Synopsis

James Naughtie welcomes listeners to live coverage of a vibrant, newly conceived First Night celebration. The BBC Singers, the BBC Symphony Chorus, and Orchestra are conducted by Andrew Davis, with pianist Evgeny Kissin, soprano Christine Brewer, mezzo-soprano Louise Winter, tenor David Kuebler, baritone Nicolai Putilin, and organist Simon Preston. The opening half of the broadcast features Copland’s Fanfare for the Common Man, Stokowski’s orchestral rendition of Bach’s Toccata and Fugue in D