Katie Derham presents the launch of the world's greatest classical music festival from the Royal Albert Hall. The celebrations open with Tchaikovsky's ravishing Romeo and Juliet overture, the first in a series of musical works during the season marking 400 years since the death of Shakespeare. The 2016 BBC Proms also spotlights the cello, and tonight, the remarkable Argentine cellist Sol Gabetta makes her proms debut in Elgar's haunting Cello Concerto, the first of ten concertos for the instrument to be performed during the festival. Sakari Oramo conducts the BBC Symphony Orchestra.
Katie Derham presents the second half of the 2016 BBC Proms season opening from the Royal Albert Hall. Sakari Oramo conducts the BBC Symphony Orchestra and Chorus, the BBC National Chorus of Wales and mezzo-soprano soloist Olga Borodina in a performance of Prokofiev's celebrated cantata Alexander Nevsky. Created from the soundtrack Prokofiev originally composed for Sergey Eisenstein's landmark film, the music is dramatic and evocative, including the famous musical depiction of Battle on the Ice.
Could this be the glitziest Prom ever? Get your dancing shoes on and join Katie Derham and a whole host of your favourite Strictly Come Dancing professionals as they celebrate the music of dance. The BBC Concert Orchestra, conducted by Gavin Sutherland, embarks on a musical journey from foxtrot and waltz, to paso doble and tango, taking in a wonderful panorama of dancing and some stunning orchestral interludes on the way.

