RLPO and Manze Deliver Fiery British Prom Review 2026

The RLPO and Andrew Manze delivered a fiery all-British Prom that held the London audience spellbound, proving that orchestral excellence knows no geographical bounds. Over a century of British music was showcased in this smartly programmed concert, from Vaughan Williams to a world premiere by Carmel Smickersgill.

Programme Highlights: Vaughan Williams and Britten

The concert opened and closed with career-spanning works by Vaughan Williams, bookending an evening of rich orchestral color. Principal guest conductor Andrew Manze, himself a violinist, demonstrated an acute sensitivity to balance, ensuring that the soloist and orchestra were perfectly matched throughout.

Carmel Smickersgill's World Premiere: A Brick Thrown With Love

The world premiere of Carmel Smickersgill's 'A Brick Thrown With Love' was a standout moment. The piece imagines an act of protest from three perspectives: the idea itself, the affected community, and the person responsible for the act. The opening movement featured a cheeky clarinet theme that was mocked, distorted, and ultimately hijacked by a subversive orchestra. A shiver of bells built to an elated climax in the second part, while shifty, syncopated brass propelled the third section to a brutal catharsis.

While the musical impasto was applied a little thickly in places, the imagination on display was impressive. Smickersgill's work is a bold addition to the contemporary British repertoire.

Simone Lamsma: A Commanding Britten Violin Concerto

Simone Lamsma, winner of the 2004 Britten International Violin Competition, delivered an interpretation of Britten's angst-ridden concerto that felt like an act of total identification. Her silvery legato and fiery theatrics were the order of the day, with Manze's support ensuring the soloist's voice soared above the orchestral texture.

Lamsma was imperious yet lyrical in the opening movement, bringing a whiff of brilliance to the concerto's demanding solo part. Her performance was a highlight of the evening, drawing enthusiastic applause from the audience.

Performance Comparison Table

Key Takeaways from the Prom

• The RLPO proved that British orchestras can hold a London audience spellbound with smart programming.
• Carmel Smickersgill's world premiere showcased bold, imaginative composition.
• Simone Lamsma's Britten was a masterclass in soloistic command and emotional depth.
• Andrew Manze's conducting ensured perfect balance and support.

FAQ

Best Products We’ve Tested and Rated

Our testing team has hands-on reviews of weight bench home gym, home gym equipment, treadmill home gym, adjustable dumbbells home gym, and home workouts weight loss. Every option below was compared across price, build quality, and real-world performance, with honest pros and cons. We update these guides regularly as new models arrive, so the recommendations stay current.

Our testing team has hands-on reviews of sissy squat machine, home gym equipment limited space, home gym flooring, home gym cable machine, and outdoor spy. Every option below was compared across price, build quality, and real-world performance, with honest pros and cons. We update these guides regularly as new models arrive, so the recommendations stay current.