Summer Concert 2025 - Last Night of the Proms
5th July 2025 at 7:00pm
St Mary’s Church, Osterley Road, Isleworth. TW7 4PW
Programme
Franz von Suppé – Poet and Peasant Overture
A rousing and lyrical curtain-raiser, full of Viennese charm and theatrical flair.
Carl Maria von Weber – Bassoon Concerto in F major, Op. 75
Soloist: Colin Rowe
Weber’s virtuosic concerto showcases the expressive and nimble character of the bassoon in a work both elegant and playful.
Find out more about our soloists
Georges Bizet – Jeux d’enfants Suite, Op. 22
This delightful suite of miniatures evokes the whimsy of childhood games through Bizet’s melodic genius and sparkling orchestration.
Giacomo Puccini – “Che gelida manina” from La Bohème
Soloist: Marin Yonchev
A tender, soaring aria of youthful passion from Puccini’s beloved opera.
Giacomo Puccini – “Nessun dorma” from Turandot
Soloist: Marin Yonchev
One of opera’s most iconic arias, a powerful anthem of hope and triumph.
Giuseppe Verdi – “Ah, la paterna mano” from Macbeth
Soloist: Marin Yonchev
A moment of poignant reflection and sorrow from Verdi’s dramatic Shakespearean adaptation.
Find out more about our soloists
Thomas Arne (arr. Sargent) – Rule, Britannia!
Soloist: Marin Yonchev
A stirring patriotic classic, arranged with grandeur by Sir Malcolm Sargent.
Edward Elgar – “Nimrod” from Enigma Variations
A deeply moving tribute to friendship and memory, revered as a cornerstone of British music.
Edward Elgar – Pomp and Circumstance March No. 1
Featuring “Land of Hope and Glory”, this triumphant march is a rousing celebration of national pride.
C. Hubert H. Parry – Jerusalem
An enduring hymn of hope and unity, beloved across generations.
Traditional (arr. Benjamin Britten) – God Save the King
The national anthem in Britten’s richly dignified arrangement.
Colin Rowe
Colin Rowe’s musical journey began with the French bassoon under the tutelage of Cecil James before earning a Music Scholarship to Bedford School. There, he studied with Tim Mallet and transitioned to the German bassoon. He pursued a degree in Music at Goldsmiths, University of London, during which time he was co-principal bassoon for the University of London Orchestra.
During a career shift into Nursing at the University of the West of England, Colin remained connected to music, holding the position of principal bassoon for the UWE Orchestra for 18 years, during which he made his concerto debut. His expertise on the contrabassoon led to an appointment by the Bristol Ensemble , a role he continues to perform at a professional level with various orchestras.
Colin’s association with the Hounslow Symphony Orchestra dates back to childhood, when he attended rehearsals with his father. Since 2019, he has been a regular performer with the orchestra. Outside of his musical career, Colin is a lecturer in Nursing at Roehampton University, balancing his passion for education with his dedication to performance.
Marin Yonchev
Marin Yonchev is a Bulgarian tenor who discovered his passion for music at an early age. He made his stage debut at just four years old and soon began earning accolades in vocal competitions. A pivotal influence in his musical development was his decade-long involvement with the renowned Plovdiv Boys’ Choir “Stefka Blagoeva.”
Marin rose to national prominence in 2000 after winning the “Hit-1” competition alongside his sister, celebrated soprano Sonya Yoncheva. His breakthrough came in 2005 when he won Bulgaria’s first reality music TV show, Star Academy.
He went on to earn a Master’s degree in vocal performance from the Haute École de Musique (HEM) in Geneva, Switzerland. Since then, he has appeared in numerous prestigious concerts and galas worldwide.
Among his operatic highlights is his portrayal of Itulbo in Il Pirata, performed at both Teatro Real in Madrid and the Opéra National de Bordeaux.
