Florence Welch, renowned for her ethereal stage presence and dramatic performances, brought a more subdued yet equally powerful energy to her debut at the BBC Proms. Known for dancing with such intensity that she often leaves the stage with a few broken bones, the flame-haired singer stayed grounded behind her microphone this time, allowing the music to take center stage.
The concert, titled Symphony of Lungs, was a mesmerizing orchestral reinterpretation of Lungs, the debut album that catapulted Florence + The Machine to stardom 15 years ago. A window into Welch’s tumultuous teenage years, the album’s raw, emotional power was enhanced by Jules Buckley’s orchestra, which leaned into the gothic drama with harpsichords, lutes, and crescendos of percussion. It was a match made in music heaven, with the Royal Albert Hall swathed in blood-red lights and Florence donning a flowing claret gown that swayed rhythmically with the music.
The night was nothing short of magical. Fans, dressed in Renaissance-inspired outfits, flower crowns, and even fairy lights, filled the venue, setting the perfect mood for the concert. The crowd had been eagerly awaiting this unique performance, and with over 20,000 fans attempting to secure the highly coveted £8 tickets, it became the hottest Prom of the 2024 season.
The concert marked Florence + The Machine’s only UK performance in what was meant to be a year off for the band. When the invitation to the Proms came, Florence couldn’t resist. “They were like, ‘We know you’re off, but would you…?’ and I was like, ‘Yes!’” she told Vogue, embracing the opportunity to revisit her early work.
Working with Buckley, whose reputation for breaking the Proms’ classical conventions precedes him, Florence’s songs were given a fresh yet respectful orchestral makeover. Far from diluting the raw energy of Lungs, Buckley’s arrangements heightened the drama, with the orchestra swooping in only when necessary, allowing Florence’s haunting melodies to breathe.
Standout moments included the sinister Girl With One Eye, given a playful twist with blasts of tuba and a harpsichord straight out of the Addams Family. The massive hit Cosmic Love soared, while Drumming Song featured stunning harmonies courtesy of the London Contemporary Voices Choir. Even Howl, a song Florence had previously retired due to its difficulty, made a triumphant return.
Despite a minor slip-up during Rabbit Heart (Raise It Up), where Florence came in too early, she laughed off the mistake with her characteristic charm. “I’ve been practicing my cues with Jules all day, and I’m still confused sometimes!” she joked, as the audience cheered her on.
As the concert reached its fever pitch with Dog Days Are Over, fans were bouncing and swooning to the gothic romance of Between Two Lungs, proving that even 15 years later, the emotional intensity of Lungs still captivates. Florence Welch, with her soaring voice and raw lyrics, remains a force to be reckoned with—on stage and in the hearts of her devoted fans.
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