St Vincent Shines with Jules Buckley Orchestra at BBC Proms, Playing Rare Deep Cuts and Fan Favorites

Experience St Vincent’s rare live gems and fan favorite tracks in a stunning orchestral setting at the BBC Proms.

A Night to Remember at the Royal Albert Hall

If you ever wondered what it feels like to witness a true artist peeling back layers of their discography and presenting hidden gems with an orchestral twist, then St Vincent’s recent performance at London’s Royal Albert Hall was your answer. On September 3rd, Annie Clark—better known as St Vincent—lit up the classic venue, diving deep into her catalog alongside the brilliant conductor, arranger, and orchestrator Jules Buckley.

This wasn’t your typical concert. It was a magical night where deep cuts and rarely heard tracks were reimagined with lush orchestral arrangements, proving once again why St Vincent’s artistry is unmatched in blending innovation with emotional intensity.

Revisiting the Forgotten Tracks

One of the most thrilling aspects was hearing songs rarely performed live, some not touched for over a decade. The evening kicked off with the live debut of “We Put A Pearl In The Ground,” a haunting track from 2007, immediately signaling this was going to be a special deep dive.

Throughout the set, St Vincent resurrected songs that fans hadn’t enjoyed live in years. “Paris Is Burning” had been sleeping since 2011, while “The Strangers” and “The Party” hadn’t been played since 2018. “Smoking Section” and “The Bed” also made their first live appearances since 2019. The show closed beautifully with “Slow Disco,” a standout from the 2017 album Masseducation.

Experience “Paris Is Burning” from the performance below:

And here’s a mesmerizing orchestral version of “Smoking Section”:

The Magic of Collaboration: St Vincent and Jules Buckley

What made this evening truly unique was the collaboration between St Vincent and Jules Buckley, a maestro known for his orchestral reimaginings. This concert marked Buckley’s 25th BBC Prom, and the duo didn’t just slap orchestral wallpaper behind the songs; they carefully crafted new interpretations that respected the spirit of St Vincent’s music while expanding its sonic landscape.

Buckley explained, “We’ve worked together to find a new interpretation of St. Vincent’s sound. Annie and her keys player, Rachel, have toured as a duo, so that’s been an inspiration for how to reimagine some of the pieces with a larger ensemble.”

Catch a glimpse of the mesmerizing performance here:

Experienced St. Vincent playing The Nowhere Inn at the Royal Albert Hall tonight. So gorgeous.

— Punk (@R0SAMUNDPIKES)

The Setlist: A Journey Through Time and Sound

For die-hard fans and newcomers alike, the setlist was a treasure trove of stories told through music:

• We Put A Pearl In The Ground (live debut)
• Hell Is Near
• Reckless
• Violent Times
• I Prefer Your Love (first time live since 2018)
• The Strangers (not performed live since 2018)
• Black Rainbow (first live performance since 2014)
• Marrow
• The Bed (first time since 2019)
• Smoking Section (first time since 2019)
• Now, Now
• Live In The Dream
• The Nowhere Inn
• Digital Witness
• Los Ageless
• The Party (first time live since 2018)
• New York
• Paris Is Burning (first live performance since 2011)
• Candy Darling
• Slow Disco

St Vincent’s Summer at Glastonbury

Just a few months prior, in June, St Vincent brought her All Born Screaming tour to Glastonbury Festival, thrilling fans at The Woodsies Stage. This string of performances showcased her ability to command big festival crowds and intimate venues alike, proving her versatility and enduring appeal.

Why This Performance Stands Out

St Vincent’s BBC Proms show wasn’t just a concert; it was a celebration of musical storytelling, collaboration, and reinvention. The choice to work with an orchestra under Jules Buckley’s visionary direction elevated her music into something cinematic and deeply emotional.

As a fan, it felt like being part of a secret club where forgotten songs found a second life and the boundary between indie rock and classical music blurred beautifully.

FAQ

• What made St Vincent’s BBC Proms performance unique?
  Unlike conventional shows, she performed deep cuts and rarely heard live songs with a live orchestra, reimagined alongside conductor Jules Buckley.
• Who is Jules Buckley and what was his role?
  Jules Buckley is a renowned conductor and arranger who collaborated with St Vincent to give her songs new orchestral arrangements, marking his 25th BBC Prom.
• Which St Vincent songs were performed live for the first time in years?
  Tracks like "We Put A Pearl In The Ground," "Paris Is Burning," "The Strangers," "The Party," "Smoking Section," and "The Bed" were performed live after long absences.
• Where else did St Vincent recently perform?
  She brought her All Born Screaming tour to the Glastonbury Festival 2025, playing The Woodsies Stage in June.
• Is there video footage available of the performance?
  Yes! Highlights including "Paris Is Burning" and "Smoking Section" with the orchestra are available on YouTube.

Relive your favorite moments from this unforgettable night or discover the magic firsthand by shopping for your favorite album cover poster at our store. These pieces capture the spirit and artistry of St Vincent’s journey perfectly. Explore the collection here.