The Glasshouse

What makes the 2023 BBC Proms at Sage Gateshead a one-of-a-kind event?
It’s the first time the BBC Proms is taking a weekend of activity, including orchestral concerts, gigs, chamber music and family concerts, to a place outside London. It will be such an exciting weekend of great music. And, as we saw last year, Sage Gateshead is a perfect venue to host the Proms – the stalls turn into an arena just like in the Royal Albert Hall, and the whole place comes alive with a very special atmosphere.

What excites you about the BBC Proms returning to Sage Gateshead after its debut here last year?
Last time we had an amazing audience of regular concert goers and newcomers, and I hope we get the same this year. I remember clearly feeling the audience so close and listening so attentively. It was very special.

What can the audience expect from the programme for RNS’s Saturday evening concert – Mazzoli, Mozart and Brahms?
Missy Mazzoli is one of the most exciting new composers today. Her piece has beautiful harmonies with unusual sound worlds – some players will be playing harmonicas, for example. Mozart’s D minor piano concerto is possibly his most famous and popular – it’s a very dramatic and tempestuous piece, as well incredibly beautiful. By contrast, Brahms’s 2nd symphony is sunshine all the way through. It’s one of the most life-affirming romantic symphonies, perfect for a summer evening.

RNS is collaborating with Self Esteem, who recently sold-out Sage One. What do themusicians enjoy about an event like this?
As they say, variety is the spice of life, and I think musicians really enjoy being presented with different kinds of music, which in turn presents different challenges.

Why is it important that the North East hosts a BBC Prom?
The Proms is the biggest classical music festival in the world, and for it to come to the North East is a big deal – it means that we are part of it, and the audience can experience the atmosphere of the festival without having to go to London.

What are your favourite personal memories of BBC Proms?
I’ve seen some amazing concerts over the years. It was the first time I ever heard the Berlin Philharmonic with Sir Simon Rattle. They were playing Wagner and Messiaen’s Turangalîla, and it was unforgettable.

Intrigued? Come along and join the magic of the Proms from Friday 21 to Sunday 23 July.