First Night of the Proms

The greatest classical music festival in the world gets underway from the Royal Albert Hall. Katie Derham introduces a performance of Elgar's sublime biblical oratorio, The Kingdom, a powerful musical portrayal of the acts of the disciples after the ascension of Jesus. Sir Andrew Davis returns to the Proms in his 70th birthday year to conduct the BBC Symphony Orchestra and Chorus and the BBC National Chorus of Wales. They are joined by soloists Erin Wall as the Blessed Virgin, Catherine Wyn-Rogers as Mary Magdalene, Andrew Staples as St John and Christopher Purves as St Peter.