NZSO a hit at the Royal Albert Hall

The New Zealand Symphony Orchestra made three curtain calls in its debut at the BBC Proms at London's Royal Albert Hall last night.

There were roars of appreciation from a good New Zealand contingent in the audience and the orchestra left the stage safe in the knowledge that their "Kiwi" prom had been a resounding success, an orchestra spokeswoman said.

The orchestra had, in the words of concertmaster Vesa-Matti Leppanen, "an awesome experience which reflected the real spirit of the orchestra".

The concert was broadcast live on BBC Radio 3 and can be heard for a further seven days on their website.

- NZPA