The Spanish National Orchestra made its long-awaited BBC Proms debut at the Royal Albert Hall, nearly 90 years after its founding, performing under outgoing chief conductor David Afkham. The concert doubled as both a first and a farewell: Afkham, who has led the orchestra for over a decade, hands over to Kent Nagano next season, giving the evening added sentimental weight for the packed audience.

The programme leaned heavily on Spanish national favourites, including Ravel's Alborada del gracioso and De Falla's Fantasia baetica, though critics noted a lack of contemporary Spanish music. Guitarist Rafael Aguirre, a winner of 13 international first prizes, performed Rodrigo's Concierto de Aranjuez in a relaxed, sun-warmed style, though the review found the orchestra's accompaniment oddly subdued at times. The night also featured lighter touches, including castanets and Afkham sporting a football scarf during the encore.