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Â鶹Éç PROMS 2011

Live from the Royal Albert Hall, London

Presented by Suzy Klein

John Wilson and his Orchestra are joined by starry soloists and the Maida Vale Singers to celebrate the Golden Age of Hollywood film Musicals, from the earliest days through to the 1960s.

Back in the mid 20th century the Hollywood studios attracted the best composers, lyricists and orchestrators to write for their stars. The results are what John Wilson calls "miniature works of art" which were played by orchestras composed of virtuoso players. Matching that, the John Wilson Orchestra is made up of the cream of Britain's orchestral musicians who have wowed Proms audiences with the passion and sheer vivacity of their playing. They perform classics from the 1930s onwards, from films starring Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers including the title numbers from 'Shall We Dance' and 'Top Hat', through the 40s and 50s with numbers from 'Strike up the Band' and 'Guys and Dolls', through to hit musical films from the 60s including 'Gypsy' and 'West Side Story'.

Hooray for Hollywood, part 1

Caroline O'Connor (vocalist)
Clare Teal (vocalist)
Annalene Beechey (vocalist)
Matthew Ford (vocalist)
Sarah Fox (vocalist)
Charles Castronovo (vocalist)

The Maida Vale Singers
The John Wilson Orchestra
John Wilson (conductor).