THE second annual BristolProms, the concert series that reinvents the live classical music experience, opens in the historic Bristol Old Vic Theatre this weekend

Co-produced by Bristol Old Vic and U-Live, BristolProms 2014 features over 20 outstanding events including a concert like no other from world-class pianist and technological pioneer Valentina Lisitsa, the internet’s first ever classical music star with over 75 million views on YouTube. Tomorrow, Friday August 1, Lisitsa will host her very own music party, where she will intimately interact with her audience and allow them to take control of the repertoire in real-time.

The Ukrainian born pianist, who converted millions of YouTube video hits into a global concert career, will take to the stage without knowing exactly what she is to perform, handing creative control to her audience who will vote on the night from a shortlist of 8 pieces including Liszt’s Sonata in B Minor and Chopin’s Etudes.

During this laid back concert, the audience are invited on stage during the performance and the interval. They can book a seat on the onstage sofas for a unique close-up experience of a world-class musician in action, as well as take to the piano themselves during the interval. Concert-goers will see their tweets and videos projected on-screen during the concert at ClassicFM.com/ValentinaBristol. Ticket holders who wish their videos to be shown can audition via Instagram and Twitter with the hashtag #ValentinaBristol, or upload at classicfm.com/ValentinaBristol.

In keeping with the rest of the BristolProms programme, it is not only the artists who are welcome to subvert the tradition of the concert – audiences are encouraged to clap whenever they wish, bring drinks into the auditorium, take selfies, tweet and Instagram throughout the concerts. The Bristol Proms continue until August 2.