Preview – BBC Proms 2026: John Wilson Conducts Respighi’s Roman Trilogy

Programme

Verdi The Force of Destiny – overture
Walton Cello Concerto
Respighi Roman Festivals; Fountains of Rome; Pines of Rome

Jonathan Aasgaard (cello)
Sinfonia of London
Conductor: John Wilson

Friday 24 July 2026 · 7.30pm–c10pm
Royal Albert Hall

Listen on BBC Radio 3 / BBC Sounds · Watch on BBC iPlayer (recorded for broadcast)

Preview

William Walton sets the scene with eight succinct notes at the beginning of his Cello Concerto. We’re either in a thriller or some kind of murder mystery, likely on the south coast in a late Victorian property looking out over a glittering horizon. Walton, if you’ve not already figured it out, is a Thoroughly Good favourite. A reliable sort. His immediately likeable modern-day pastoral concerto is TV music without TV getting in the way. Evocative without being too light, fun with added zhuzh. Fans of the gripping BBC Music Magazine award-nominated Chandos recording from Sinfonia of London and cellist Jonathan Aasgard will be elbowing their way to the front for this performance, given both parties are on the stage. If there’s a band-and-concerto combination sure to reassure the sceptical about the wonders of orchestral music, it’s this Prom.

A vaguely yesteryear cinematic feel extends throughout the second half. Respighi’s Roman Festivals, Fountains of Rome, and Pines of Rome is a selection of works which is, frankly, classic John Wilson – an exacting conductor who has made his name summoning a glossy, iridescent soundworld. There’s nowt in this 70-minute second half that won’t tickle the senses, not least because the band is brimming with principal players from the UK’s best bands, contractually obliged to play as though their lives depend on it. As a result, the sound leaves the listener feeling as though everyone is competing with one another — which is exactly what Respighi’s scores demand. Watch everyone sweat. Or if you’re listening at home, imagine it.

Review

This review will be published following the concert.

Gallery

Photography will be added once available.