BBC Proms coming to St George’s Hall Bradford in September

BBC Proms is coming to Bradford later this year as part of City of Culture celebrations. 

The classical musical festival will be at St George’s Hall on Sunday, September 7, with the UK premiere of Angélique Kidjo’s African Symphony.

Alongside eight weeks of music-making at the Royal Albert Hall featuring orchestras and soloists from across the globe, BBC Proms travels across the UK with a series of unique concerts, all to be broadcast on BBC Radio 3.

For Proms Bradford, five-time GRAMMY Award-winner Kidjo will join the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Chris Cameron.

Angélique Kidjo (Image: Erwan Blaszka) Following her Proms debut back in 2019, the Bradford showcase from the Benin-born ‘queen of African music’ will pay tribute to her African heritage and include iconic tracks from legends such as Miriam Makeba, Fela Kuti, Hugh Masekela, and Youssou N’Dour.

Shanaz Gulzar, creative director at Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture, said: “We are delighted to be welcoming Angelique Kidjo to Bradford, bringing her unique sounds, perspective and outlook to our city – audiences are in for a real treat.

Shanaz Gulzar (Image: Telegraph & Argus) “This is a first for our city, to have the Proms in the district, and I’m delighted that Bradford 2025 have been able to make this happen in collaboration with the BBC.”

Sam Jackson, controller, Radio 3 and BBC Proms, added: “I’m thrilled to be making our Proms debut in Bradford as part of City of Culture, with a symphonic celebration of music from the incredible Angélique Kidjo.

“The Proms was founded in 1895 on the belief that everyone should have access to the very best of classical music, so I am delighted that our concerts across the UK reach audiences on their own doorstep, as well as being broadcast on Radio 3.”

Culture minister Sir Chris Bryant described BBC Proms as an “iconic part of our British cultural scene”. 

BBC Proms is coming to St George’s Hall (Image: Jim DeBarker/T&A Camera Club) He said it attracts visitors and fans from around the world and added: “It is only right that as part of their year as UK City of Culture, Bradford should be the proud hosts of yet another fantastic display of classical music. 

Culture minister Sir Chris Bryant (Image: PA) “I would encourage the people of Bradford and beyond to make the most of this wonderful opportunity to experience the BBC Proms as part of their programme.”

Other Proms across the UK include residencies at Gateshead’s Glasshouse International Centre of Music and Bristol Beacon, and one-off concerts at Sunderland Fire Station, St Georges, Bristol, and Ulster Hall in Belfast.

African Symphony will be broadcast live on BBC Radio 3.

For tickets and information about BBC Proms Bradford, visit bradford2025.co.uk/event/bbc-proms/