Published 24 April 2025

London Youth Choirs performs at the First Night of the BBC Proms, live on TV and Radio.

After our BBC Proms debut in 2024, we were so excited to be back in the Royal Albert Hall for the First Night of the BBC Proms 2025, this time live on TV as well as Radio.

Members of LYC Cambiata Girls, LYC Cambiata Boys and London Youth Choir took to the stage with the BBC Singers, BBC Symphony Chorus, BBC Symphony Orchestra and soloists Caspar Singh (Tenor) and Gerald Finley (Bass Baritone) to sing ‘Sancta civitas’ by Ralph Vaughan Williams. In this performance, conducted by Sakari Oramo, LYC will be the ‘distant chorus’, accompanied by an offstage trumpet.

The Guardian “The choral singing – from the combined forces of the BBC Symphony Chorus, BBC Singers and members of London Youth Choirs – was all fierce exaltation and rapture.”

Arts Desk “The choirs – the BBC Symphony Chorus, the BBC Singers and the delightfully crisp and confident young singers of the London Youth Choirs – were ferocious when let off the leash, enjoying the invitation to fill the hall with sound.”

Financial Times “The BBC Singers, BBC Symphony Chorus and Orchestra were all excellent, and Oramo a fine champion of the work. High up in the balcony, a trumpet and members of the London Youth Choirs summoned true believers heavenward.”

Missed it? Catch it on BBC iPlayer including live interview of three members of London Youth Choirs. 

LYC Artistic Director Rachel Staunton said:

“For London Youth Choirs, performing in London’s Royal Albert Hall on the opening night of the BBC Proms is a bucket list milestone. I am so proud to showcase the talent of diverse young voices from across London and prove they belong at the heart of one of the world’s most celebrated classical music festivals.”