What do conductors actually do? It's a question that concert-goers, as well as listeners and viewers of the BBC Proms, often ponder. Conductors may not make a sound, but what they certainly do is put on a performance, the minutiae of which are captured by photographer Chris Christodoulou. For the eighth year running, we celebrate the end of the Proms season with an exclusive gallery of his snaps. They capture conductors in their agonies and their ecstasies, at their most intimate and expansive, hair flying, arms flailing, eyes imploring. Click on the thumbnails below to enjoy a feast of exhibitionism.
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Podium nitrate: Conductors at the 2017 Proms
Feast on our annual treat: BBC photographer Chris Christodoulou's action shots
more classical music
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Szymanowski’s fantasy more vague than Berlioz’s, but both light up the hall
Another breath of fresh air in the chamber orchestra’s approach to the classics
Julia Perry well worth her place alongside Stravinsky and Bartók
German art songs, French piano concertos and entertaining contemporary music
Panache but little inner serenity in a risky three-part marathon
The Jordanian pianist presents a magic carpet of dizzyingly contrasting styles
Early music group passes a milestone still at the top of its game
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Fresh takes on Janáček's 'Jenůfa' and Bizet's 'Carmen' are on the menu
Swiss contemporary music, plus two cello albums and a versatile clarinettist remembered
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