Welcome to your daily guide to the action at the 2025 BBC Proms. And today (Sunday 20 July) features a visit from a very special performer.
Today at the Proms: Nicholas McCarthy
This evening's Proms star performer is pianist Nicholas McCarthy.
McCarthy is a trailblazing pianist—born without his right hand, he defied expectations to become the first left-hand-only pianist ever to graduate from the Royal College of Music in its 130-year history. He began piano studies at 14 after experiencing something of an epiphany hearing Beethoven’s 'Waldstein' Sonata, ultimately earning a place at Guildhall and RCM despite early rejection and discouragement.
What's on at the Proms tonight?
Tonight at the Royal Albert Hall, he makes his Proms debut performing Ravel’s Piano Concerto for the Left Hand with the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra under Mark Wigglesworth. That piece, written for similarly one-handed pianist Paul Wittgenstein, is both technically demanding and deeply expressive—a perfect fit for McCarthy’s artistry and an emblem of his journey. Here's Yuja Wang with a typically dazzling performance of Ravel's concerto:
McCarthy’s determination, self-taught genius, and mastery of repertoire originally composed for left-hand only has inspired countless people around the world, especially those facing physical challenges. His story isn’t just about overcoming adversity—it’s about redefining what’s possible in classical music.
Expect an emotionally charged, technically extraordinary performance tonight. It’s not just a concert—it’s a testament to resilience, innovation, and the transformative power of music.
As well as joining McCarthy in the Ravel concerto, the Bournemouth orchestra and conductor Wigglesworth will also perform Shostakovich's Suite for Variety Orchestra and William Walton's brooding, explosive Symphony No. 1 - definitely one of the best symphonies of the 20th century, and perhaps among the greatest symphonies of all time. Have a watch of this brilliant performance from Simon Rattle and the London Symphony Orchestra, to get a feel for this majestic work:
What time is tonight's Prom?
Nicholas McCarthy and the Bournemouth Symphony get underway at 7.30pm at the Royal Albert Hall. Tickets are priced from £11 to £56.
Top pic: Yar12345678 via Wikimedia Commons
