After a week of existential crisis, the BBC found redemption in one corner of its activity it may be wise to cherish. The Proms 2023 launched in the Royal Albert Hall with high drama of the right kind. The audience was upbeat, the prommers shouted heave-ho, a climate change protesters’ scuffle was swiftly contained. The BBC Singers, still here, still admired by those who recognise their skills, were cheered. The corporation’s self-hype broke even its own extravagant record, and reaped rewards: viewing figures for the First Night TV broadcast were the highest for 14 years, with more listeners to Radio 3 content, live or on catchup, during the first weekend than ever before.
