Got a cheap ticket to a classical concert last night - Orpheus Sinfonia Principals were playing in Grosvenor Chapel. I had ideas about driving.. but when I saw I'd have to pass through Hyde Park Corner, I saw the light! That junction is absolutely chaotic. Took public transport instead - mind you, it was going to involve at least one bus, and with a phone that died before I left the office, I had to scribble the details on a piece of paper. Hey, at least it happened while I still had access to a computer..
The cheapest way would've been to take two buses, which was also the longest. I should have been in time - and as I approached the bus stop, what did I see but the bus I wanted, stopped there! And then I was waiting to cross the road.. and by the time I got across, the bus was pulling away. Minutes earlier than advertised on Google Maps, too. So, train it was - to Victoria. And at Clapham Junction station, the trains to Victoria shown on the main departure board were due to leave before I could get to the platforms.. this was not going to be an easy journey.
There's also a helpful information board for which platforms to go to, in general, for the destination you want - Victoria-bound trains leave from Platforms 12 & 14, so I made my way up there and checked the platform departure boards at the foot of the stairs. Platform 14 had the next departure, in three minutes.. and thus I made it to Victoria.
Victoria is a complicated station. I needed Bus Stop H, made my way to the entrance I'm used to - no sign of it. Plus, roadworks all around the area make it impossible to get your bearings. Inside, I'd seen a sign pointing to the side for Bus Stop H, so I went back in and meandered over that way.. you know, as you look at it on Streetview, it's right in front of the grand old entrance. Unfortunately, the grand old entrance isn't actually open, and I continued my search, confused, until I found another exit. Blessedly, Stop H was just outside, to the right.
This stop serves loads of buses, and Google Maps had suggested two - the 2 or the 436. Naturally, the 436 was just pulling away as I arrived - but the LED indicator suggested a #2 would be along in about seven minutes, so I settled myself to wait. Until I noticed that it was only going as far as Hyde Park Corner.. so I examined the route map at the stop, and saw a host of buses that seemed to be headed to the Dorchester Hotel, which was the stop I needed. Including the #82, which was the next along - so I hopped on board.
It was no distance at all to my stop - but I was glad not to drive. The stop itself is right beside an underpass, which you take to cross Park Lane. On the other side, and just to the right, is Aldford Street - the chapel is visible just at the end of the street. And wasn't I jealous, walking down the street, to see all the free parking spaces..
They crossed my name off the list, and explained that programmes were available just inside, and a bar on each side. Lovely! I bought a program and headed to one of the bars, where I paid £4 for the littlest glass of wine I think I've ever had. Took it to a pew - which we were later informed we weren't to do, in case the historic pews were damaged. Hey-ho, too late by then - I was careful with it, though. The programmes, which weren't stapled, had to be explained to us.. "somehow", the page listing the running order had been printed on the inside back cover, after the potted biographies of the composers. Not that they stuck to the running order, mind..
Well, that was the last of my hardships - this was a lovely evening. The group consisted of the orchestra "principals", who had gathered for this concert. They made an unusually colourful bunch - although the men wore the standard black, the ladies splashed out, one in a navy dress, one a dark green, and one wearing scarlet, with a white, furry stole. The program started with Wagner's Siegfried Idyll - a piece apparently composed for his wife, who gave birth to their son, Siegfried, on Christmas Eve; the musicians played it while climbing the stairs to her chamber next morning. Ahh..
Britten's Sinfonietta, Opus 1 lent a more modern note - somewhat more discordant, but I do like Britten - it wasn't too jarring. After the interval, we finished with another lovely piece - Spohr's Nonet. And the programme description for the last movement was perfect - it does bounce along joyfully! A lovely, relaxing evening in the heart of Mayfair, sweet music soothing us as the light faded outside the windows of this gracious building. And after, I took the first bus that arrived at the stop at the Park Lane end of Aldford Street, running to the station - well, it was chilly out, and I fancied getting home early: for once, even made it in time to eat! (Not to blog, though.)
