Jingoistic, over-the-top and absurdly antiquated - these are the words one is supposed to use when describing the Last Night of the Proms. One is expected to maintain a certain critical distance, a certain disdain for the whole sordid affair with its unmusical crowd of flag-wavers and Eng-er-land supporters.
Well, bollocks to that. I had damned good fun on Saturday night and I'm not afraid to admit it. Yes, I bobbed up and down like an idiot during the Pomp and Circumstance March. Yes, I sang Rule Britannia raucously (despite being a pom-bashing Aussie). Yes, I consumed rather more punch than was really required in the line of journalistic duty. And I don't care.
All of these things are absolutely critical to the proper appreciation of this glorious institution. I once tried to review the Last Night for an online journal, but I hadn't had nearly enough to drink and I'm afraid to say I wrote a little tongue-in-cheekily about the whole thing. I was wrong, of course: if one isn't prepared to approach the Last Night with earnest and unashamed stirrings of patriotism, one shouldn't approach it at all.
To that end, my girlfriend wrapped herself this year in a little black dress and an enormous South African flag, topping off her ensemble with one of those giant Union Jack top hats. She chose my outfit too. The flip-flops and shorts were an inspired touch, I have to admit: definitely the best way to keep cool when one is otherwise enclosed in a dinner jacket and bow-tie.
Anyway, as Last Nights go, Saturday's was a bit of a classic. Best was Anna Netrebko sashaying about with an armful of roses and a voice potent enough to cut through the ensuing wolf-whistles. It was one of those moments that will be fondly recalled by anyone chronicling her surefire rise to superstardom.
As for Jiri Belohlavek, the severe-looking Czech conductor whose first Last Night this was, he did perfectly well, even if he looked more than a little nervous throughout. My advice to you next year, Jiri: bring a big Czech flag and a lemonade bottle filled with punch, for what is Last Night of the Proms but a heady mix of patriotism and alcohol?
