Benedict Mason’s Meld was given its world premiere at a late-night prom in August 2014. Hailed by critics as strange, beautiful, audacious and “a happening of epic zaniness”, Mason wrote his piece specifically for the Royal Albert Hall, and the visual element of the performance was as important as the music.
With the musicians of Aurora Orchestra and the choir Chantage roaming around the famous hall’s spaces – including the arena itself (floor cleared, for this performance only, of prommers), this was a unique and unforgettable experience for audience and players alike. It had beenthree years in the planning.
The event was filmed with multiple cameras positioned around the hall, but also by GoPro cameras attached to the performers. The end result places the audience at the heart of the experience, giving a vivid sense of the movements and interactions of the musicians and singers with the space. The film’s digital premiere is here, exclusively on the Guardian until 10am on Monday 4 July.
Read Andrew Clements’ review of the Proms premiere at which this performance was filmed.
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