Glasgow, Saturday 13th September 2008

When rain threatened to spoil the evening, one of our partygoers brandished her magic umbrella, nicknamed the 'rain preventer.' By a miracle it seemed to have done the tick and the night stayed dry for Glasgow's optimistic Prom picnickers who rolled in with their champagne and chardonnay, cucumber sandwiches and chip butties. No doubt there was the odd plastic bottle of Buckie and the greasy pie as well.

Conductor Robert Zeigler led the fantastic BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra to charm us with pieces by Strauss and Petana then presenter Jamie McDougall introduced Dame Evelynn Glennie who wowed the audience with her performance as 'The Drummer Queen' followed by 'The Flight of the Bumblebee' on xylophone. After another blast from the orchestra, the Red Hot Chilli Pipers took centre stage for their popular version of 'Clocks.' For a further treat they were joined in 'Getting Jiggy With It' by a group of versatile Highland dancers who added a few moves that most certainly weren't in the book - pas de basque for rock chicks if you like. It's a cliche to say the joint was jumping but historic Glasgow Green did echo to more than a few 'hoochs' and 'gaun yersels.'

It would seem that nothing could beat that, but for me, the heart-stopping moment of the evening was the National Youth Choir of Scotland's rendition of Evelynn Glennie's composition 'A little Prayer.' When conductor Christopher Bell coaxed the wonderful young voices from sweet accord to magnificent soaring harmony it brought a lump to the throat and a tear to many an eye. For the next two songs the Glasgow Gaelic Choir joined the youngsters - again superb singing. The second half of the concert saw the charming and talented Maria Friedman performing songs from some of the musicals including 'Don't Rain on my Parade' and 'Taking a Chance on Love.' Next, the orchestra had the audience on their feet with the vigorous 'William Tell Overture,' known to Glasgow Saturday matinee-goers as the theme from the 'Lone Ranger.'

As is now traditional, Glasgow then linked to The Albert Hall and other venues for 'Rule Britannia' before the Red Hot Chilli Pipers joined the classical musicians for some Scottish Ceilidh music.

Too soon came the finale with its spectacular firework display and everyone on their feet to sing 'Highland Cathedral' and 'Auld Lang Syne.'

Christina Byrne