Radiohead guitarist boosts Proms lineup

Jonny Greenwood. Photo / Supplied

There will be Bollywood music and dancing, a set by the drum 'n' bass legend Goldie, a composition by Jonny Greenwood from the band Radiohead and classic songs from MGM films.

This is the line-up of this year's Proms, announced by the event's director, Roger Wright.

Outlining the programme kicking off in July, which includes an orchestra with the sounds of vacuum cleaners and three rifles, Wright fended off accusations of "dumbing down".

"Bollywood music is being done for the first time and it will play its part in a long celebration of Indian voices, but this is one part of a very broad programme."

Some have argued against the inclusion of popular music in the Proms in recent times. One Prom led by the musical theatre star, Michael Ball, in 2007, and another dedicated to the television series Doctor Who last year, led critics to suggest that the 115-year-old musical institution was losing its way in an effort to attract more ticket sales. But Wright says the Proms have always had a wide-ranging brief which involved popular acts and world sounds. As far back as 1970, the English rock band Soft Machine sang at the Proms.

This year's populist musical acts will be a minority among the classical music and orchestral sounds emanating from the Royal Albert Hall.

The day-long Indian prom on August 16 will explore the numerous vocal styles coming out of the country and culminate in a Bollywood spectacular including a dance troupe and singing by the "playback" singer, Shaan.

On August 1, the John Wilson Orchestra will mark 75 years of MGM musicals with songs from film classics including The Wizard of Oz, Meet Me in St Louis and Singin' In the Rain.

Popcorn Superhet Receiver, written by Radiohead's Jonny Greenwood, will be performed by the BBC Symphony Orchestra on August 14.

Goldie, a drum 'n' bass pioneer, has written a short orchestral work for Evolution! as part of the opening weekend highlights, which have as their theme the 200th anniversary of Darwin's birth.

The last night will feature an eccentric orchestral performance called A Grand Grand Overture written by Malcolm Arnold and featuring the sounds of vaccuum cleaners, a floor polisher and three rifles.

- INDEPENDENT