Tonight, I'm back with the World Music Meetup - another concert at Sands Film Studios. Great venue, diverse artists - this time, it's a Zambian performer called Namvula. Great, too, that it's so much handier to get there from where I am now! Again, I won't drive - my nerves aren't up to the two complicated junctions I'd have to navigate.
Tomorrow, my second film of the week is gonna be 10 Cloverfield Lane - in my local Cineworld, so already booked, 'coz that's cheaper. Sounds interesting - SciFi thriller, in which a woman wakes from a car crash to find herself in an underground bunker, with two men (one being John Goodman) who say they can't leave, because there's been some kind of apocalypse. Produced by JJ Abrams, so bound to be entertaining - and, of course, highly rated to come at the top of my film list. I booked the later showing, for the free car parking (after 7) - which is just as well, as it turns out I have to stay late in Guildford.
I can afford to be out a bit later than usual, since I'll be working from home on Friday - flying back to Ireland for a long weekend, actually: for cheaper flights, again. On Saturday, my mother and I are off to see the Three Tenors, at the University Concert Hall - she's a big fan. Not flying back until Monday - which is a bummer, because (forgetting my travel dates) I'd booked a ticket for the Crick Crack Club. And now it turns out the London European Club are going as well - so that'd have been a good night. Can't be helped - I'd never be back in time.
I am with the London European Club on Tuesday, though, for a talk on Theatre and Language: Samuel Beckett "Waiting for Godot". Taking place at the Museum of London, it's a talk about the play, rather than a performance of the play itself. But I love Beckett, so that should be interesting.
Showing posts with label Grosvenor Chapel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Grosvenor Chapel. Show all posts
Wednesday, 6 April 2016
Wednesday, 10 December 2014
Carol Concert (Smile)
I stayed in last night, exhausted - and broke - from the angst of trying to buy U2 tickets, and not keen on what was on offer. I'm booked up for the near future anyway.
I was a bit dubious about going to two carol services in successive weeks. What the hey, I decided to take the risk and book for Smile's Christmas Carol Concert. It was on in Grosvenor Chapel - somewhere I've never been - in Mayfair, a part of town I'm not overly familiar with.
Naturally, I consulted Google Maps, who told me to get the Tube to Hyde Park Corner - fair enough - and walk. The walking directions were complicated enough that I printed them out, with some Streetview scenes. And so I intrepidly set out and took the Tube to Hyde Park Corner. The District Line was very packed - someone remarked that it was because there was a match on at Stamford Bridge. Every door was stuffed with people, but I saw people disembarking from the second door - thus making space - and I got on there. In other news, I see they're stopping at Gloucester Road again these days.. the Piccadilly Line platforms there were closed for ages for maintenance.
Well, I disembarked at Hyde Park Corner, and the trouble began - as it always does here. There are five exits - four of which are marked - and while there are some direction signs, they're not always as comprehensive as you'd like. So, for instance, you are told that two of the exits are this way, and what you can find there - i.e. if you're heading to any of these places, this is the direction you should go in. Great - except they don't specify which exit for which attraction, and when you get to the end of the corridor, there are two exits in opposite directions and no way to tell which is which. There's also a mural about Waterloo, which I'd have liked to have read, but I didn't have time, fearing that I would spend the entire evening finding my way out of the station.
Knowing I had to make my way along Park Lane, I followed the signs for Park Lane. So I found myself above ground at last. Looking around, I determined that the best way to get where I estimated I needed to be.. was to take an underpass right ahead of me. So that's what I did.
Google Maps' directions at this point are somewhat bonkers, especially considering that it's almost impossible, at this junction, to tell which of several intersecting roads you're on. And I quote: "Head East on Knightsbridge." (Apart from not knowing which is Knightsbridge, how are you supposed to know which is East?) "Go 43 ft. Turn left towards S Carriage Drive." (I should point out here that the area is sorely lacking in street signs - you know, the ones that tell you what street you're on.) "Turn right onto S Carriage Drive." (?) "Turn left onto Park Lane."
