Kidane to open Last Night of the Proms

Woke, a new work by Honorary Associate Artist Daniel Kidane, has been chosen to open this year’s Last Night of the Proms at the Royal Albert Hall.

The piece will be performed by the BBC Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Sakari Oramo, on Saturday 14 September.

Picture: Emile Holba

Daniel, who graduated in 2012, said: ‘The title ‘Woke’ relates to the music itself – exciting music that awakens and rouses listeners. It also, on a deeper level, refers to the word itself and the need for all to be woke – to be more aware of issues concerning social and racial justice in today’s society.’

The 2019 Proms also features the world première of Earthwind by first year student Alexia Sloane. The BBC commission will be performed by Voces8 at Cadogan Hall on Monday 22 July.

24 April 2019