THE 2024 York Proms is close to selling out as the picnic concert with the fireworks finish returns to York Museum Gardens on Sunday.
Against the backdrop of the ruins of St Mary’s Abbey, organiser Rebecca Newman presents the 7.45pm programme of classical classics, operatic arias and film music, topped off by the de rigueur flag-waving proms finale under the stars.
Conducted by Ben Crick, the York Proms Orchestra will be joined by two rising stars of the opera firmament, tenor Joshua Baxter and soprano Jane Burnell.
“Joshua, who is in his early 30s, studied at the Royal Academy of Music and performs in opera and oratorio across the UK and Europe,” says Rebecca. “Jane, who studied at Leeds College of Music and the Royal Northern College of Music, in Manchester, is only in her mid-20s and has made her professional debut this year. Definitely one to watch.
“Jane has worked with our musical director, Ben Crick, who writes the arrangements for the orchestra and conducts on the day, and she knows Josh because they are working together at Buxton Opera Festival this summer.
“In an interview for the York Proms podcast, she told me they don’t actually sing together at Buxton, so this will be a nice treat for them to actually do that.”
Crick directs an orchestra put together expressly for the York Proms. “Many of them often perform with big orchestras all over the country,” says Rebecca.
“I’m really excited about this year’s programme and the line-up of music looks to be one of my favourites so far, with a selection that offers something for everyone. The arias include some really big, challenging and stunningly beautiful pieces that will be a real treat to hear from two really talented and accomplished performers.”
The podcast has been released this month to tap into the community that has built up since the event was established in 2017. “It has already seen close to 1,000 downloads, which is fantastic for a newly launched podcast,” says Rebecca.
“We plan to offer interviews and news via the podcast that complements the event, but also life in York more generally. There is so much to the York Proms that we can celebrate, aside from the music, including the history of the gardens and the people who make it possible.”
The 2024 York Proms box office is remaining open later than in past years. “We usually close it about five to seven days before the event, so we know the numbers we are expecting and can plan, or when it sells out – which last year happened almost two weeks before the day – but this year has been unprecedented with the extremely wet and cold weather,” says Rebecca.
“That definitely had an impact on ticket sales as we were significantly ahead of last year’s ticket sales by six weeks before the event, but I don’t blame people for not wanting to gamble with the weather.
“However, now that the forecast is looking great and the sales have picked up, we’re leaving the box office open for a little longer to allow the final few tickets to sell. There’s only ten per cent still remaining though, and the discounted ticket price has to end soon too, so if people are keen to come, don’t leave it too long or you might miss out.”
Proms-goers can bring picnics or head to The Sketch Box on site, offering filled flatbreads, cooked freshly to order in their pizza ovens, plus posh hot dogs, hot and cold drinks and sweet treats. The Northern Bistro will be selling drinks and sweet treats too and Acaster Malbus brewery Ainsty Ales is returning with a bar for the third year running.
“I take every opportunity to source suppliers from York and the surrounding area wherever possible and champion the amazing businesses we have in our area,” says Rebecca.
Gates open at 5pm for fast track and disabled ticket holders, 5.30pm for general admission, with the warm-up stage sparking into life at around 5.45pm. The main evening show starts at around 7.45pm and will be finished before 10.30pm.
Tickets can be bought online via yorkproms.com or in person via the Visit York Information Centre, in Parliament Street, in person or by calling 01904 909 487. For more information, visit yorkproms.com.