Must-See Concert Performances at Royal Albert Hall this July

The Royal Albert Hall is one of London’s foremost concert venues. Founded in honour of Prince Albert, the husband of Queen Victoria, the hall opened in 1871. Since then, it has continued to grow and develop, and currently hosts over 350 shows each year.

In addition to offering a stunning space which appeals to both performers and audiences, the venue is known for the sheer variety of acts which can be experienced here, ranging from classical music to comedy and everything in-between. Some of the leading lights of music have performed here over the years, and this July will host another round of great acts thanks in part to the summer Proms season.

In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at some of the best shows to expect…

The Songs of Cole Porter

16^th – 17^th July 2019

This celebration of the work of legendary composer Cole Porter is performed by award-winning Michael Griffiths, and will take place in the Elgar Room this July. Having previously performed the show in 2017, Griffiths is again revisiting the timeless songs Porter created. The original performance sold out quickly, so those eager to bag tickets are advised to move fast!

The show takes viewers on a real tour of Cole Porter’s incredible legacy, exploring all the wit and hedonistic flair of his songs. Top tracks set to be performed live include ‘You’re the Top’, ‘It’s De-Lovely’ and ‘Night and Day’.  The Songs of Cole Porter starts at 7:30pm, providing an evening of great entertainment.

Prom 1: First Night of the Proms

19^th July 2019

The annual Proms begin in style with this first evening concert, acting as a conclusion to the BBC’s celebration of the 50^th anniversary of Apollo 11’s trip to the Moon. The programme includes a selection of stirring pieces of music composed in the 1920s and 1930s, as well as the world premiere of a new piece commissioned by the BBC. The BBC Symphony Orchestra and conductor Karina Canellakis have formed an incredibly talented team to help bring the music to life for those staying at luxury accommodation in London.

Prom 2: Bohemian Rhapsody

20^th July 2019

Following a successful debut at the Proms in 2017, conductor Jakub Hrusa will be returning with two compositions hailing from his homeland of Czechoslovakia. With a folk-like flair and evocative sounds, he will be joined by American violin virtuoso Joshua Bell, alongside the Bamberg Symphony Orchestra. For music fans eager to see a show at the Royal Albert Hall, this is sure to be a real treat.

Prom 3: Cbeebies – A Musical Trip To The Moon

21^st – 22^nd July 2019

Perfect for families staying at the Montcalm London City, this child-friendly musical act is sure to spark imaginations and encourage younger visitors to reach for their dreams. The music follows a trip to the moon, including lots of great adventures (including an encounter with famed kid’s classic the Clangers). There will also be a music score composed by Hans Zimmer, and a live orchestra bringing the performance to life.

Prom 4: The Planets

21^st July 2019

A celebration of space travel in musical form, this performance marks the 50^th anniversary of the first mission to the moon, and will be performed by the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, Trinity Boys Choir and the Proms debut of Nemanja Radulovic on violin. The music includes a reworking of Gustav Holst’s The Planets Suite, alongside Samuel Barber’s Violin Concerto.

Prom 6: The Rite of Spring

22^nd July 2019

This event will take place in the Royal Albert Hall auditorium, where music fans are set to gather and see a remarkable performance of Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring. Inspired by early pagan dance, the work is known for its energy and drama. Featuring violinist James Ehnes, conductor Edward Gardner and musicians direct from the Royal Academy of Music in London and the Juilliard School in New York, fans of this 20^th century masterpiece are sure to be dazzled by this addition to this July’s Proms.

Prom 8: Invitation to the Dance

24^th July 2019

Combining a series of classical works perfect for dancing, the programme of this performance includes works by Debussy, Stravinsky and Bartok, with Isabelle Faust on violin and support from the BBC Symphony Orchestra. The performance will also mark the UK premiere of a new composition by Peter Eotvos, providing lots to enjoy for music fans.

Prom 9: Strauss, Brahms and Borstrom

25^th July 2019

Another big highlight of July’s Proms schedule, this performance will feature rival soloists Jeroen Berwaerts and Hakan Hardenberger, as well as the BBC National Orchestra of Wales and conductor Markus Stenz, as well as the music of Strauss and Brahms. In addition, attendees can look forward to a new composition by Swedish composer Tobias Brostrom, commissioned by the BBC and featuring Malmo Symphony Orchestra.

Prom 11: 1969 – The Sound of a Summer

26^th July 2019

Some summers become a part of the cultural consciousness, and the summer of 1969 is one such season. With Woodstock, the first manned mission to the Moon and war in Vietnam, as well as the debut of the Abbey Road album by The Beatles, there was lots happening! This performance looks at the music and film of the time to help bring the soundtrack of the summer to vivid life. With the BBC Concert Orchestra and Stephen Bell conducting, the show will feature extracts from famous films of the era and use music inspired by Woodstock.

Prom 12: National Youth Orchestra

27^th July 2019

This performance harnesses the skills of the National Youth Orchestra, which is composed of musicians between the ages of 13-18 sourced from all over the UK. The event always marks a major highlight in the Proms calendar, and will this year feature performances of Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto in D Major and Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet.