Rochester Castle has always been an incredibly successful and popular venue for the annual Proms event, regularly pulling in huge crowds, with the historical site seemingly purpose built for the job providing perfect viewing and excellent acoustics. Not even the torrential rains and flood warnings in the run up to this the 10th Anniversary of the event, could put of the concert goers, who dutifully packed the castle from mid morning onwards, equipped with numerous flags, fold away seating and huge umbrella's just in case!
The last time I had attended this event in 2005, when Amici Forever where performing, I had left feeling exhilarated, but looking like a drowned rat, as it poured down all night and it was hard to tell the thunder and lightning from the fireworks finale. We were all expecting another good drenching this year too, but fate smiled kindly on us for a change and in spite of almost constant rain in the days prior to the event, we were blessed with blue skies and comfortable temperatures.
As usual the grounds were literally packed to bursting and you could hardly move for patriotic Prommers and their picnic tables by the time the show began.
The support act this year was a comedy/musical group called Graffiti Classics, who performed a variety of instrumental and vocal numbers, all with a rather humorous tilt. The Irish double bass player was especially comedic and we certainly got well warmed up for the main event thanks to their enthusiastic sing-alongs, some energetic clapping and much laughter. Another of the group members, Ben Lee is actually an old friend of mine whom I'm far more used to seeing as a classical, electric or folk violinist, so it was quite a shock to hear him sing and reveal a pretty good voice. He admitted afterwards that it was quite a shock for him too, as he'd been absolutely terrified!
After a short interval that allowed us to stock up on hot drinks and donuts, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (RPO) filed on to stage and the Proms began in earnest, with the Brahms Academic Festival Overture followed by two Smetana pieces. As ever they were on top form, creating a wonderful buzz and atmosphere with their faultless and passionate playing. The were joined on stage at various points throughout the evening by the equally fantastic London Choral Society, who sang several numbers, beginning with Verdi's wonderful Anvil Chorus.
Headlining the event this year were Jo Appleby, formerly of Amici Forever, and her Welsh tenor husband, Andrew Rees, who have recently toured together in Australia and New Zealand.
Jo took to the stage first, singing a beautiful solo of "Puccini's Un Bel Di" (One Fine Day), before being joined on stage by Andy to perform the "Butterfly Duet", both from Madam Butterfly.
The RPO then performed several more stirring and perfectly played pieces, including "O Fortuna", as we sat blissfully taking in the music and enjoying the fading evening sunshine.
After another short interval, Jo and Andy joined forces once more to provide a wonderfully emotive rendition of Bernstein's "Tonight" from West Side Story, followed by leader of the orchestra taking the solo in Vaughan Williams' wonderfully light and ethereal "Lark Ascending", both of which left our spines tingling.
Andy then treated us to a stunning rendition of "Nessun Dorma", being cheered on to a fabulous encore that received a well deserved standing ovation.
To help keep us warm in the chilly night air, the traditional Proms songs were brought out, with the energetic Hornpipe leading to frantic flag waving and jigging about, with us all clapping until our hands hurt and singing and cheering until our throats were raw! As the evening drew to a close, Jo led us all in a belting "Rule Britannia" that would have made the Last Night of the Proms very proud indeed! The pride and passion continued to rise as we again joined together to sing the wonderful Proms classic, "Jerusalem" followed closely by Tchaikovsky's rip-roaring "1812 overture", the latter accompanied by fantastic fireworks over the still cloudless Rochester skies.
The concert came to a stunning climax with the unfailingly fabulous Proms stalwart "Pomp and Circumstance", our loud, appreciative cheers almost drowning out the thunderous crashes and bangs. With the Radetzky March encore, cheers and final few fireworks still ringing in our ears, all to soon the night was over, but a good time had certainly been had by all. Speaking to Jo and Andy afterwards they too confirmed that they'd thoroughly enjoyed the whole event, which was more than evident to us all watching.
And so yet again this wonderful Rochester Castle Proms event was a huge success, and we even avoided needing wellies or scuba gear to get home this year too! All in all, we had a great setting, good weather and fantastic music, who could ask for more?
All I can say is here's to the next 10 years!
