Our salute to a trailblazer
BBC Music Magazine Personality of the Year
Jamie Barton
It was a demonstrative gesture that her admirers say was quintessential Jamie Barton. As the Last Night of the Proms inched towards its finale in September 2019, the American mezzo-soprano reached behind the conductor’s rostrum and produced a large LGBT pride flag, waving it while leading the customary singalong rendition of Rule, Britannia!
That wasn’t all. Earlier in the programme Barton sang Judy Garland’s signature song ‘Over The Rainbow’ while sporting a gown in the colours of bisexual pride, a recognition of her own identity, which she first revealed publicly in 2014. It was also a tribute to the Stonewall Inn, a New York City gay rights landmark that recently marked its 50th anniversary.
With its freewheeling air and quirky British traditions,
