Royal Albert Hall is 150 years old - A major milestone

As England is opening up its next phase of the post-lockdown roadmap, outdoor gatherings and sport resumes across the country, and we can't wait for the day when we can all be "free" to enjoy indoor concerts and entertainment that we have so greatly missed.

North-facing entrance of the Royal Albert Hall at Dusk.
© David Iliff

May we take this opportunity to congratulate the Royal Albert Hall – home to many legendary moments in music history – which is celebrating its 150 years anniversary by launching a short film directed by BAFTA-nominee Tom Harper (The Aeronauts, Wild Rose), and scored by Academy Award-winning composer Steven Price (Gravity, Fury).  Narrated by Sir Mick Jagger, the 90-second film pays tribute to live music and performance including BBC Proms, alongside appearances from artists, athletes and activists.

BBC Proms audience at the Royal Albert Hall.
© Chris Christodoulou

Against the backdrop of the most challenging conditions it has ever faced, the iconic Royal Albert Hall has today unveiled the programme for its anniversary celebrations, which will extend into 2022. 

The iconic London venue is also launching “two years of celebration, featuring major commissions from British artists, headline performances from music legends, and events showcasing the next generation of talent from around the globe.”

Violinist NICOLA BENEDETTI performing at the Hall on 25 September 2013.
© Paul Sanders

The venue’s chief executive, Craig Hassall, said the plans will also include anniversary editions of historic community events, while also revealed the completed restoration of the Hall’s historic façade, the result of four years’ painstaking work.

Mr Hassall said: “Despite the devastating impact of the pandemic, which has closed our treasured building to the public for the first time since the Second World War, we are determined to host a full celebration of our 150th anniversary.

“Since its opening, this extraordinary venue has borne witness to, and played a central part in, seismic cultural and social change. The interests, manners and social mores of the people may have changed, but this beautiful building and what it represents remains the same a century-and-a-half later: a meeting place, a reflection of contemporary Britain, and a home for exhilarating live performance and events of international significance.

One of the special highlights of this special anniversary is a commissioned 10-movement piece by David Arnold (James Bond films, Independence Day, Little Britain, Sherlock) to be performed by students from the Tri-borough Music Hub, alongside the National Youth Choir of Great Britain and a full symphony orchestra made up of players from our resident Education & Outreach ensemble, Albert’s orchestra.

The commissioned piece is a culmination of over a year’s work and celebrates the story of the Royal Albert Hall – from the seed of the idea, through construction and the unforgettable events and historical moments that the Hall has hosted.  Featuring exclusive introductions penned by outstanding British writers including Neil Gaiman, Jack Thorne, Joe Penhall and Laura Wade.

The venue has also announced that the BBC Proms 2021 will take place from Friday 30 July to Saturday 11 September.  Further details of the festival will be announced in the coming months.

The Royal Albert Hall was opened by Queen Victoria in 1871, and named in memory of her husband, Prince Albert, whose founding vision was for a venue that would both democratise and promote the arts and sciences.

The Hall’s anniversary will also be celebrated by other institutions. The Royal Mint is issuing a £5 coin to mark the milestone, while Royal Crown Derby, has produced a commemorative tea set in a design inspired by the Hall’s architecture.

The Hall’s anniversary book, with a foreword from Her Majesty The Queen, is titled A Celebration in 150 Unforgettable Moments, and published by Ebury.