'Last Night Of The Proms' 🎻 12 September

Simon O'Donovan

Sep 11

2 min read

A Celebration of Music, Memories and Tradition

The Last Night of the Proms is much more than a classical concert. It brings together magnificent orchestral music, familiar songs, colourful flags and the unmistakable sound of thousands of people singing together.

These activities offer an accessible way to explore that special tradition. No knowledge of classical music is needed. Participants can listen, recognise familiar melodies, share memories, join a discussion or simply enjoy the spectacle.

We begin by discovering the history of the Proms and the Royal Albert Hall. A Let’s Talk activity invites participants to discuss Classic FM, favourite composers and pieces of music they remember hearing at home, at school, in films or on television.

Picture quizzes introduce familiar orchestral instruments and some of the world’s most recognisable composers. Another challenge explores the many television programmes, films, advertisements and memorable occasions that have borrowed classical music.

Music lies at the heart of the collection. Our CST Songs of the Day include:

Edward Elgar’s Pomp and Circumstance March No. 1, with the famous melody of Land of Hope and Glory
Sir Henry Wood’s lively Fantasia on British Sea-Songs
Thomas Arne’s Rule, Britannia!
Hubert Parry’s setting of William Blake’s Jerusalem
God Save the King, heard in Benjamin Britten’s arrangement
Auld Lang Syne, traditionally sung by the audience after the concert

Participants might sing, clap, tap their feet, conduct the imaginary orchestra or wave a flag to the music. The practical activity encourages everyone to make colourful flags and banners for the room using paper, card, fabric, ribbon and other simple craft materials.

These slides can be enjoyed as a complete session or used individually. Choose the activities that best suit your group and allow plenty of time for conversation, laughter and shared memories.

Above all, this is an opportunity to experience the enjoyment of making and sharing music together, whether someone has loved classical music all their life or is hearing these famous pieces with fresh ears.

Simon’s CST Activities — Boosting brain power together to benefit quality of life.