John Wilson at the BBC Proms – Tribute to Leonard Bernstein

John Wilson and his orchestra are an annual Proms highlight, bringing the glitz and glamour of old-time stage and screen to the Royal Albert Hall. The performance this year is all about Leonard Bernstein – America’s multitalented conductor, pianist and composer. He reinvented the musical with the anger, energy and feral beauty of West Side Story, his updated take on Romeo and Juliet. A starry cast of soloists including Proms favourite Julian Ovenden and the West End’s Louise Dearman join the John Wilson Orchestra and Maida Vale Singers for a tribute to the composer that includes Bernstein’s biggest hits as well as a selection of rarities. And with vivid colour, foot-tapping energy, and evident enjoyment on the part of conductor, orchestra and chorus America’s multitalented conductor, pianist and composer could not have been better remembered: “An evening of highlight after highlight - John Wilson together with his handpicked forces brought the house down. 5 out of 5 stars!” (Evening Standard)