London “Proms” to Continue

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 114, 4 August 1927, Page 12

London “Proms” to Continue

AGREEMENT REACHED OLD ESTABLISHED FEATURE As a result of the agreement recently arrived at between the British Broadcasting Company and Messrs. Chappell and Company, Ltd., the sole lessee’s of Queen’s Hall, the famous promenade concerts will be continued this year. A six weeks’ series of concerts will commence on August 13 under the conductorship of Sir Henry Wood, while twelve special symphony concerts will be given by the 8.8. C. during the following season. According to the agreement arrived at the microphone will no longer be banned from Queen’s Hall on other occasions. “Proms” have been a distinctive feature in London since 1838, when Promenade Concerts were given at the Lyceum Theatre, then known as the English Opera House. Between 1841 and 1859 they were further popularised at Drury Lane by the famous but eccentric Jullien. He insisted, when playing Beethoven, in using a jewelled baton. This, with new kid gloves, were handed up to the great man on a silver tray proffered by a gorgeous flunkey. Although the concerts have frequently changed their home, and have had varying financial results, they have always been a marked feature of London life.