Bristol Proms: An interview with Daniel Hope

With just a week to go before Bristol Proms Opening Night - we ask the artists taking part a few questions ahead of their performances at this year's festival. Check back every day this week for a new interview!

Why have you chosen this particular repertoire for Bristol Proms?

Tom Morris (Bristol Old Vic Artistic Director) and I wanted to devise a programme together, which features some of the finest works in the chamber music literature, but at the same time tells the story of the composers behind them. In this case, our evening takes a close look at the rivalry between two 19th Century giants, Brahms and Tchaikovsky, and also re-enacts their meeting.

Have you performed any of these pieces before?

I’ve played both Tchaikovsky’s ‘Souvenir de Florence’ and the Brahms Opus 111 Quintet for many years now. They are incredible pieces, full of energy, emotion and glorious melodies. Best of all, I am bringing some of my closest musician friends from around the world to perform them with me in Bristol. It is quite a line-up! And then in that magnificent theatre, Bristol Old Vic.

Which moments within the music are you most looking forward to performing?

I am particularly looking forward to the evening as a whole, especially to the way that spoken word will be blended into the music. This is a fairly new departure for me: and I can assure the audience, this will be unlike any chamber music concert they have ever experienced.

What music do you most like to listen to?

I listen to a huge variety of music. Of course classical music is the most important for me, but there are outstanding jazz, folk, rock and Indian musicians, many of whom I have had the privilege of working with, whose music is a real inspiration.

On a more personal note, what do you do to relax?

I spend time with my family and I watch films. I am a movie junkie - one day I may even try my hand at directing one...

Photo by SWNS.

Daniel Hope returns to open Bristol Proms with his Bristol Proms Ensemble, performing Tchaikovsky vs. Brahms in Bristol Old Vic Theatre on Monday 27 July at 7.30pm. Snap up your tickets here.