The BBC Proms celebrate the centenary of composer Henry Mancini with a concert featuring his iconic works, including The Pink Panther and Moon River. The BBC Concert Orchestra, conducted by Edwin Outwater, will perform a selection of Mancini’s most celebrated pieces alongside compositions from other masters of his time, such as Burt Bacharach, Les Baxter, and Juan Garcia Esquivel. Presenters Jess Gillam and a special guest will guide audiences through this musical journey.
The concert, Mancini, Bacharach and Friends at the Proms, airing on BBC Four, honours the legacy of Henry Mancini, whose extraordinary career spanned decades and left a mark on film and television music. The programme includes his diverse range, from the playful Pink Panther theme to the romantic Moon River.
Jess Gillam, a talented saxophonist and presenter, joins forces with a surprise guest host to introduce the BBC Concert Orchestra and conductor Edwin Outwater. Together, they explore the musical genres influenced by Mancini, including the cool lounge music of Les Baxter and the futuristic sounds of space-age pop pioneer Juan Garcia Esquivel.
The concert also features a selection of Burt Bacharach’s well-loved tunes. Bacharach, a contemporary of Mancini, is known for his unique blend of pop, jazz, and easy listening, creating a sound that has resonated across generations.
Mancini, Bacharach and Friends at the Proms airs on BBC Four on Friday 6 September 2024 at 8:00 pm.
