REJOICING IN A SUMMER OF MUSIC

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW AND PHOTOS

JOSIE D’ARBY, KATIE DERHAM AND CLIVE MYRIE ON THEIR DELIGHT AS AUDIENCES RETURN TO THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL

Josie d’Arby, Katie Derham and Clive Myrie (from left to right) are dressed to impress as they pose on the steps of the Royal Albert Hall

PHOTOS: NICKY JOHNSTON

As the first notes broke through the silence, there was a huge sigh of relief and joy at the recent return of the BBC Proms in all their glory, heralding a summer of musical delights after an incredibly tough year for the arts.

Now, in our exclusive celebratory photoshoot at London’s Royal Albert Hall, which is staging the Proms for the 80th time in its 150-year history, Katie Derham, Clive Myrie and Josie d’Arby reveal how presenting the world’s largest classical music festival – with 2,000 musicians performing at 52 concerts over 44 days – is more than a coveted job: it’s a passion.

It’s “a pleasure and a privilege”, former news presenter Katie says. “While being really proud of what they managed to achieve last year within the [coronavirus] restrictions, having no audience obviously made a huge difference. The buzz on the First Night was remarkable. It’s fantastic to be back in this wonderful venue, sharing live music with an audience.”