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10 conductors having the time of their lives at the 2017 Proms

One of the best parts of attending a Prom in person or is the opportunity to tune into the energy and enthusiasm of the performers.

And of all the hundreds of musicians who appear at the ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Proms each year, orchestral conductors are among the most rewarding to watch. With a range of expansive arm gestures, exaggerated facial expressions and even the occasional dance move, they steer ensembles through the endlessly varied emotions of a piece in a way that’s breathtaking to behold.

It also looks like a lot of fun. Here are 10 images from 2017’s Proms that suggest that conductors really do have the best job in the world.

1. Transformative: Nicholas Collon conducts the Aurora Orchestra’s performance of

ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½/Sarah Jeynes

2. Throwing down the gauntlet: Sir Andrew Davis conducts the ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Symphony Orchestra in

ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½/Chris Christodoulou

3. Ode to Joy: Xian Zhang conducts

ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½/Chris Christodoulou

4. Baroque ‘n’ roll: William Christie conducts the Choir and Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment in

ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½/Chris Christodoulou

5. Showing the youth how it’s done: Thomas Adès conducts the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain in

ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½/Chris Christodoulou

6. Bringing the house down: Francois-Xavier Roth leads Les Siècles in at

ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½/Mark Allan

7. Expecto patronum! Sakari Oramo conducts a magical performance of

ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½/Chris Christodoulou

8. Da-da-da-dum! Mirga Gražinytė-Tyla leads the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra in

ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½/Chris Christodoulou

9. A whole new world: Sir Mark Elder conducts the Hallé Orchestra in

ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½/Chris Christodoulou

10. Lightbulb moment: Kevin John Edusei leads

ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½/Mark Allan