BBC Proms go virtual for 2020
This new coronavirus-friendly solution of airing the Proms has been described by the BBC as:
“Not the Proms as we know them, the Proms as we need them.”
Celebrating 125 years since the first season of Proms, the 2020 event promises live performances as well as treasures from the archive which music-lovers can enjoy safely at home without compromising on the quality of musical talent lined up.
When are the Proms on and how can I tune in?
The 2020 Proms began on Friday 17th July and will close on Saturday 12th September, providing eight weeks of exceptional musical talent. You can tune into the Proms on BBC Radio 3, BBC Four and BBC iPlayer, as well as a few specials on BBC One and BBC Two.
What’s on?
There’s plenty of great features to choose from over the eight-week season, from live performances to old favourites and collaborations with the best musical talent around.
From the opening night, BBC Radio 3 will be broadcasting previous Proms concerts every evening for you to enjoy again or for the first time. As of Sunday 19th July, BBC Four will be broadcasting standout Proms every week, and you’ll find additional highlights waiting for you on BBC iPlayer.
Excitingly, you can also view or listen to live performances playing from the likes of Laura Marling and many other top musicians at the Royal Albert Hall and other iconic music venues, as well as televised performances running throughout the eight weeks.
Take a look at our list below for the full schedule of Proms highlights on TV, streaming both on demand and airing on live telly:
|
Date |
What’s On |
Where to watch |
Time |
|
19th July |
Beethoveniana by Iain Farringdon |
BBC Four |
19:00 |
|
19th July |
CBSO play Beethoven’s Fifth (2017) |
BBC Four |
19:05 |
|
26th July |
The John Wilson Orchestra does Broadway (2012) |
BBC Four |
19:00 |
|
31st July |
Radio 1 Ibiza Prom (2015) |
BBC Four |
0:00 |
|
2nd Aug |
Chineke! Orchestra with Sheku Kanneh-Mason and |
BBC Four |
19:00 |
|
7th Aug |
1Xtra Grime Symphony (2015) |
BBC Four |
23:30 |
|
9th Aug |
Rattle and the NYO play Mahler’s Eighth (2002) |
BBC Four |
19:30 |
|
16th Aug |
Barenboim and the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra (2016) |
BBC Four |
20:00 |
|
21st Aug |
Angélique Kidjo (2019) |
BBC Four |
23:55 |
|
23rd Aug |
Simon Bolivar National Youth Orchestra of Venezuela (2007) |
BBC Four |
19:25 |
|
28th Aug |
Beethoven’s ‘Eroica’ Live at Royal Albert Hall |
BBC Two |
20:00 |
|
29th Aug |
The Symphonic Organ Live at Royal Albert Hall |
BBC Radio 3 |
19:30 |
|
30th Aug |
Rattle conducts the LSO Live at Royal Albert Hall |
BBC Radio 3 |
20:00 |
|
31st Aug |
Viennese Night Live at Royal Albert Hall |
BBC Radio 3 |
19:30 |
|
1st Sept |
London Sinfonietta Live at Royal Albert Hall |
BBC Radio 3 |
11:45 |
|
2nd Sept |
Proms at ... Salford Quays Live |
BBC Radio 3 |
19:30 |
|
3rd Sept |
Playing doubles: Benedetti, Ibragimova and the |
BBC Radio 3 |
19:30 |
|
4th Sept |
Anoushka Shankar: New Explorations Live at |
BBC Radio 3 |
19:30 |
|
5th Sept |
Proms at ... City Halls, Glasgow |
BBC Radio 3 |
19:30 |
|
6th Sept |
Laura Marling and 12 Ensemble Live at Royal Albert Hall |
BBC Radio 3 |
19:30 |
|
7th Sept |
Live performance at Royal Albert Hall (TBC) |
BBC Radio 3 |
19:30 |
|
8th Sept |
Proms at ... Hoddinott Hall, Cardiff |
BBC Radio 3 |
19:30 |
|
9th Sept |
Esa-Pekka Salonen conducts the Philharmonia Orchestra |
BBC Radio 3 |
19:30 |
|
10th Sept |
Beethoven from Memory |
BBC Radio 3 |
19:30 |
|
11th Sept |
Sheku Kanneh-Mason and Isata Kanneh-Mason |
BBC Four |
19:30 |
|
12th Sept |
Last Night of the Proms Live at Royal Albert Hall |
BBC Radio 3 |
20:00 |
As well as this exceptional showreel, there’s tons more musical treats airing on BBC Radio 3. For a full list of what’s on, check out the BBC programme guide. If you’ve missed something you can always catch up over on BBC iPlayer.
To stay up to date with the BBC Proms, bookmark this article and keep checking back. For more scoops on the best telly and entertainment coming up soon, sign up for our newsletter for email updates and our top recommendations.
Isabelle Grimshaw