Rule Britannia could be axed from Proms
Rule Britannia! and Land of Hope and Glory could be dropped from the Last Night of the Proms in the wake of the recent Black Lives Matter protests, according to some reports.
The Sunday Times claims there are concerns at the BBC about associations with colonialism and slavery.
The Last Night of the Proms is due to take place on September 12, but without an audience, due to coronavirus.
The traditional anthems are hugely popular with the flag-waving prommers who usually pack the Royal Albert Hall.
A government spokesman said they would leave any such decision up to the BBC.
The Sunday Times suggested that conductor Dalia Stasevska believes it is time “to bring change” to the Royal Albert Hall, in the year that the anti-racism movement gathered pace following the death of George Floyd.
Dalia is said to believe ‘a ceremony without an audience is the perfect moment to bring change.’
The 35-year-old Finnish conductor, who will be joined by soprano Golda Schultz and the BBC Symphony Orchestra for this year’s classical finale, declined to comment on the reports directly, and BBC Proms refused to confirm or deny the story.
“We are still finalising arrangements for the Last Night of the Proms so that we are able to respond to the latest advice in regards to Covid-19 and deliver the best offering possible for audiences,” a spokesman told BBC News, noting that full details will be announced nearer the time.
However, Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden Tweeted this afternoon (Monday): “Rule Britannia and Land of Hope and Glory are highlights of the Last Night of the Proms. Share concerns of many about their potential removal and have raised this with @BBC. Confident forward-looking nations don’t erase their history, they add to it.”
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