BBC Proms 2025 celebrates global talent and first overnight concert in decades

The BBC Proms 2025 season is shaping up to be a summer highlight for music lovers, with 86 concerts lined up between 18th July and 13th September. From classical giants to genre-crossing collaborations, the programme offers a wide sweep of sounds and stories that reflect London’s place as a cultural capital. As ever, the Royal Albert Hall remains at the heart of the season, but Proms will also be staged in Belfast, Sunderland, Gateshead, Bristol, and Bradford, marking the festival’s ongoing commitment to national reach.

The First Night sets the tone with conductor Sakari Oramo leading a packed programme, including a world premiere by Errollyn Wallen and the rarely heard Sancta Civitas by Vaughan Williams. The Last Night, conducted by Elim Chan, offers a celebratory close with new commissions by Rachel Portman and Camille Pépin, both notable moments for women in composition.

A key first this year is the return of the overnight Prom, curated by organist Anna Lapwood. Running from 11pm to 7am, it features pianist Hayato Sumino and the genre-defying Barokksolistene, promising an all-night experience unlike anything else on the classical calendar.

Throughout the season, audiences will hear from more than 3,000 performers. Big international names like the Vienna Philharmonic, Leipzig Gewandhaus, and Royal Concertgebouw Orchestras share the billing with homegrown talent including Chineke! Orchestra, Paraorchestra, and the BBC’s own ensembles.

This year’s Proms also embraces new voices and formats. Studio Ghibli’s Joe Hisaishi makes his Proms debut, conducting his symphony The End of the World with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. There’s a soul-to-civil rights journey from Trevor Nelson, a Traitors-themed concert hosted by Claudia Winkleman, and appearances from Samara Joy and St. Vincent performing orchestral versions of their work.

There’s opera too, with full-scale performances of Shostakovich’s Lady Macbeth of the Mtsensk District, Mozart’s Marriage of Figaro, and Puccini’s Suor Angelica. Composer anniversaries are acknowledged across the season, from Shostakovich to Arvo Pärt, and there’s no shortage of premieres – 19 in total, including 10 BBC commissions.

As always, accessibility is key. Promming tickets remain at £8, standard seats start at £10, and under-18s get half-price entry. It’s a point of pride that every Prom will be broadcast live on BBC Radio 3 and BBC Sounds, with 25 also shown on BBC One, Two, or iPlayer.

You can explore the full line-up and booking info via the BBC Proms website.

For more updates on classical music events and cultural highlights across London, visit EyeOnLondon. We’d love to hear your thoughts on this year’s Proms in the comments.

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