Here's my suggestion. Stay underground and follow the signs for Park Lane (as best you can). Actually, this brings you out on the opposite side of the road to where you are with Google Maps, but that's where you want to be anyway.
Google Maps continues: "Slight right onto Stanhope Gate." (What's a "slight right"?) "Stanhope Gate turns slightly left and becomes Deanery Street." From this, and the accompanying maps, I gleaned - correctly, as it happened - that I should be looking for a Deanery Street, branching off to my right. I trekked up this road with the large buildings, convinced that I was headed in completely the wrong direction. Boy, was I glad when I came across a rental bike stand with accompanying map. I was absolutely astonished to discover that I was headed in exactly the right direction!
So I managed to identify Deanery Street, up along the side of the Dorchester - where the service entrances are. Despite the street sign not being visible from the road. And once I managed to dodge all the taxis that had business there, I was on track for my destination. Google Maps tells you to "Turn left onto S Audley Street. Turn right to stay on S Audley Street. Destination will be on the right." Ehh - well yes, turn left onto S Audley Street. I was then looking for a right turn somewhere, with the church on it - whereas all I had to do was follow the road and I suddenly saw it ahead. As I say, slightly bonkers directions.
This church, apparently, was used in Love, Actually. It's ages since I saw it and I can't remember that. But anyhoo. My ticket arrived in the post just two days ago, and I breathlessly handed it in as I entered. I was only just in time, and downstairs was pretty full; seeing people upstairs, I headed up that way myself. Pictures here.
Well, if there were a league table of carol services, this would come near the top. Firstly, it was candlelit - properly - so we all got our own individual candles, and the lights were dimmed. Secondly, the musical director rocks! He had a few different choirs, but they were all really talented, and the musical arrangements inventive. How about a hip-hop version of Ding Dong Merrily on High, for instance? There was a strong emphasis on audience participation, and a good mix of that and readings, and he really got us going for the Twelve Days of Christmas. I was more familiar with O Little Town of Bethlehem this time, and the readings were quite touching. Ahh - one of the readings was The Night Before Christmas. Brought a tear to the eye.
They showed a video of children they've helped - children with facial deformities. And at the end, they were quite canny in sending the smallies around with the collection buckets. How are you supposed to refuse them? All in all, this was terrifically organised. They have another, next Tuesday, at the church of St. Botolph Without Bishopsgate. Highly recommended - you couldn't find a better way to start Christmas!
Mince pies and mulled wine were on offer afterwards, but I don't like either, and made my way home. In the freezing cold. Coming back, the easiest thing to do was head back to the Dorchester and cross the main road there, skirting the park until I got to the entrance to Winter Wonderland, where I was on familiar ground. Had I come this way though on the outward journey, I'd have had to know to turn to the right of the Dorchester, which I didn't - so that wasn't an option.
Well, we have leaving drinks tomorrow, and Friday sees me hitting the Chocolate Festival with Helen. And so we roll into the weekend.. my last in London before Christmas!
I was a bit dubious about going to two carol services in successive weeks. What the hey, I decided to take the risk and book for Smile's Christmas Carol Concert. It was on in Grosvenor Chapel - somewhere I've never been - in Mayfair, a part of town I'm not overly familiar with.
Naturally, I consulted Google Maps, who told me to get the Tube to Hyde Park Corner - fair enough - and walk. The walking directions were complicated enough that I printed them out, with some Streetview scenes. And so I intrepidly set out and took the Tube to Hyde Park Corner. The District Line was very packed - someone remarked that it was because there was a match on at Stamford Bridge. Every door was stuffed with people, but I saw people disembarking from the second door - thus making space - and I got on there. In other news, I see they're stopping at Gloucester Road again these days.. the Piccadilly Line platforms there were closed for ages for maintenance.
