Zosha Di Castri’s latest composition opens the BBC Proms

Zosha Di Castri’s BBC comissioned work Long Is the Journey – Short Is the Memory will not only premier tonight, but it is also the opening piece at the celebrated music festival BBC Proms.

“I was trying to get into the awe and wonder of what that felt like, so the choir’s doing a lot of whispering, atmospheric sounds. The sopranos have a solo and the orchestra and rest of the chorus provides a textured soundscape. Time feels stretched out.”

Her latest work explores humanity’s relationship to the moon, and how it has changed over time and represents the first time Di Castri’s music is played in the UK.

Here are various reviews on the event:

“First night of the Proms review – the moon, and female stars” by Erica Jeal in The Guardian

“Conductor Karina Canellakis makes Proms history with stirring First Night” by Marc Savage in BBC News

“First night of the Proms — female conductor leads way for first time” by Richard Fairman in Financial Times