London Delights
My London friends have taken it
upon themselves to see to it that I am constantly steeped in all things lovely
and European while I am here for my brief yearly visit: noone more so than
David, the most frequent commentator in this journal. On Tuesday he took me to
my favourite concert venue: The Wigmore Hall, for a stunning performance by
James Ehnes on violin and Andrew Armstrong on piano, performing music which was all composed during the first world war: the
programme included violin sonatas from Elgar, Debussy and
Respighi. But David doesn’t like it at
the Wigmore Hall for some reason- and also he tells me that these sorts of
concerts are old fashioned and have no
appeal for younger audiences! Oh, well , just shows how out of step I clearly am
with the youth of today…but David too had to admit that it was a spectacular
performance . Here is his review:
And then the next day followed
'The Audience,' a play by Peter Morgan about the Queen and her prime ministers and
their weekly meetings which is now also on Broadway with Helen Mirren as Queen.
In London the role of Queen is convincingly played by Kristin Scott Thomas, a
very good comedy actress. And comedy it was of the highest order- especially funny
the recent addition to the play which was written just a couple of weeks ago ,
after Cameron’s surprise election win.
And then there is Jeremiah, always
ready with a stream of lovely invites: last night his Twelve Star gallery
opening at the European Commission: www.facebook.com/12StarGallery
showing work by Albanian painter Bashkim Izano : here
with my friend Clare.
But tonight my thoughts will
return towards Mali: we are going to see Timbuktu, the film which is released
today in London cinemas. In the midst of
all the jolly times I am following with
concern what is happening in ‘my’ poor Mali… and as many times before, Bruce Whitehouse’s
blog has been able to present the current situation with
admirable clarity: http://bridgesfrombamako.com/2015/05/27/support-for-peace/
posted by toubab at 5:18 PM
2 Comments:
Yikes, who's the Michelin man up top? Photo taken by a very good-humoured fellow with one hand. Just to clarify: I DID like it at the Wigmore on Wednesday because the concert hadn't sold out, ridiculously, and so the audience was more of a mix than the core of wealthy chamber-music lovers of a certain age who get to the top concerts as they belong to the 'First Circle'.
I also said I don't think chamber concerts generally appeal to younger audiences, but there's no reason why certain festivals and artists shouldn't change that. This was exactly the sort of amazing programme which would - and did - get absolutely everyone excited.
I'll leave Sophie to report if she wants on Timbuktu the film, so understated, beautifully filmed and intensely human. Malians would be shocked to know it costs £15 to see a film.
You know, I've only met David "live" once, and I know you only in the blogosphere, yet I take such delight in seeing you both there (better even than seeing David in the company of Mike Leigh). Have a wonderful time in London--well, it seems, you already are!
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