Reviews – BBC Proms 2025

“It's just a pity that I can't give this concert six stars. Right from those impassioned opening bars, it was clear that the Hallé players and their new Principal Conductor Kahchun Wong had Mahler's Second Symphony, the 'Resurrection', completely in their grip. Phrasing, shaping, dynamic contrasts, instrumental colouring, ensemble unity: these were almost beyond perfection.”

“Then the choir rose slowly for the finale, like guiding angels, drawing us into a shimmering, magical conclusion. For a moment, I thought that the roof of the Royal Albert Hall had lifted, and the night-time sky was within reach.”

“In the symphony's final minutes, with an organ pedal that vibrated through the floor, catastrophically powerful lower brass and bells pealing from the gallery, Wong ditched his baton and manoeuvred his supersized forces with tremendous, muscular arm sweeps as if single-handedly hauling an ocean liner into dock. Many sprang to their feet with the final chord still ringing.”

“If his (Kahchun Wong's) Proms debut on Saturday evening with the orchestra and its associated choirs was anything to go by, the footwear fit perfectly, and we can look forward to a future of stunning and memorable performances.”