主播大秀

The 主播大秀 Scottish Symphony Orchestra and its Principal Guest Conductor Ilan Volkov, alongside young vocal ensemble Exaudi and an array of soloists, explore Cage’s vast output, from his earliest compositions to some of his very last.

The concert features compositions such as Atlas eclipticalis, FOUR² for choir and the aleatoric 101. Ten percussionists will take to the stage for a performance of But what about the noise of crumpling paper…, while John Tilbury returns to the Proms to perform one of Cage’s key works, the Concerto for Prepared Piano and Orchestra. Among the more unusual musical sources appearing in the Prom will be cassette players and an assortment of cactuses!

As an example of the wide influence Cage’s work continues to have today, his own compositions are interspersed with orchestral improvisations and an electronic homage devised by, among others, Christian Marclay and Keith Rowe, two leading practitioners of experimental composition and electro-acoustic improvisation.

Throughout the season, audiences will have the chance to take part in a Cagean idea, as the Proms presents 10 new short compositions commissioned in his honour and inspired by specific locations in the South Kensington area. Designed to be listened to on MP3 players, these compositions will be recorded by members of the London Sinfonietta Academy Ensemble and available for download from the Proms website (bbc.co.uk/proms/cage) from 1 July.

On the day of the all-Cage concert itself (17 August) everyone is invited to take part in a Music Walk around South Kensington, during which they will be able to listen to each of the 10 new pieces at the specific locations that inspired them, completed by elements of live performance.

Earlier in the season, what is arguably Cage’s most famous work, 4’33”, receives its first Proms performance since 1999 in a Late Night Prom given by the London Sinfonietta (14 August).