What is the World Orchestra for Peace?

As Beethoven's  'Choral' Symphony No. 9 comes to the Proms, we introduce the unique orchestra who will be playing it

Published: July 21, 2018 at 6:00 am

Beginning with a rousing 'O Freunde' ('Oh Friends!') from the baritone soloist, the second half of the final movement of Beethoven's NInth Symphony is all about brotherhood and togetherness. Setting Schiller's Ode to Joy, the impassioned words, sung by soloists and chorus, include memorable lines such as 'Alle Menschen werden Brüder, Wo dein sanfter Flügel weilt' ('All men shall become brothers, wherever your gentle wings hover').

Who better, then, to provide the accompaniment to these noble sentiments than the World Orchestra for Peace? Founded in 1995 by conductor Sir Georg Solti with the aim of demonstrating 'the unique strength of music as an ambassador for peace', the orchestra (above) draws its members from right across the globe. Conducted on this occasion by Donald Runnicles, this will be the fifth time it has appeared at the BBC Proms.

What's on at the Proms tonight?

Prom 9: Saturday 21 July, 7.30pm

Eriks Esenvalds Shadow* Britten Sinfonia da Requiem Beethoven Symphony No. 9, 'Choral'

Erin Wall (soprano) Judit Kutasi (mezzo-soprano) Russell Thomas (tenor) Franz-Josef Selig (baritone) BBC Proms Youth Choir World Orchestra for Peace Simon Halsey (conductor)* Donald Runnicles (conductor)

The Prom will be broadcast live on BBC Radio 3.

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