Community arts festival Proms at St Jude's has unveiled its 2023 line-up with nine days of music, comedy, lit talks and family events.
The volunteer-led event features concerts ranging from jazz to folk, to musicals and opera, alongside book talks by the likes of Henry Dimbleby, Justin Webb, and Royal corespondent Valentine Low.
New for this year is a family festival with a 'teeny prom', junk orchestra, treasure hunt, and interactive sessions with author James Mayhew
Among the highlights is the UK premiere of Ben Palmer's score to accompany Fritz Lang's dystopian masterpiece Metropolis.
Also on the bill is A Night In Vienna with The Pico Players performing Strauss and a fun evening of Irish traditional music followed by a celebration of Broadway musical hits, then a comedy night with sets from Geoff Whiting, Gareth Richards and Otiz Cannelloni.
The last night of the Proms sees the usual singalong to Danny Boy and Jerusalem alongside performances by the two local pupils who made it through to the 2022 BBC Young Musician of the Year strings final.
Highgate School pupil Aki Blendis plays alongside his father Simon Blendis leader of the London Mozart Players, for a programme of Tchaikovsky, Mendelssohn and Mozart. They are joined by Muswell Hill viola player and UCS pupil Jaren Ziegler, who won through to the final of the prestigious competition.
For jazz lovers, the musical director of Ronnie Scott's Peter Long reimagines Holst's planets through the music of Duke Ellington with a 16 piece orchestra. And the ever popular heritage walks led by knowledgable guides will cover local history and the TV, artists, and comics who have lived around Hampstead.
All the events take place at Henrietta Barnett school, Central Square and St Jude's Church in Hampstead Garden Suburb, with profits going to two charities, Toynbee Hall in East London founded by Henrietta and Samuel Barnett, and the North London Hospice. Last year, Proms raised £50,000 for good causes.
Kate Webster Chair of Proms said: "It’s wonderful to get our 2023 season off the ground and we’re looking forward to a lively festival without any pandemic restrictions at last. We will be bringing you nine fabulous days of concerts, literary events, heritage walks and comedy in iconic settings on your doorstep. As always, we showcase some of the best young musicians and welcome back some of the world’s most distinguished performers, authors and interviewers. Our new feature this year is our Family Festival on Sunday, 2 July, designed for people with children or grandchildren up to 11 years old, so please save the date now!”
The Proms at St Jude's runs June 24-July 2. Selected Friends are invited to book from today, with public booking open on April 17. https://www.promsatstjudes.org.uk/
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