James Bond and Prog Rock to Feature in 2026 Proms

The 2026 BBC Proms season will showcase a mix of iconic James Bond film scores and a celebration of progressive rock classics, alongside the traditional lineup of orchestras, operas, and soloists. Spanning eight weeks, the event will take place across London, Gateshead, Bristol, Middlesborough, Sunderland, and Mold, featuring performances by percussionist Dame Evelyn Glennie, soprano Louise Alder, and pianist Yuja Wang.

Highlighting the season’s diverse offerings, there will be a tribute to Miles Davis’s centenary and a reflection on Benjamin Britten’s legacy, commemorating the 50th anniversary of his passing. Additional events include a homage to Disney composer Alan Menken and a space-themed concert inspired by the Horrible Histories TV show. The opening night will see Korean pianist Yunchan Lim interpreting Ravel’s Piano Concerto in G Major, while Thomas Atkins will bring the spirit of France through George Gershwin’s *An American In Paris*.

Homegrown Creativity and Premieres

A standout moment will be the world premiere of a new concerto by Gwilym Simcock, crafted for Sheku Kanneh-Mason, Jess Gillam, and Ben Goldscheider—a decade after they were first discovered via the BBC Young Musician competition. Yorkshire’s Black Dyke Band will return for a brass band Prom, marking their sixth appearance at the festival. The Met Orchestra from New York will debut at the Proms with concerts dedicated to Mahler and Strauss, while South Africa’s Ladysmith Black Mambazo will celebrate Paul Simon’s *Gracelands* album on its 40th anniversary.

Innovative Performances

At Bristol’s Beacon Hall, the Paraorchestra will present an immersive interpretation of Steve Reich’s *Music for 18 Musicians*, a performance that coincides with the 50th anniversary of the piece’s premiere. This event will be one of two highlighting Reich’s 90th birthday, alongside a solo performance by Alessandro Vazzana, who plays a software-based instrument called the Clarion using eye movements. Meanwhile, German musician Felix Klieser, born without arms, will perform Mozart’s Horn Concerto No. 3 with his feet at the Royal Albert Hall.

Prog Rock and Cultural Commentary

The Prog Prom on 18 July, curated by BBC 6 Music DJ Stuart Maconie, will feature reimagined orchestral versions of hits from Genesis, Emerson Lake & Palmer, and Jethro Tull. In a promotional essay, Maconie noted that while some of the genre’s quirks might appear outdated, he believes prog rock remains a vital force:

“Prog is simply great music released from the arid strictures of cool and from the sneers of gatekeepers.”

Legacy and Global Voices

Other notable events include a tribute to Motown legend Marvin Gaye and a Royal Albert Hall debut for Turkish psych-folk band Altın Gün, conducted by Jules Buckley. Singer-songwriter Nadine Shah will also perform in Gateshead. Traitors actor Nick Mohammed will host the Bond and Beyond Prom on 25 August, featuring tracks from *Skyfall* and *The Spy Who Loved Me*. The season’s focus on American music aligns with the 250th anniversary of the US Declaration of Independence, including an American Classics Prom with works by Leonard Bernstein, George Gershwin, and Aaron Copland.

Californian soprano Angel Blue will join the Chineke! Orchestra in a concert featuring compositions by Edmund Thornton Jenkins, a Charleston-born pioneer who integrated jazz and spirituals into classical music. Sam Jackson, Proms director, remarked that the American repertoire was planned before the 2024 Presidential election. “What we didn’t know then was the way in which world events—particularly those relating to the USA—would take an unprecedented course,” he said. “Yet, I believe classical music’s stories must reach a broad audience, regardless of current geopolitical shifts.”