David Bowie’s towering musical legacy has been remembered at the Proms as a host of diverse musicians came together for a creative reimagining of his work.
Former Soft Cell frontman Marc Almond, The Divine Comedy star Neil Hannon and American singer Amanda Palmer were among the artists putting their own spin on works from the late star’s career.
The #BowieProms kicks off with Amanda Palmer & Neil Hannon singing Station to Station. Live on @BBCRadio3 & @BBCFour https://t.co/wFgNzQjSkg
— BBC Proms Team (@bbcproms) July 29, 2016
The Bowie Prom, held as part of the Late Night BBC Proms on Friday, featured interpretations of records ranging from his 1969 album Space Oddity up to his final release, Blackstar.
Scored throughout by a powerful orchestral backing, Neil, Amanda and Conor O’Brien from the band Villagers raised the curtain at London’s Royal Albert Hall with a rendition of the pop pioneer’s 1976 track Station To Station.
Ashes to Ashes. Stripped back strings and the voice of The Blue Nile's Paul Buchanan #BowieProm https://t.co/JvQZRYDKDo
— BBC Proms Team (@bbcproms) July 29, 2016
The Man Who Sold The World was given an acoustic-led makeover by Conor, while rapper Elf Kid joined for a verse of This Is Not America and Marc took to the stage for a poignant performance of Life On Mars.
The celebration of Bowie’s musical career was curated and directed by German classical conductor Andre de Ridder.
What a night! #BowieProm https://t.co/9mjM8BAXWY pic.twitter.com/SaiIM5SFby
— BBC Proms Team (@bbcproms) July 29, 2016
Laura Mvula performed Fame and Girl Loves Me before Marc returned to the stage to perform Starman, arranged by the British composer and producer Anna Meredith.
Countertenor Philippe Jaroussky sings David Lang's beautiful arrangement of Always Crashing the Same Car #BowieProm https://t.co/ACKSe58EVI
— BBC Proms Team (@bbcproms) July 29, 2016
The Prom closed with an ensemble performance of After All, arranged by Josephine Stephenson and led by Marc, Amanda, Conor and French countertenor Philippe Jaroussky.
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