Friday Night is Music Night: Celebrating 100 Years of Portsmouth Becoming a City

Experience the magic of BBC Radio 3’s beloved Friday Night is Music Night in a brand‑new concert film, live from the storied Portsmouth Guildhall. This special edition marks the 100th anniversary of Portsmouth’s elevation to city status and promises an unforgettable night of soaring orchestral brilliance with the BBC Concert Orchestra at the helm. The programme is a celebration of timeless classics, fresh discoveries, and proud regional history. Prelude to the festivities is William Walton’s rousing “Portsmouth Point,” followed by a breathtaking rendition of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s “Horn Concerto No. 2.” Malcolm Arnold (arranged by Lane) delivers the unmistakable “Suite From David Copperfield,” earned from the iconic film of the same name. Carlo Martelli’s lively “Promenade” and Erich Wolfgang Korngold’s dramatic “Sea Hawk” set the tone, while Paul Lewis’s energetic “An English Overture” invites listeners into the heart of England. During the intermission, treasure a selection of highlights: Debbie Wiseman’s captivating “Theme From Dickensian,” the bittersweet “End Credits “Newgate Prison” (Oliver Twist 2005) by Rachel Portman, David Lyon’s charming “Three Dances,” and the regal “The Lion Of England: Ceremonial March” by Freda Swain. All of these masterworks are captured in a live recording that showcases the unique character of Portsmouth and carries the hall’s historic ambience straight to your screen. Don’t miss this one‑of‑a‑kind, celebratory concert film – it’s a true cornerstone of family‑friendly, heart‑warming music that will be remembered for years to come. For details and tickets, visit the official links in the programme.