Karen Ní Bhroin makes acclaimed BBC Proms debut
Irish conductor Karen Ní Bhroin made her BBC Proms debut in style, leading two performances of The Traitors Proms at the Royal Albert Hall on Saturday 26th July. Conducting the BBC Symphony Orchestra, BBC Symphony Chorus and BBC Singers and a number of soloists, the concerts were hosted by Claudia Winkleman and featured a diverse programme blending classical favourites with dramatic flair.
Ní Bhroin’s debut was met with praise across the board. The Guardian noted her “confident Proms debut” as she led the “massed ranks” of performers. MusicOMH described the performances of the classical works as “predictably excellent,” highlighting Karen Ní Bhroin’s direction from the podium.
BBC Radio 3 presenter Katie Derham highlighted her assured presence, commenting: “She’s certainly demonstrated a very calm head and a wonderful manner… she’s been a real hit with all the musicians and with the audience as well.”
The afternoon concert is available to listen back on BBC Sounds, and a television broadcast will follow soon on BBC TV.
The Traitor’s Prom, with Karen conducting, has been chosen as one of the BBC Proms 2025: The Best Bits, and Saint-Saens’ Danse Macabre from the performance is featured on 2025: Unmissable Moments at the Proms 2025 on BBC iPlayer (from 1:54:16).
“Conductor Karen Ní Bhroin marshalled enormous musical forces for the occasion; the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, BBC Singers, BBC Symphony Chorus and a dazzling line-up of vocal soloists.”