Posted on by James Kampas

The Proms at the Royal Albert Hall

August 8, 2022 – A memorable night in London.

Attending The Proms at London’s Royal Albert Hall was a surreal and unforgettable experience. This storied venue has welcomed everyone from classical titans like Tchaikovsky, Mahler, and Stravinsky to popular icons such as The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, and Led Zeppelin — a testament to its place at the heart of musical history.

The BBC Proms — short for “Promenade Concerts” — is an eight-week summer festival founded in 1895 by conductor Henry Wood to make great music accessible to all. Today, it remains one of the world’s most celebrated classical music events, bringing together leading orchestras, soloists, and conductors for an extraordinary range of performances.

Our evening featured the world premiere of Gavin Higgins’s Concerto Grosso for Brass Band and Orchestra, a new work performed by the BBC National Orchestra of Wales and The Tredegar Band under the baton of Ryan Bancroft, followed by a powerful rendition of Berlioz’s Symphonie fantastique — a fitting finale in such an iconic hall.

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Basilica of St. Michael

Aug. 15, 2022 - High altar in Basilica of St. Michael.
Aug. 15, 2022 - The nave of Basilica of St. Michael.
Aug. 15, 2022 - Basilica of St. Michael exterior.

Our visit to the Basilica of St. Michael in Mondsee was a beautiful blend of history, art, and movie nostalgia. As a fan of The Sound of Music movie, seeing the church famous for the wedding scene in person was incredible. Its soaring Baroque interior and twin towers were even more striking than I imagined. The basilica itself is part of the former Mondsee Abbey, a Benedictine monastery founded back in the 8th century that later transformed into a significant spiritual and cultural center.

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Liszt Ferenc Square

Liszt Ferenc Square
Aug. 21, 2022 – A cool, drizzly day in Budapest.

The statue of Franz Liszt by sculptor László Marton in Budapest, Hungary, shows the great composer dramatically poised mid-performance. Seated before an invisible piano, his large right hand reaches outward, symbolizing his legendary virtuosity. The sculpture captures Liszt’s flair and intensity. This is the last stop on our Europe trip—tomorrow we fly home. I’m still recovering from COVID, but we had a nice day exploring the city.

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Lake Wolfgang in Austria

Aug. 15, 2022 - Vista overlooking the village of St. Gilgen and Lake Wolfgang.
Aug. 15, 2022 – Vista overlooking St. Gilgen and Lake Wolfgang.

Lake Wolfgang, or Wolfgangsee, is a stunning alpine lake nestled in the Salzkammergut region of Austria. It’s surrounded by charming villages like St. Gilgen, Strobl, and St. Wolfgang. The lake is known for its crystal-clear waters, lush green hills, and postcard-perfect mountain views.

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Sanssouci Palace

Aug. 11, 2022 – Visiting Sanssouci & Neues Palais.

Ever since I read James R. Gaines’s Evening in the Palace of Reason: Bach Meets Frederick the Great in the Age of Enlightenment, I’ve been fascinated by the enigmatic Prussian monarch. Frederick the Great’s complex legacy—his influence on music, philosophy, and military strategy during the Enlightenment—continues to captivate me. His architectural vision lives on in places like Sanssouci, his intimate rococo retreat in Potsdam, and the grand Neues Palais, a symbol of Prussia’s rising power built to impress visiting dignitaries.

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The French House, London

Aug 7, 2022 - The French House in London.
Aug 7, 2022 – Enjoyed a few pints at The French House.

The French House in London is a legendary Soho pub steeped in charm, history, and bohemian spirit. It’s known for its quirky rules — no music, no machines, and no pints (only half-pints served). During World War II, it served as a hub for the Free French, with General de Gaulle famously linked to the place. Over the decades, it’s been a favorite of artists, writers, and eccentrics like Dylan Thomas and Francis Bacon.

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The City of Lights

November, 1999 - Jim Morrison's Head Stone at Père Lachaise Cemetery.
November, 1999 - Oscar Wilde's tomb at the Père Lachaise Cemetery.
November 1999 - Standing in front of "Pyramide du Louvre."
November, 1999 - In front of Notre-Dame Cathedral of Paris.

Visiting Europe—especially Paris—had always been a dream of mine, and in November 1999, it finally happened. We spent seven unforgettable days exploring the City of Lights, then hopped on a train to Amsterdam for a few more days, before heading home. These photos are scans of the originals I took on that trip, capturing moments from a journey I’d imagined for years.