BBC Proms 2024: Florence Welch and Sam Smith Make Their Debut

The BBC Proms, a world-renowned classical music festival, is set to return for its 2024 season with an exciting lineup that includes indie-rock star Florence Welch and Grammy-winning singer Sam Smith. The festival will run from July 19 to September 14, featuring over 3,000 musicians in 90 concerts across London’s Royal Albert Hall and various venues throughout the UK. One of the highlights of the season is the debut performances by Welch and Smith. Florence Welch, known for her captivating vocals and energetic stage presence, will take to the stage on September 11th to perform her Brit Award-winning album ‘Lungs’ alongside Grammy-winning composer Jules Buckley and his orchestra. This will be Welch’s only UK performance of the year, making it a highly anticipated event for her fans. Sam Smith, who has won numerous Grammy Awards for their soulful vocals and heartfelt lyrics, will perform their Grammy-winning debut album ‘In The Lonely Hour’ with the BBC Concert Orchestra on August 2nd to mark the record’s 10th anniversary. This performance promises to be a special evening for Smith’s fans, as they showcase the album that launched their successful career. Beyond the headline-grabbing debuts, the BBC Proms 2024 also features a diverse range of artists and performances. Grammy-nominated multi-instrumentalist, singer, and producer Jordan Rakei will collaborate with the Royal Northern Sinfonia and Robert Ames to present tracks from his new album ‘The Loop’ as well as music from his back catalogue. There will also be a variety of family events and concerts for children, including a new Doctor Who Prom and a CBeebies Prom. The BBC Singers, who were at the center of a controversy earlier this year when the BBC announced plans to scrap the choir, will also feature prominently in the 2024 season. They will perform in the First and Last Night performances and on August 25th and will also perform an array of pieces that they have premiered over their 100-year history. The BBC’s own ensembles, including the BBC Concert Orchestra and BBC Philharmonic, will feature across 38 Proms, and a further 20 orchestras and more than 25 choirs from all over the UK will perform throughout the season. Hong Kong-born conductor Elim Chan will conduct the First Night of the Proms, featuring soloists Isata Kanneh-Mason and Sophie Bevan and a world premiere of Ben Nobuto’s Hallelujah Sim. The Last Night will be conducted by Finnish conductor Sakari Oramo, featuring pianist Sir Stephen Hough and soprano Angel Blue, which will be her BBC Proms debut. The BBC Proms has also made a conscious effort to increase gender and ethnic diversity in its programming. This year’s programme features 10 female conductors, and nearly a third of the Proms will feature an ethnically diverse soloist or conductor. The BBC Proms 2024 promises to be a diverse and exciting celebration of classical music. With a wide range of artists, performances, and venues, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Tickets for the BBC Proms 2024 are on sale now, starting at £8. Every Prom will be broadcast live on BBC Radio 3 and will be later available on BBC Sounds, while 24 programmes, including the first and last night of the Proms, will be broadcast on BBC television and iPlayer.