44x1 - BBC Proms

The 96th season of Promenade Concerts opens with a performance which serves as a memorial and tribute to a distinguished and well loved musician, Sir John Pritchard. His appearance at the 1989 Last Night proved to be his farewell concert in this country. Tonight's performance by the BBC Symphony Orchestra (led by Bela Dekany) is conducted by Sir John's successor as the orchestra's chief conductor, Andrew Davis. Mahler's massive work - a late Romantic landmark - was a particular favourite of Sir John's. Introduced by Richard Baker. With Margaret Price (soprano), Anne-Sofie von Otter (mezzo-soprano), the BBC Symphony Chorus and the London Philharmonic Choir.