News that the Caird Hall in Dundee will host the Scottish finale of The Proms in the Park in September, has been greeted with joy.
The City of Discovery stepped in after Glasgow, which has hosted the Proms in the Park event in Scotland since it was set up six years ago, pulled out because of financial concerns.
Tickets for the event on September 11 will be free and the Scottish Symphony Orchestra will provide the evening’s “musical backbone.”
Conducted by Garry Walker, they will play a mix of popular classics, Scottish favourites and pieces chosen to reflect Dundee’s nautical heritage.
The BBC said a number of international performers will also take part in the concertthey will be announced at a later date.
A BBC Scotland spokesman said, “The Caird Hall is an ideal choice for the event due to its large size and world-famous acoustics.
“The combination of this special hall and renowned exuberance of the Scottish ‘Last Night’ audience will make for a very special evening of music making.”
Dundee City Council leisure, arts and communities convener Councillor Bob Duncan said, “Dundee City Council is delighted the BBC has chosen the Caird Hall for the Scottish finale of this year’s Proms.Tremendous event”This will be a tremendous event for the city and will showcase our excellent venue to the rest of the country through the BBC’s coverage.
“Dundee audiences are extremely enthusiastic about their music and there is a rich and diverse programme throughout the year in the city.
“This is sure to be a hugely successful Last Night for everyone involved.”
Richard McCready, the Labour group’s spokesman on leisure, arts and communities, added, “I am very pleased that the BBC Proms in the Park Scottish finale will take place in the Caird Hall this year.
“The Caird Hall is an excellent venue for classical music, and indeed for other styles of music, and has a loyal following for RSNO Concerts.
“Hopefully this concert will give people who have never been to this type of concert the opportunity to attend and see what it’s like.
“I am pleased the BBC are joining the growing band of people who recognise that cultural excellence is not only to be found in Glasgow, Edinburgh or even London but can be found across the UK and that Dundee is an excellent venue for an event such as this.”
Photo used under Creative Commons licence courtesy of Flickr user Yersinia.