Having had the pleasure of reviewing Fantasia Orchestra at Smith Square Hall earlier this year, I was looking forward to their latest offering at today’s relaxed Prom at the stunning Royal Albert Hall and they didn’t disappoint.
Conducted by Tom Fetherstonhaugh and accompanied by the BBC Singers, today’s hour-long programme was an eclectic mix of jazz, pop and classical music, making it a Prom for newcomers and seasoned Prom-goers alike.
A word on the relaxed Prom premise for those who don’t know – there is a much more informal environment, with a relaxed attitude towards noise and movement. Patrons are free to leave and re-enter, while the fantastic Royal Albert Hall staff are on hand to guide Prommers to ‘chill-out areas’ if needed. It’s lovely to have a selection of these relaxed performances on offer, making the Proms accessible to a wider audience. Sean Chandler was also on hand to provide BSL interpretation, while audio description by Timna Fibert was available for those who wished to use it.
The whole concert was introduced and presented by YolanDa Brown, who was a warm and engaging presence, peppering the musical offerings with interviews with musicians and notes on the pieces. Her relaxed approach fitted perfectly with the atmosphere of the morning and helped give the programme a real sense of accessibility.
The programme itself started with a great rendition of Louis Prima’s Sing, Sing, Sing, and jazz bookended the morning with a rousing performance of Duke Ellington’s It Don’t Mean a Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing). Both pieces were arranged by Harry Baker, who was in attendance alongside fellow arranger Simon Hale, whose haunting version of Pyramid Song made for an intriguing take on the much-loved Radiohead number.
Perhaps my personal favourites were Dvořák’s Czech Suite and the beautiful Serenade to Music by Vaughan Williams. When I tell you that the latter was the longest piece in the programme and still clocked in at under 15 minutes, you can tell just how carefully the orchestra had chosen a selection of short, accessible works, something that worked brilliantly in this setting.
There were also a couple of really interesting, perhaps I should say ‘experimental’, pieces. Caroline Shaw’s Partita – Sarabande was performed by the singers alone, using vowel sounds and humming rather than conventional lyrics. As Fetherstonhaugh explained, without words to interpret the music for you, the music itself has to do all the work.
Finally, I must mention Meredith Monk’s Panda Chant, two minutes of glorious craziness, where the orchestra downed their instruments and chanted ‘Panda’ while stamping, clapping and even screaming. It was a particular favourite with the audience, with many children copying the performers on their way out of the Hall.
Much praise should be given to Fantasia Orchestra, the BBC Singers and, more widely, the Royal Albert Hall for firstly programming such an accessible Prom, which may well have started a lifelong love affair with music for some. On top of that, it was a tremendously enjoyable and fast-moving hour of great entertainment.
Fantasia Orchestra return for a Late Night Prom this Tuesday (11th August). They will perform all the same pieces, with a few extra surprises. It’s well worth catching, either in person (remember, you can buy standing tickets on the day for just £8) or by listening on BBC Radio 3 or catching up on BBC Sounds.
Review: Jack Shaw