After a successful run in Antwerp, the Night of the Proms (NOTP) comes to Holland. First of all for two nights in the city of Arnhem, on 13 and 14 November. Then it comes to Rotterdam’s Ahoy music venue, for a series of seven shows between 18 and 24 November.

For those not familiar with the concept of NOTP, it is a mix of music styles ranging from the classics of the great composers to the more modern up to date genres.

First starting in October 1985 on a loosely based idea of England’s famous “Last night of the Proms” the event has gone from strength to strength, forcing itself to be one of the most eagerly anticipated events of the music calendar throughout Europe, especially in Belgium, Germany and Holland. The shows themselves tend sell out more often than not and has an audience which varies from seven to seventy year olds.

All the acts perform on a single stage throughout the evening, all performing their hits to the backing of a full classical symphony orchestra, Il Novecento. This orchestra consists of seventy two members of highly trained musicians who get together at different times of the year to perform at many different events, sometimes even backing major opera stars like the late great Pavarotti.

This years performers are legendary synth pop pioneers Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD). The super group Roxette from Sweden, who due to a serious illness of their lead female vocalist Marie Fredriksson at the height of their fame and popularity forced them to stop performing. This year NOTP give them their long awaited return to the big stage.

Toots Thielemans the Belgian legend of the harmonica performs yet again. He has a huge following around Europe and draws in large crowds where ever he plays. Other artists include Sharon den Adel from the group Within Temptation, John Miles, Fine Fleur and finally Peter & Zoltan Katona. Each performance lasts approximately twenty minutes, so no time to get bored if there is someone on stage you are not too keen on.

Just because the musicians are backed by an orchestra does not mean it is a boring spectacle to watch. The stage is lit by world class lighting rigs and pyrotechnics to give the night a real rock concert feel. The crowds are always on their feet, dancing and singing; it is a true party atmosphere. Most who have attended once, tend to go every year after, it has such an addictive quality to it. A well executed event loved by not only the fans, but also the performers.

There are tickets still available for a few of the nights in Rotterdam. If I were you I’d snap them up as quickly as possible to avoid disappointment. I’m going twice myself to experience it from two view points; firstly standing right at the front, then a few nights later sitting towards the back to get an overall perspective of the stage show. I have friends who went to the shows in Antwerp and have raved wildly about their first NOTP experiences, I can’t wait.

For further information go to the Night of the Proms website: www.notp.com

I have also done an exclusive interview with Andy McCluskey, the lead singer of OMD about NOTP and this can be viewed here on the NOTP website.

www.notp.com/belgie/antwerpen/programma/omd2

Go along and enjoy it. If you do go, please write and inform me of your thoughts. I want to do a follow up on this at a later date.

By Neal McClimon

neal@thehagueonline.com

www.itpphotography.com

If you wish to comment or express an opinion about this article please e-mail the editor@TheHagueOnLine.com