8 reasons why the Last Night of the Proms 2016 celebrations were unforgettable
What a season it has been! And how terribly sad that it's over. We've already brought you a collection of your favourite 15 Proms moments from across the festival; now let's have a look at the eight moments that defined a fantastic, memorable Last Night – in the Royal Albert Hall, and at the celebrations across the UK.
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Videos, Audio & Features
Performances, photos, articles and more from this year's Last Night celebrations!
1. Tom Harrold Razes the roof
Tom Harrold: Raze (world premiere)
Sakari Oramo conducts the BBC Proms Youth Ensemble.
Here's how to start the Last Night in the Royal Albert Hall – with the world premiere of Tom Harrold's BBC commissioned work, performed by the BBC Proms Youth Ensemble conducted by Sakari Oramo.
2. The tribute to Sir Terry Wogan, presenter of Proms in the Park for 18 years
A Tribute to Sir Terry Wogan
A tribute to the dearly missed Radio and TV legend played at Proms in the Park 2016.
Proms in the Park turned 20 in 2016: for many it will always be associated with Sir Terry Wogan, its presenter for 18 years. This moving tribute was played out to the many thousands of people in Hyde Park. And the rain may well have disguised a tear or two...
3. The Prommers
It's the Prommers who sum up the spirit of the festival – across the entire season, and especially on the Last Night. See above for how you get into the mood of the night.
4. Juan Diego Flórez's Inca-redible costume for Rule, Britannia
Dare we suggest that Peruvian tenor Juan Diego Flórez stole the show? From his terrific opening performance of Rossini's 'Si, ritrovarla io giuro' from La Cenerentola, to his nine high Cs in 'Ah! mes amis', to serenading Paddington Bear and ending with Rule, Britannia in the above, fabulous costume. What a man.
As a bonus, enjoy the performance of Rule, Britannia in glorious 360 degree video, below.
5. Massive piece, little conductor
Meanwhile, over in Colwyn Bay, huge excitement as Gwydion Rhys picked up the baton and took control of Wagner's epic Ride of the Valkyries from The Ring of the Nibelung.
6. Vaughan Williams's stunning Serenade
English composer Ralph Vaughan Williams wrote his Serenade to Music in 1938 to celebrate the 50-year conducting career of Proms co-founder Sir Henry Wood. In the midst of all the Last Night exuberance, it provided a moment of wonderful calm.
7. Jerusalem
An absolute Last Night classic – since 1953.
8. The wonderful flags in Hyde Park
Since the Second World War the waving of flags has become synonymous with the Proms – inside and outside the Hall. How about this lovely pic taken in Hyde Park as the Last Night celebrations were coming to an end?
