London - Proms 2013 - John Wilson Orchestra

Hollywood Rhapsody Prom
View from the Choir Seats
We do not get along to the Proms very often. A concert that we think is unmissable is given each year by the John Wilson Orchestra. Typically they play Broadway hits or Film Classics. The Orchestra is hand-picked, massive and very highly skilled. It's a combination of a Symphony Orchestra and a Big Band and emulates the Hollywood Orchestras from the Golden Age. We counted over 100 musicians.
We were in the Cheap Seats right behind the Orchestra and just alongside the mammoth Organ. The seats are normally occupied by the choir. In fact at one point John Wilson, conducting, gestured for a soloist to stand and take a bow and TW stood up! My favourite of the evening was the Tom and Jerry theme. It was fast and furious and the percussionists when berserk! They smashed plates, popped bubble wrap and did unspeakable thinks with a sink full of water? The Psycho theme, played just by the string section, was very evocative - TW is now locking the Shower Room door.
Royal Albert Hall Panorama
Over Henry Wood's shoulder
Could not convince TW to play a few notes


By the way, spotted this Zebra in Kensington! We drove in early and had a wander around the Natural History Museum. Free entertainment with lots of interest.

Zebra in Kensington

Location: London, UK

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