Summer Term at RNCM

My apologies for being 'missing in action' for the past 8 months. I'll provide a proper update in few weeks time; but first a snap- shot of the past couple of weeks. As part of my course, I was involved in a performance of Michael Tippett's oratorio 'A Child of Our Time'. It is a beautifully moving piece; Tippett's response to the Kristallnacht Pogrom against the Jews in 1938. I know my dad would have loved it - the history, singing and spirituals - hopefully I'll be involved with another performance so he is able to catch it.

It was my first and, most likely, last performance with RNCM symphony orchestra. I had a lot of fun leading and working with new people. Nice to see a couple of reviews, too. A few days later came a performance I've been preparing for quite some time:

With a busy schedule and Mayah studying in The Hague and Sicily, it has been quite tricky to fit in rehearsals for Brahms' Concerto for Violin and Cello. So we have been rehearsing intensively for days at a time in Wiltshire, London and Manchester. It's been fun spending time together and re-kindling our partnership. We work really well together; encouraging each other to think and re-evaluate. Brahms' Double Concerto is such a fun piece to perform - we had a blast! -and I really enjoyed working with old friends at WCO. A huge thanks to WCO for their hospitality and for inviting us perform; and a big thank you to every one who came and supported us - it is much appreciated.