Music and Poetry Harmonise at the Proms Concert

By the Editorial Team · Saturday, July 25, 2026

The BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Ryan Wigglesworth, performed a programme at the Proms combining contemporary works—including the world premiere of Brett Dean’s orchestral setting of Carol Ann Duffy’s poems—with Edward Elgar’s Symphony No. 1. This blend highlighted the orchestra’s dedication to showcasing both modern compositions and classic English repertoire, reflecting the Proms’ mission to present diverse musical voices.

The BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra returned to the Proms stage with a programme that blended contemporary music with a cornerstone of the English orchestral repertoire. Conducted by Ryan Wigglesworth, the concert featured soprano Claire Booth and the BBC Singers, presenting an evening that ranged from intimate poetic settings to the grandeur of Edward Elgar’s First Symphony.

The concert opened with Judith Weir’s *Moon and Star*, a work inspired by a poem of Emily Dickinson. This piece set a reflective and lyrical tone for the evening, showcasing Weir’s contemporary compositional voice within a chamber-like orchestral texture.

The highlight of the first half was the world premiere of *The World’s Wife*, a 20-minute orchestral setting based on selected poems by Carol Ann Duffy, the former British poet laureate. Composed by Brett Dean, the work offered a rich and nuanced musical interpretation of Duffy’s poetry, engaging the orchestra and chorus in a dynamic exploration of modern themes.

Following the interval, the orchestra performed Elgar’s Symphony No. 1, a seminal work in the English symphonic tradition. The performance underscored the enduring appeal of Elgar’s sweeping melodies and intricate orchestration, contrasting with the innovative contemporary pieces that opened the programme.

The concert demonstrated the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra’s versatility and commitment to balancing heritage with new music, underlining the Prom season’s ongoing effort to present a wide range of artistic voices.

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