The audience was already on its feet after the British Broadcasting Corp. Concert Orchestra’s first number, “The Star Spangled Banner.” They had no idea what breath taking music was in store for the next two hours.

Monday night the BBC Concert Orchestra of London in “Last Night at the Proms” played to an awe stricken Ohio Theater.

Dazzled by classics such as George Gershin’s “Rhapsody Blue”, Aaron Copland’s “Fanfare for the Common Man” and Ralph Vaughn William’s “Fantasia on Greensleeves” one could almost see the notes vibrate off the instruments and collide with the audience.

The performance was mesmerizing, from the constantly synchronized violin bows to the enthusiastic contribution of pianist Lucy Parham during “Rhapsody in Blue.”

Principle Conductor, Barry Wordsworth had no trouble getting the show to come alive. He urged the audience to sing along to Edward Elgar’s “Pomp and Circumstance March No. 1.” The audience became even more a part of the show during Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture as they clapped along to the beat.

Wordsworth is principle conductor of the Brighton Philharmonic Orchestra. He is also a frequent guest conductor with the London Symphony Orchestra.

He spent much of his time between numbers talking with the audience and giving introductions as to what they were about to hear. It was a nice change to see the front side of a conductor since, for most of the performance they must face the orchestra and not the audience. This allowed the audience to be involved with the performance while helping to understand the conductors point of view.

Knowing full well this is a London based orchestra Wordsworth did not want to forget the American patriotism that was present in the theater. The audience stood and belted out the “Star Spangled Banner” and were quick to learn the words of “Rule, Britannia” to return the favor to the performers.

In response to the audience participation Wordworth said, “You are making us feel home sick.”

As the evening continued the music became much more fun and lively. The audience became involved and the performers also became more involved. The cello players showed off their skills by spinning their instruments off the floor during the 1812 Overture. Wordsworth pointed and applauded those who brought flags and waved them during the performance of “Rule Britannia.”

The orchestra is celebrating its 50th anniversary season and performs annually at the Proms. They have performed all over the world including Greece, Hong Kong, Japan, Turkey, Italy, Belgium, Cyprus, France and Germany.

Recent albums that have been released include, “Disney Movie Favorites,” “The Hits from Broadway,” “Let’s Face the Music: A Tribute to Fred Astaire,” and “A Christmas Celebration.”

The permanent home for the orchestra is the Hippodrome in Golden Green, North London. This is where the majority of their music is performed.

The orchestra is featured on the weekly program “Friday Night is Music Night” on BBC radio 2. They also make frequent broadcasts on BBC radio 3 and on BBC television.

They make regular visits to the Royal Festival, Royal Albert and Barbican Halls in London and appears throughout the United Kingdom.