91Èȱ¬

91Èȱ¬ Proms is inviting the audience to perform with the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain at their Prom in August and today launches a series of online masterclasses to learn how.

The all-singing, all-strumming phenomenon that is the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain makes its 91Èȱ¬ Proms debut on Tuesday 18 August 2009 at 10.00pm.

The world-renowned ensemble plays a wide-ranging programme which includes unorthodox renditions of Parry's Jerusalem, Wagner's The Ride Of The Valkyries and Eric Coates' march The Dambusters, not to mention a selection of unique arrangements of songs by The Who and the Sex Pistols.

91Èȱ¬ Proms is inviting people attending the concert to bring along their own ukulele and join in to create a grand ukulele rendition of Beethoven's classic Ode To Joy!

Beginners and experts alike are welcome, and the 91Èȱ¬ Proms has today launched a series of filmed online masterclasses to enable people to prepare.

There are seven filmed tutorials with Director George Hinchcliffe and a final video with more members of the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain playing Ode To Joy. They offer top tips for beginners, rusty players and experts alike, giving professional insight into the challenges of performing Beethoven's majestic masterpiece.

Roger Wright, 91Èȱ¬ Proms Director, praises the idea, saying: "The ukulele masterclasses are a fantastic way for anyone to get involved with the 91Èȱ¬ Proms.

"It's great to give anyone who's interested the opportunity to learn the basics of the ukulele, and we hope that beginners and experts alike will enjoy this rare chance to play along with extraordinary Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain.

"I've already started learning and hope to join in on the night!"

George Hinchcliffe, Director of the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain, comments: "The 91Èȱ¬ Proms are great for making music accessible, as is the ukulele due to it being cheap and portable. Everyone can have a go. That is why we thought audience participation would be a great idea, that and the fact that we have always wanted to fill the whole of the Royal Albert Hall with ukulele players.

"In Japan and Sweden we have had up to 200 ukulele players playing along with us and I'm sure we will be able to beat that at the 91Èȱ¬ Proms."

To take part, ukulele players need to have tickets for the actual Prom concert and are invited to register online at bbc.co.uk/proms where people can also access the online tutorials.

Founded in 1985 as a "bit of fun", the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain has gone from strength to strength, selling out concerts worldwide.

Using no drums, pianos, backing tracks, banjos or electronic trickery, the ensemble is unique and reveals the rich palette of orchestration afforded by ukuleles and singing (and a bit of whistling). You may never hear music in quite the same way again!

The 91Èȱ¬ Proms (17 July-12 September 2009) is the world's largest classical music festival and the 115th season is the biggest yet. There are 100 concerts and a host of extra events including talks, workshops, films, free performances and family events.

The intense musical activity extends over eight weeks and comprises an evening concert each night, with late-night and regular lunchtime concerts. The 91Èȱ¬ Proms continues its strong commitment to distinctive programming performed in a relaxed and inspiring setting.

The 91Èȱ¬ Proms are broadcast live on 91Èȱ¬ Radio 3, a selection are broadcast on 91Èȱ¬ Two and 91Èȱ¬ Four, and all broadcasts are available via the 91Èȱ¬ iPlayer for seven days after.

This year also sees many ticket prices frozen at 2008 levels, promming tickets still only £5, and more free events than ever.

Last month saw the introduction of the long-awaited 91Èȱ¬ Radio 3 Blog at bbc.co.uk/blogs/radio3/. The blog is a place where the Controller of Radio 3 and Director of 91Èȱ¬ Proms Roger Wright, and some of his colleagues and guests, will discuss Radio 3, the Proms and the 91Èȱ¬ performing groups. It is an effective medium for drawing attention to particular programmes and live events and a great way in which friends and listeners can comment and interact with the station and its activities.

Event and Ticket information

Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain: Tuesday 18 August 2009, 10.00-11.15pm, Royal Albert Hall.

Tickets £10/£15. Tickets available in person from the Royal Albert Hall box office (no booking fee) from 9.00am-9.00pm daily, or via telephone 0845 401 5040 and online at bbc.co.uk/proms (booking fee applies).

Up to 1,400 promming (standing) places available on the day at £5 each.

SG