BBC Proms 2010 Prom 19 Original Programme with Tickets – Sondheim Night, Dame Judi Dench, Simon Russell Beale

An original official programme for BBC Proms 2010, Prom 19, presented at the Royal Albert Hall, London. Saturday 31 July 2010, 7:30pm. The 116th season of Henry Wood Promenade Concerts, BBC Radio 3. Cover price £3.00. TV Cameras Present.

This listing includes the original programme together with a matching pair of original Royal Albert Hall ticket stubs from the same performance: Stalls, Door 9M, Row 7, Seats 124 and 125, Standard, £24.00 each. Doors open 6:45pm. Both stubs are intact and fully legible.

This was a landmark Stephen Sondheim tribute concert — one of the great celebrations of Sondheim’s work ever staged at the Proms, directed by John Doyle. The programme covers works from across Sondheim’s career, performed by an exceptional line-up of musical theatre and classical artists:

Into the Woods (1987, orch. Jonathan Tunick, Book by James Lapine): Agony — Julian Ovenden & Daniel Evans, vocalists; Children Will Listen — Maria Friedman, vocalist.

A Little Night Music (1973, orch. Jonathan Tunick, Book by Hugh Wheeler): Night Waltz — The Proms Sondheim Ensemble; Send in the Clowns — Dame Judi Dench, vocalist; A Weekend in the Country — Simon Russell Beale, Daniel Evans, Maria Friedman, Caroline O’Connor, Julian Ovenden, Jenna Russell, vocalists, with The Proms Sondheim Ensemble.

A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum — with an essay by David Charles Abell on reviving the orchestral opulence of Sondheim’s musicals, exploring how Sondheim’s original productions had full pit orchestras, and the challenge of restoring them for the Proms. The interior also features a photograph of James Lapine with Stephen Sondheim at the piano.

The welcome letter is signed by Roger Wright, Controller, BBC Radio 3 and Director, BBC Proms, and references the full 2010 season highlights including celebrations for Mahler, Schumann, Scriabin, a whole day devoted to J. S. Bach, a return of the Doctor Who Prom, Iraqi music, jazz from Jamie Cullum, and a celebration of musicals by Rodgers and Hammerstein. The back cover carries period BBC Radio 3 branding: “Step into our world — Join us for Breakfast every morning from 7am.”

Dame Judi Dench singing Sondheim at the BBC Proms is a genuinely rare and highly collectable event. Combined with the presence of Simon Russell Beale, Maria Friedman, Jenna Russell, Julian Ovenden, and Daniel Evans — all among the finest interpreters of Sondheim’s work — this is an exceptional piece of musical theatre and classical music memorabilia. The concert was televised, adding to its historical significance.

Condition: Wear consistent with age, may show light creasing or minor marks. Please refer to all photos for a full assessment.