audio describer. The relaxed prom allows for inclusivity for all individual. This includes allowing them to exit to chill area if needed, embracing dancing/standing up or vocally stimming if you wish too. This inclusivity is so important to allow more neurodiverse individuals to participate in orchestras: it was a really heartwarming experience. Brown’s hosting skills are warming and there is a clear love of live performances that she expresses.
The first piece was Louis Parma’s “Sing, Sing Sing” arranged by Harry Baker. This exciting number was played with enthusiasm with its joyful tune: a great jazzy number to start the performance. Next, British bank Radiohead’s “Pyramid Song” arranged by Simon Hale was conducted. This was a perfect follow up with its more melodic, dreamy sound.
“Partita – Sarabande (2nd mvt)” by Caroline Shawn was performed by the BBC Singers. With the piece utilising no instruments, this stood out as an intriguing piece in the programming. Following this, “Czech Suite, Op. 39 – Finale’ was orchestrated. Created by Antonín Dvořák, this was full of energy with quick changes throughout. The final part of this section was Ralph Vaughan Williams’ “Serenade to Music”, arranged by Roy Douglas. Originally wrote for Henry Wood’s memorial concert; this piece had an elegance style with added Shakespearean words by the BBC Singers.
Meredith Monk’s “Panda Chant 2” followed, making its debut at the Proms. This chant involved the orchestra putting down their instruments to join in with body percussion. This was a real highlight as the rhythmic movements were captivating. Duke Ellington’s “It Don’t Mean a Thing (If it Ain’t Got That Swing)” arranged by Harry Baker finished the performance. A fantastic piece to end with, sending the whole audience out into the sun in the perfect style!
Fantasia Orchestra conduct more performances soon. Check out their website for more!
Tickets for this performance were provided complimentary. Many thanks to ANRPR for organising.
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