I had quite a busy day on Thursday - but at least working from home meant I had a decent chance of making it. Still, it was after 6 when I left home for the concert at 7: so the fastest route was needed - train, then Victoria Line to Green Park. I didn't get a seat on the Victoria Line, and couldn't stand on my sore leg (blame Guildford again, I do) - but it was only a few stops anyway. Exited for Piccadilly South Side and hung a right - along the way, there were fireworks, just behind the buildings - turns out they were turning on the Christmas lights on Regent Street that night.
Made it in time - there was Jessie behind the ticket desk, and of course she had my ticket. I bought a programme - we hadn't been told what they'd be performing for the Christmas concert section - and made my way in.
The concert was in two halves - the first half was the world premiere of the "Snowman Rhapsody". Remember the song "Walking in the Air"? The full-length, instrumental version of that, performed as a piano solo by the talented young Julian Trevelyan. And the composer, Howard Blake, was there to introduce him, and the piece, and explain the origin of this new version. With 29 different movements, I was glad I had a programme to keep track - although it was impossible to follow precisely where we were. Until, of course, Walking in the Air was played.
And my goodness, it brought a tear to the eye. This was the first Christmassy thing I'd done this year, and the first time I'd felt that Christmassy feeling. I love Christmas, but things have been so horrible this year - as usual, blame Guildford. I do. Anyway, this was overall such a beautiful piece that I very nearly burst into applause - which wouldn't have been appropriate between movements. Ah well.
The second half saw four singers appear - Alison Langer, Lawrence Thackeray, Nicola Said, Jacob Bettinelli. Ozlem Celik was on the clarinet, and the multi-talented Julian gave up the piano for the violin - he started the set in the gallery, and had to make a mad dash downstairs later, where he frantically scrabbled to set up his music stand. Bless.
Anyway, we were treated to many of the Christmas standards - and wow, when both sopranos sang in harmony, it was spectacular. Aptly, they finished with Walking in the Air - with lyrics. Afterwards, we hung around for a bit to collect as many as possible, then Jessie led us down the road to Le Meridien, where we plonked ourselves in the corner of the downstairs bar. Lovely space, sophisticated and understated. I was just going to the bar to order a drink when I realised that Jessie was buying wine for us all - and nibbles! Again, a most generous host. We spent a late night there, the crowd growing to include Ozlem and Jacob, as well as Keith Beresford, who played the piano for the second half - the others passed. And good conversation was had - a perfect end to what was an unusually good day, for my birthday. Thanks, all!
Yesterday was too hectic to blog, and now I'm back to Ireland for the weekend; my God, there were such crowds in the airports, it'd positively put you off Christmas. Unusually, at the moment - we don't have anything scheduled for this weekend, which gives me a nice break. On Monday, I'm off with London Dramatic Arts to Trafalgar Studios, to see the Pulitzer-prize-winning Buried Child, with Ed Harris. Pity it clashes with the Crick Crack Club that night - I'd already booked this, but would rather have gone with them..
On Tuesday, London Dramatic Arts are off to Hampstead Theatre to see The Intelligent Homosexual's Guide to Capitalism and Socialism with a Key to the Scriptures, with Tamsin Grieg, which was rescheduled. And so am I - independently, just as I was supposed to for the original date. Better avoid them, as they're trying to flog the last couple of tickets.. This is the theatre I had to sneak out the back of, last time - which makes it interesting. Assuming I get there in time - it's on at 7, and I bloody well have to be in Guildford again. I suspect I'll be staying in.
On Wednesday, I'm signed up with the London European Club for a talk at the Frontline Club about London's Dirty Money. Again, if I can make it on time from Guildford.
And on Thursday, I'm back with Crick Crack, in the Arthouse Crouch End (what a good job it's a Work from Home day) for one I missed before - Little Red Riding Hood & Other Lost Girls, as told by Nell Phoenix. And yes, I do have the confirmation email for this one, unlike the one I thought I'd booked for last Sunday!
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