New job, first day, first meeting with the boss, first item on the agenda: 'Proms database'. The need to complete this project became more apparent the further we got into it. We all know how easy it is to find out facts about other major events: if you need to know how many matches in the Third Round Proper of the 1983 FA Cup went to a second replay (just one, Sheffield Wednesday eventually saw off Southend United 2-1) it takes micro-seconds to find out. But what about The World's Greatest Music Festival? As gaps were identified in history, our now default reaction - 'I'll Google it...' - wasn't much help, as so much information just simply wasn't out there.
For the Proms team, the project was worthwhile in many ways. So much of what we do these days - from programming, participation events and the extended series all the way through to each season's visual identity - is about taking things forward, and introducing and nurturing new audiences. is a nod to our heritage, and to the fact that all of us who are lucky enough to work at the Proms are aware that we are merely custodians of this unique musical institution.
My biggest worry in the lead-up to launch was the relative simplicity of what we had to offer. No sound, video, pictures, celebrities, animations - just a list of who has played what, when, and where at the Proms. But so rich is the history of the Proms that (for the time being at least) the information is enough in itself. It's as if the Proms Archive has become a kind of sixth sense to people - just seeing the details of a favourite concert on our website seems to have the ability to sweep a tidal wave of memories, sights, sounds, and nostalgia over those present. The feedback from the press has been hugely gratifying, but emails from users have reminded us all just what a special place this series of summer concerts has in many people's lives.
From the personal to the academic: we're hoping to further develop our relationship with and the Music Department at King's College London to use the Archive as a research tool into musical and social trends over the past 115 years. What can the archive tell us? For example, that is the most performed composer in Proms history may not be a surprise, but the fact that he remained so during 1914-18 and 1939-45 is certainly worthy of further investigation.
So four years on - our complete set of and will now be repaired and retired, and those of us involved in getting the Archive ready will take a few minutes to enjoy the reaction to its launch. Of course, some have been slightly put-out that the Archive does not contain an equally comprehensive library of Radio and TV broadcasts. That is certainly on our wish-list too.
John Bryant is the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Proms Publications Editor
- Visit the on the Radio 3 website
- John Bryant explains
- The is launched
- The photo from the First Night of the Proms was taken by Chris Christodoulou
- The photo of one of the volumes of old programmes stored in the Radio 3 office - this one is from 1901 - was taken by John Bryant