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Joy and instruction gained from the Proms

by
18 September 2015

iStock

From Mr Peter Lawley

Sir, — Your Proms reviewer Richard Lawrence may be all sniffy about the inclusion of an Ibiza-style Prom (Arts, 14 August), but, with the orchestrations of Jules Buckley and the Heritage Orchestra, and the superb keyboard and synthesiser skills on view, it has become one of the most-viewed Proms broadcasts of the year, on both iPlayer and YouTube.

It was an evening of sheer enjoyment in making music and participating in music for its own delight, which most of our own congregations would struggle to match for exuberance, engagement, and inclusion.

More than one commentator has likened the evening to a "mega-church" experience for its ability to bring together hundreds in a common shared experience of joy.

Furthermore, many people lacking Mr Lawrence’s extensive musical knowledge find Sir Mark Elder’s symphony introductions in the Sunday-evening Proms slot both helpful and informative, and not at all a distraction.

 

PETER LAWLEY
11 Kingsley Drive, Donnington
Telford TF2 8DH

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