Prom Date

Jonathan Lemalu and the NZSO were guest performers at this year’s BBC Proms. The prestigious annual event is held at the Royal Albert Hall and reaches a global audience of millions. Times: “Flesh and blood aplenty in Mahler’s orchestral settings … And with the NZ Samoan bass baritone Jonathan Lemalu at hand, there was an eager musical rendezvous.” NZPA: “There were roars of appreciation from a good NZ contingent in the audience and the orchestra left the stage safe in the knowledge that their ‘Kiwi’ prom had been a resounding success.” The first ‘promenaders concerts’ were held in 18th century Europe. By allowing patrons to stand in the wells of tiered concert halls at a fraction of the usual price, classical music began to be accessible to a much broader audience. The practice continues today, with promenaders paying $6-$10 for a concert.