The Royal Albert Hall is currently preparing to celebrate an incredibly significant landmark in its history: the institution’s 150th anniversary. And to mark this momentous milestone, the concert hall is currently planning a massive programme of events for 2021.
One of the highlights of that programme is undoubtedly the Hall’s official birthday concert on Monday the 19th of July 2021. The occasion will be marked by a specially commissioned work by composer David Arnold, who is best known for his work on the James Bond movies, as well as on Sherlock, and the movie Independence Day.
A Circle of Sound is the result of a year long collaboration between Arnold, his team of musicians and hundreds of local schoolchildren, as well as several members of the Chelsea Pensioners.
The 10-movement work, which is said to evoke the spirit and history of the Hall, will be performed by a full orchestra, singers from the National Youth Choir of Great Britain, and a cavalcade of guest stars from the worlds of stage and screen.
“The culmination of over a year’s work in our local community, this commission celebrates the story of the Royal Albert Hall – from the seed of the idea, through construction and the unforgettable events and social movements that the Hall has hosted” the institution’s website says of the commission.
The Royal Albert Hall was the brainchild of the Prince Regent, Prince Albert. Queen Elizabeth’s husband was a massive patron of the arts in Great Britain, and he was instrumental in the creation of South Kensington and its many museums.
Indeed, for many years the area was dubbed the ‘Albertropolis’ in honour of his incredible contribution to the area’s development
Like the rest of the entertainment industry, the venue was forced to close its doors in March 2020. However, the venue is now planning for a much brighter future in 2021.
More information about the Royal Albert Hall Official Birthday Concert can be found here.
For information on other great musical events in London, please click here.
