BBC accused of turning the Proms into a platform for anti-Brexit fanatics – The Sun

Conductor ranted about the UK leaving the EU and Germans played Land of Hope and Glory in protest

BBC bosses are under fire after the Proms classical music festival was hijacked by anti-Brexit stunts twice in one weekend.

Renowned conductor Daniel Barenboim ranted against the UK leaving the EU and had a German orchestra play Elgars Land of Hope of Glory in protest at the Royal Albert Hall on Sunday.

BBC

It came just 48 hours after pianist Igor Levit performed the official EU anthem unexpectedly on Friday night during an encore.

The BBC defended the impromptu performance of Beethovens Ode To Joy as an artistic choice.

But the brazen interventions sparked uproar from Tory MPs, who slammed the BBC for giving a platform to Euro-fanatics.

They were left incensed by a long speech from the conductors podium at Londons world famous music venue on Sunday night and broadcast on TV and radio.

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Classical music supremo Daniel Barenboim, 74, hit out at isolationist tendencies and nationalism in its very narrow sense is something that is very dangerous.

And he hinted that Brits voted to leave the EU because of a lack knowledge, saying the main problem of today is that there is not enough education.

And in an interview also broadcast by the BBC before the live show, he claimed English composing hero Edward Elgar makes the best case against Brexit because this is European music.

Alamy

He also went on to claim that humanism could solve terrorism, saying: religious fanaticism cannot be fought with arms alone.

He claimed: The real evils of the world can only be fought with a humanism that keeps us all together. Last night Tory MP Andrew Bridgen raged that the BBC will happily go along with anything that supports the Remain cause.

The Leicester MP claimed it was quite pertinent that they chose Land of Hope and Glory, mother of the free.

Because that is what we will be once again when we leave and take back control of our borders, laws and money.

He added: And the BBC and Proms organisers had better get used to it.

They have had a year to come to terms with the fact we are leaving the EU, and yet still they want to undermine democracy.

And Romford MP Andrew Rosindell added: For the BBC to allow this shows their actively letting Euro-fanatics voice their views, whilst ignoring the democratic majority.

He added: The BBC must be neutral, if its not that is wrong and cant continue, its harming Britain.

The annual Proms concerts showcase classical music from Britain and around the world and are held every summer with many of the concerts broadcast live on Radio 3 and BBC4.

Last night respected classical music commentator Norm Lebrecht said: This was out of order. The Proms are, and must be, politically neutral.

He added: Using the Proms as a political platform risks damaging a national treasure.

Despite a wonderful performance of Elgars less favoured symphony, this was a very bad night for the reputation of the BBC Proms.

Last night a BBC spokesman said: The Proms is not a political platform and all artists are booked on the basis of their musical excellence.

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BBC accused of turning the Proms into a platform for anti-Brexit fanatics - The Sun

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