This year’s BBC Proms will be opened and closed by female conductors for the first time in its history.
In a move towards gender equality, Finnish composer Dalia Stasevska will open the iconic event at the Royal Albert Hall which will then be closed by American-born Austrian, Marin Alsop.
The two are of the 10 women conducting at this year’s Proms, three of whom are also making their debut at the event.
Eleven of this year’s 21 premieres are by being led female composers while a third of the festival’s 84 concerts include works by women.
“We’re moving in the right direction towards equitable representation,” said the Proms director, David Pickard.
Commenting on the increased numbers of women representation, Mr Pickard added: “This is hugely advanced on the figures of even 10 years ago.
“Is it enough? No, but the motivation to change these things is enormous.”
Also participating at the event will be the BBC singers who were initially scrapped before being reinstated weeks later in March.
Sam Jackson, the new controller of BBC Radio 3 said: “This is a time where the BBC’s classical music offering is under intense scrutiny and rightly so, because it’s really, really important.
“I am relieved and pleased that we now are looking to secure a sustainable future for BBC Singers and that we’re working constructively with the Musicians’ Union on the future of our English orchestras.”
Renowned composer Sir Simon Rattle is also due to make his final appearance with the London Symphony Orchestra.
The BBC will broadcast 24 concerts while all 84 will be shown live on BBC Radio 3.
Ticket prices range from £9 to £72 for every concert bar the Last Night, and 1,000 £8 tickets are available each day to stand in the arena.
