You don’t have to be a ‘Pom’ to enjoy the Last Night of the Proms.

It may not be the Royal Albert Hall in London, but for one night the Mackay Entertainment Centre will play host to the classics as the Mackay Choral Society and their 50-person choir present a Proms concert of their own.

The concert, which celebrates the 60th Anniversary of the Mackay Choral Society, has been in the planning for many months and happens to coincide with the Last Night of the Proms in London.

Musical director and lecturer with the Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music (CQCM) Kim Kirkman, will direct the 50-piece orchestra in this wonderful classical event, and soloists from Brisbane and Perth will perform classics including medleys from 'Oklahoma', 'Les Miserables', 'Phantom of the Opera' and many others.

Members of the orchestra come from as far as Rockhampton, Mackay, Townsville and the Virtual Conservatorium and CQCM Bachelor of Music students form part of the 50 person choir.

“The night promises to be a magical experience,” said Kim. “The orchestra and choir have been rehearsing for weeks, the soloists are arriving and everyone is gearing up for a huge concert.".

“As well as outside professional soloists, local artists will also feature. Kirsten Kerr will perform Winter from Vivaldi’s Four Seasons; Daisy-May Wegner will present a surprise country number and several Bachelor of Music Theatre students from the CQCM will also sing".

This year, The Proms is 110 years old and the Last Night of the Proms is one of the most popular classical music concerts in the world, watched and listened to by an audience of many millions around the globe.

The Proms originated in London in 1895 and was known as 'Mr Robert Newman's Promenade Concerts'. With the main event now performed at the Royal Albert Hall in London, the original concept for the season has remained largely unaltered to this day: to present the widest possible range of music, performed to the highest standards, to large audiences.

The 100th Proms season took place in 1994 and the UK festival now includes over 70 main Prom concerts every year, ever widening the range of symphonic and operatic music presented.

“Now Mackay can enjoy their very own Last Night of the Proms experience,” said Kim.

The concert commences at 4pm on Sunday September 11. To purchase tickets contact the Mackay Entertainment Centre on 4957 1777.

Photo (above): Musical director and CQCM lecturer Kim Kirkman will direct the 50-piece orchestra during the concert which celebrates the 60th Anniversary of the Mackay Choral Society.