BBC Proms 2014 Elgar The Kingdom

Prom 1: First Night of the Proms 7. 30pm, Royal Albert Hall The festival opens with Elgars biblical oratorio The Kingdom the beautiful slow movement of a planned musical triptych. Celebrated Elgarian Sir Andrew Davis conducts the massed forces of the BBC Symphony Orchestra and Chorus and the BBC National Chorus of Wales. They are joined by a distinguished cast of soloists including Proms regulars Christopher Purves and Catherine WynRogers. Programme Edward Elgar The Kingdom (90 mins) Performers Erin Wall soprano (Blessed Virgin) Catherine WynRogers mezzosoprano (Mary Magdalene) Andrew Staples tenor (St John) Christopher Purves baritone (St Peter) BBC National Chorus of Wales BBC Symphony Chorus BBC Symphony Orchestra Sir Andrew Davis conductor About this event The largest classical music festival in the world, the BBC Proms also boasts one of the mightiest venues. The Royal Albert Hall is a monument to the same Victorian pomp and splendour that swells through Edward Elgars music. What b