Well, I disembarked at Hyde Park Corner, and the trouble began - as it always does here. There are five exits - four of which are marked - and while there are some direction signs, they're not always as comprehensive as you'd like. So, for instance, you are told that two of the exits are this way, and what you can find there - i.e. if you're heading to any of these places, this is the direction you should go in. Great - except they don't specify which exit for which attraction, and when you get to the end of the corridor, there are two exits in opposite directions and no way to tell which is which. There's also a mural about Waterloo, which I'd have liked to have read, but I didn't have time, fearing that I would spend the entire evening finding my way out of the station.
Knowing I had to make my way along Park Lane, I followed the signs for Park Lane. So I found myself above ground at last. Looking around, I determined that the best way to get where I estimated I needed to be.. was to take an underpass right ahead of me. So that's what I did.
Google Maps' directions at this point are somewhat bonkers, especially considering that it's almost impossible, at this junction, to tell which of several intersecting roads you're on. And I quote: "Head East on Knightsbridge." (Apart from not knowing which is Knightsbridge, how are you supposed to know which is East?) "Go 43 ft. Turn left towards S Carriage Drive." (I should point out here that the area is sorely lacking in street signs - you know, the ones that tell you what street you're on.) "Turn right onto S Carriage Drive." (?) "Turn left onto Park Lane."
Here's my suggestion. Stay underground and follow the signs for Park Lane (as best you can). Actually, this brings you out on the opposite side of the road to where you are with Google Maps, but that's where you want to be anyway.
Google Maps continues: "Slight right onto Stanhope Gate." (What's a "slight right"?) "Stanhope Gate turns slightly left and becomes Deanery Street." From this, and the accompanying maps, I gleaned - correctly, as it happened - that I should be looking for a Deanery Street, branching off to my right. I trekked up this road with the large buildings, convinced that I was headed in completely the wrong direction. Boy, was I glad when I came across a rental bike stand with accompanying map. I was absolutely astonished to discover that I was headed in exactly the right direction!
So I managed to identify Deanery Street, up along the side of the Dorchester - where the service entrances are. Despite the street sign not being visible from the road. And once I managed to dodge all the taxis that had business there, I was on track for my destination. Google Maps tells you to "Turn left onto S Audley Street. Turn right to stay on S Audley Street. Destination will be on the right." Ehh - well yes, turn left onto S Audley Street. I was then looking for a right turn somewhere, with the church on it - whereas all I had to do was follow the road and I suddenly saw it ahead. As I say, slightly bonkers directions.
This church, apparently, was used in Love, Actually. It's ages since I saw it and I can't remember that. But anyhoo. My ticket arrived in the post just two days ago, and I breathlessly handed it in as I entered. I was only just in time, and downstairs was pretty full; seeing people upstairs, I headed up that way myself. Pictures here.
Well, if there were a league table of carol services, this would come near the top. Firstly, it was candlelit - properly - so we all got our own individual candles, and the lights were dimmed. Secondly, the musical director rocks! He had a few different choirs, but they were all really talented, and the musical arrangements inventive. How about a hip-hop version of Ding Dong Merrily on High, for instance? There was a strong emphasis on audience participation, and a good mix of that and readings, and he really got us going for the Twelve Days of Christmas. I was more familiar with O Little Town of Bethlehem this time, and the readings were quite touching. Ahh - one of the readings was The Night Before Christmas. Brought a tear to the eye.
They showed a video of children they've helped - children with facial deformities. And at the end, they were quite canny in sending the smallies around with the collection buckets. How are you supposed to refuse them? All in all, this was terrifically organised. They have another, next Tuesday, at the church of St. Botolph Without Bishopsgate. Highly recommended - you couldn't find a better way to start Christmas!
Mince pies and mulled wine were on offer afterwards, but I don't like either, and made my way home. In the freezing cold. Coming back, the easiest thing to do was head back to the Dorchester and cross the main road there, skirting the park until I got to the entrance to Winter Wonderland, where I was on familiar ground. Had I come this way though on the outward journey, I'd have had to know to turn to the right of the Dorchester, which I didn't - so that wasn't an option.
Well, we have leaving drinks tomorrow, and Friday sees me hitting the Chocolate Festival with Helen. And so we roll into the weekend.. my last in London before Christmas!
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