BBC Proms: The Unthanks and friends with Royal Northern Sinfonia
Atmospheric. Cinematic. Storytelling with strings.
Who’s on stage
The Unthanks bring their unmistakable harmonies and storytelling to BBC Proms, joined by Royal Northern Sinfonia and conductor Ellie Slorach. Plus special guests English Teacher and Conor O’Brien (Villagers), and BBC Introducing guest Jodie Nicholson.
What they’re playing
Songs shaped by the North and reimagined by orchestra in bold new ways. An evening of storytelling, atmosphere and musical alchemy.
BBC Proms in the North East is delivered in partnership with Tees Valley Combined Authority and North East Combined Authority.
Need to know
Timings: 2 hours, plus 20-minute interval.
Age: under 14s must be accompanied by an adult.
Venue: Middlesbrough Town Hall.
Recorded for future broadcast on BBC Radio 3.
What you'll hear
The Unthanks and Royal Northern Sinfonia
Felton lonnin
Lucky Gilchrist
Flutter
Sandgate Dandling Song
At First She Starts
English Teacher and Royal Northern Sinfonia
This Could Be Texas
Broken Biscuits
Albatross
The Unthanks, Conor O’Brien (Villagers) and Royal Northern Sinfonia
I Don’t Want What I Don’t Need
Conor O’Brien (Villagers) and Royal Northern Sinfonia
First Responder
That Golden Time
Royal Northern Sinfonia
Tippett: Divertimento on ‘Sellingers Round’: II. A Lament
Jodie Nicholson
Move
The Unthanks, Royal Northern Sinfonia and all
Mount The Air
Who's on stage
The Unthanks
Ellie Slorach conductor
Royal Northern Sinfonia
English Teacher special guests
Conor O’Brien (Villagers) special guest
Jodie Nicholson BBC Introducing guest
What's happening in the music
At the heart of the concert are voices rooted in place – authentic, honest, and full of character.
Around them, the orchestra transforms the landscape. Strings swell. Brass glows like a furnace. Hushed moments are given the space to breathe. Music that knows where it’s from, but isn’t afraid to expand into something immense.
English Teacher
special guest
Leeds band English Teacher have become one of the most talked-about new groups in British music, creating songs that move effortlessly between art-rock, indie, post-punk and something entirely their own.
Led by singer, guitarist and pianist Lily Fontaine, their music combines adventurous musicianship with sharp observations, northern humour and emotional honesty.
Their debut album This Could Be Texas announced them as a major new voice – ambitious, unpredictable and packed with songs that stay with you long after they’ve finished.
Conor O'Brien (Villagers)
special guest
Conor O’Brien is the songwriter, singer and creative force behind Villagers, one of Ireland’s most distinctive and celebrated musical projects.
His songs blend folk, pop and rich storytelling, finding beauty in everyday moments while exploring love, memory and human connection. Since emerging with the acclaimed debut album Becoming A Jackal, O’Brien has built a catalogue of deeply affecting music that continues to captivate audiences around the world.
Whether performing solo or with a full band, he brings warmth, intimacy and extraordinary songwriting craft to the stage.
Jodie Nicholson
BBC Introducing guest
North East songwriter and producer Jodie Nicholson creates atmospheric songs that blend chamber-pop, alt-pop and folk influences into something both intimate and uplifting.
Originally from Hurworth-on-Tees and now based in Newcastle, her music explores themes of nostalgia, self-discovery and human connection, carried by rich harmonies and a distinctive, ethereal voice.
A passionate champion of the North East music scene, Nicholson has steadily built a devoted following through her thoughtful songwriting and captivating live performances.
This event takes place at:
Middlesbrough Town Hall
Albert Rd
Middlesbrough
TS1 2QJ
Website: middlesbroughtownhall.co.uk