Variation on a theme

Blasts from the past

With the Proms encouraging music lovers to look back, Philip Halcrow hears about a pair of late-night concerts

THERE are some key changes,

but the Proms are getting under way. This year’s festival of classical music is having to be reworked.

The organisers hope that towards Bazil Meade (centre) with London Community Gospel Choir the end of the season, although they will probably not be able to welcome audiences to the venue, it may be nerve-racking, because, although ‘We were showing that we’re artists possible to stage live music at the we’d performed in other events at the who love God and are happy to show Royal Albert Hall, where programmes Albert Hall, this occasion reflected that our faith,’ he says. will include pieces commissioned there was more confidence among Bazil is sure that music in general for this year’s event – and for the broadcasters to include gospel music and gospel in particular can have a unusual circumstances caused by the at that level. We’ve always strived to positive effect. coronavirus. get the art of black church worship ‘Music is a wonderful, soothing

A major part of this Proms season to be recognised at the highest level. therapy,’ he says. ‘It plays an important will be encores. BBC TV and radio So we were excited but nervous. We role even in healthy times, but are broadcasting highlights from wanted it to go well.’ especially now after we’ve been living past concerts, and Radio 3 and the LCGC were one of several choirs in lockdown and people have been BBC’s social media platforms are who took part in the two evenings, experiencing problems with mental inviting audiences to share their Proms where they were joined by artists such health and relationships. memories. as Muyiwa and, for the second evening, ‘There’s definitely an uplift that There have been many notable nights There’s an uplift Michelle Williams of Destiny’s Child. comes from gospel music.’ That uplift, he says, is connected at the Proms. Audiences have that comes from Bazil enjoyed the events because they with the faith that underlies gospel. ‘Faith is like a log that you can grab witnessed Leonard Bernstein, André gospel music were an opportunity to sing to ‘people who on to when you feel as if you’re being swept away by the strong current in a Previn and Simon would probably not river. We’re living in such an uncertain Rattle conduct top orchestras. They go to a normal gospel concert but time. We don’t know what lies ahead. have heard old favourites, world might have always wanted to see a But faith can give us hope and strength premieres and – notably in the Late gospel choir. I think there were a lot to live through what is happening now Night Proms – different musical genres. of new experiences happening for and cope with what is ahead.

Bazil Meade has memories of taking the thousands of people in the hall.’ ‘It’s why gospel music is inspiring part in the first Gospel Prom in 2013 Bazil emphasises that the artists and encouraging. It does not say that and a sequel three years later. taking part saw the nights, which there are no difficulties – there are

The founder of London Community included songs such as ‘Amazing many things we don’t understand – but Gospel Choir tells the War Cry that Grace’ and ‘O Happy Day’, as ‘a the message of the music can enable the first of the concerts ‘was a little celebration of God. you to find strength.’