When I first came to London from as a baby I lived in Shirland Road. Who knew that I would grow up and return here to Maida Vale for rehearsals for both First and Last Night of the BBC Proms. A most wonderful rehearsal today with Sakari Orama and BBC Symphony Orchestra & Chorus Thank you. ❤️BBC Proms

I’ve had a tough day. The details aren’t important — or appropriate — for here. I’m interested in what you do or say when that happens. If you’re shy, feel free to DM. Otherwise, please post below — no sympathy, thanks; not sought.

The 2025 #BBCProms opens tomorrow night with music by Felix Mendelssohn, Sibelius, Errollyn Wallen, and Vaughan Williams. A short preview of what to expect, and why this First Night matters. 🎻👇 blog.thoroughlygood.me/2025/07/17/bbc…

A big night ahead: #BBCProms First Night. But before that the ROSL ARTS Gold Medal at Wigmore Hall. And before that a Sauvignon Blanc thanks very much.

Heartbroken to hear Roger Norrington, my great hero, mentor, friend, and supporter has died at the age of 91. I’ll miss him dreadfully. Pictured here, many years ago, enjoying reindeer for lunch after rehearsals in Helsinki.

David Cotter describes himself as an academic but appears unable to understand the difference between ‘relaxed’ and ‘relaxing’ and is unwilling to do even the most elementary research about Relaxed Concerts. But he’s complained about them anyway. 🤦🤦 thecritic.co.uk/democratising-…

Tonight at #BBCProms, Ravel's dazzling showpiece for the left hand performed by the generous-spirited Nicholas McCarthy, plus Walton's exhilarating technicolour sound in his first symphony. (And some Shostakovich too.) blog.thoroughlygood.me/2025/07/20/bbc…

There’s enthusiasm and there’s hyperbole. #bbcproms

Brutal words from Michael Henderson about backstage at the First Night in the Spectator. Not entirely undeserved. Regardless, makes me feel like a saint in comparison. #bbcproms

👏👏👏 enjoyed this Sean Shibe 👏👏👏

Mark Simpson's ZEBRA at #BBCProms. Loved it. blog.thoroughlygood.me/2025/07/22/bbc…

Glorious pictures from Chris Christodoulou at tonight’s concert featuring Randall Goosby, Orchestre National de France, & Cristian Măcelaru. blog.thoroughlygood.me/2025/07/23/rev…

#BBCProms and the power of the one-time attended. The one-time attender is being positioned as a central figure in audience growth. What might that mean for the Proms, and the wider classical music industry? blog.thoroughlygood.me/2025/07/24/bbc… #ClassicalMusic #BBCProms

Taking a small break from the #BBCProms today. Catching up tomorrow. A week stuffed full of listening and scribbling has been a little more tiring than I thought it would be.

There appears to have been an unexpected weather event in the Royal Albert Hall.

The @SCOMusic’s Beethoven 5 at #BBCProms: Defiant. Gritty. Resonant. Review → blog.thoroughlygood.me/2025/07/22/pre…

The #Traitors at #BBCProms proved how a crossover event can work. Packed with modest musical nods, inclusive audience engagement, and Winkleman’s dry delivery, this tightly scripted event unexpectedly still managed to win over even a sceptic. blog.thoroughlygood.me/2025/07/26/rev…

Ahead of her #bbcproms appearance tonight, pianist Mariam Batsashvili speaks to Thoroughly Good about her fascination with Lizst and her most recent release featuring music by the composer. lnk.to/eW69xi

I will never get accustomed to those moments when I think absent-mindedly “Mum would love this.” And then remember I’ve got the tense wrong. This evening’s trigger: Elgar’s Introduction and Allegro at #3Choirs #ThreeChoirs

Holiday reading.