Min Kym, the virtuoso violinist whose 1696 Stradivarius was stolen from Euston Station, launched our 25th season at a special event held at The Henrietta Barnett School on 26 March.

She delighted guests by performing a programme including works by Massenet, Dvorak and Bach. She also talked about her new memoir “Gone”, due to be published in April, which recounts the story of the loss of her precious violin.

Susie Gregson, Proms Chief Executive, said “We were thrilled to have Min Kym launch our Silver Jubilee, and it’s fitting that she is both a musician and an author, given that our festival focuses on concerts and literary events.”

The launch was also attended by: local MP, Mike Freer; Councillor David Longstaff, The Mayor of Barnet; and representatives of Toynbee Hall and the North London Hospice, the two charities to which Proms donates its surplus each year.

“I’ve attended Proms for the last three years and each time they have been nothing short of wonderful” said the Mayor. “It’s fantastic that Proms has donated over £800,000 to good causes since it started and I wish it well for the next 25 years!”