Dr Jacob Downs at the BBC Proms

Catch Dr Jacob Kingsbury Downs at the BBC Proms later today, where he will be leading a pre-concert talk before the first Prom at the Glasshouse in Gateshead. Dr Downs will be in conversation with soloist Alena Baeva to discuss the evening's programme, which includes the Jean Sibelius Violin Concerto. The Royal Northern Sinfonia, conducted by Dinis Sousa, will also be performing Germaine Tailleferre Petite suite pour orchestra and Antonín Dvořák Symphony No. 8. 

From 6.30 - 6.55pm, Jacob and Alena will chat about nationalism and landscapes, what the composers were thinking when they wrote the music, and how that relates to how we see the world today.