Last Night of The Proms – Kiwi Style.
Well, in a much need break from immigration stress and finding out that I’m breaking the law – some friends invited us to a night of sheer unadulterated patriotism and Britishness.
I’ve never been to a Last Night of The Proms – and very rarely to a Proms concert in the first place. The nearest I ever got was the Schools Proms – where each night was basically a last night.
Well, Wellington holds its own Last Night every year, and for the first time we got to go. Now – it has to be said that I’m one of those migrants that does miss the UK. I actually love the UK, and I am proud to be English (as distinct from hubby who considers himself British). I’m proud of our culture and heritage, and our amazingly colourful history. So something like this is right up my street. And oddly enough – it helps with any lingering homesickness.
It was also a bloody good concert. It was the first time I ever got to hear the New Zealand National Anthem: God Defend New Zealand. (Possibly because I don’t watch rugby – or indeed any sport which is up there with watching paint dry in my book). It’s sung in Maori and then English. And it’s rather beautiful. It was followed by our Own National anthem. One thing I did notice: the New Zealand anthem is about the country, the UK one is all about the queen. Not bad in my book as I’m an unashamed monarchist – but I can imagine that it would peeve some people.
Then the first part of the concert got underway. Some of it did nothing for me, but the rousing Polovtisan Dances were right up my alley. The rush for the loos and the bar in the interval were as expected – but something did make me laugh: there was free tea available! How typically English! And the Morris Dancers who were in the standing section put on some entertainment (much to the utter disgust of one of our friends – an Englishman through and through who has no time for that sort of silliness!) I thought it was rather good myself.
But the second half is where the fun begins, in keeping with the whole Last Nigh tradition. The flags come out; people talk and laugh, bob up and down and sing their hearts out and stamp to the Hornpipe. Flags were available for a $1 donation for those of us too tardy to bring our own, as were streamers. (Note to self – stock up on party poppers next time).
What really made this a stunning event were things like the Conductor – an American, – who had a real sense of humour – he also took a break for some tea during the second half, while we got a lullaby from the oboes. And Helen Medlyn who sang some arias in the first half but some Noel Coward in the second. She was a right scream – hammed it up for all she was worth and then led the crowd in Land of Hope and Glory and Rule Britannia dressed in a union jack pant suit.
Seriously – we had an amazing night. Good friends, food, and a great night of entertainment. Something I heartily recommend.
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Comments
2 Comments on Last Night of The Proms – Kiwi Style.
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Sarah on
Tue, 25th Aug 2009 6:42 pm
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Avalon on
Wed, 26th Aug 2009 8:44 pm
Oooo, I saw that advertised and thought of going – now I really wish I had! I too miss England (even after 12 year’s here) and always will. I used to love touring the National Trust properties and was an avid history student. Sounds like a perfect fix!
I dont think I will ever really stop missing england – so its good to know that Im not alone.
You know – I absolutely adore the view we have hear of open fields and the hils and mountains in the distance – but I equally miss the view from my home in Herefordshire – of open fields, hills and the Ruin of Goodrich Castle 
Keep an eye out for the proms next year – I understand that it its always on about the same time
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