BBC Symphony Orchestra at the Barbican

On the evening of Wednesday 26th March 2014 I attended the BBC Symphony Orchestra concert at the Barbican in the City of London. This performance featured Conductor Sakari Oramo and Violinist Leila Josefowicz. The programme consisted of Pohjola's Daughter - Sibelius, Violin Concerto - Esa-Pekka Salonen and Symphony No. 5 - Shostakovich.

Esa-Pekka Salonen’s 2009 award-winning Violin Concerto ‘Out of Nowhere’ is a portrait of the phenomenal soloist Leila Josefowicz, who gave this UK premiere. Praised at its LA Philharmonic premiere for its ‘pure, euphoric poetry’, it’s a work which lends itself to Josefowicz’s visceral intensity. This was a fantastic performance from Leila Josefowicz.

In its pulsing central movements, we may find echoes of Sibelius’s driving repetitions in his dark re-telling of Pojhola’s Daughter, in which the daughter of the north, astride a rainbow, mocks the love-lorn Väinämöinen. This concert ended with one of Shostakovich’s most popular symphonies, No 5: its heroic classicism may have affected the composer’s political rehabilitation, but its essential defiance came blazing through. I had another amazing night at the Barbican full of amazing Classical Music.

Van Gogh's The Sunflowers at The National Gallery

On the afternoon of Wednesday 26th March 2014 I visited The Sunflowers Exhibition at The National Gallery in London. Visitors were given the chance to compare and contrast these much-loved masterpieces side by side, while also exploring new research about the artist’s working practices.

The paintings, one owned by the National Gallery, the other by the Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam (Vincent van Gogh Foundation) are two of the five versions of 'Sunflowers' that are now spread around the world (the others currently residing in Tokyo, Munich and Philadelphia). The series dates from 1888, when Van Gogh left Paris to paint in the brilliant sunshine of the South of France, inviting Paul Gauguin to join him. Waiting for Gauguin to arrive, Van Gogh painted a series of pictures of sunflowers to decorate his friend's bedroom. They were meant as a sign of friendship and welcome, but also of Vincent's allegiance to Gauguin as his artistic leader. The pair worked together throughout autumn 1888 – but it ended very badly at the close of the year when Van Gogh seemed to have a nervous breakdown, famously cut off part of his ear and entered an asylum.

The display will also included the results of recent scientific research into the two paintings carried out by both institutions. These investigations have revealed new insights into how Van Gogh painted his 'Sunflowers' and what materials he used – giving us a deeper understanding of the making and meaning of these works of art, and of their relationship to each other. It's always a wonderful experience to visit The National Gallery and seeing The Sunflowers side by side made this a special visit.

The Nutcracker at the London Coliseum

On Friday 20th December 2013 I attended the English National Ballet's matinee performance of Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker at the London Coliseum. We took a journey back in time to a frost-covered, gas-lit London and joined Clara, her Nutcracker doll and the magician Drosselmeyer in this traditional, festive tale.

This production of The Nutcracker was based on a concept by Toer van Schayk and Wayne Eagling. There were fantastic performances from Elena Glurdjidze as Clara and Fabian Reimair as the Nutcracker. Gavin Sutherland conducted The Orchestra of English National Ballet.

On an enchanted Christmas Eve, under the heavy boughs of the candlelit tree Clara battled with the Mouse King and fell in love with a handsome stranger. As the air grew colder and snowflakes began to fall, Clara and her valiant Nutcracker took a hot air balloon ride across the frost-dusted London skyline to the glistening Land of Snow where her adventure really began.

In a world of Edwardian elegance, The Nutcracker brought to life the eternally popular Tchaikovsky score featuring the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy and the Waltz of the Flowers. This classical production is a magical, memorable and unmissable Christmas treat. This was the third year in a row that I have seen this production at the London Coliseum and it is always a wonderful experience and performance.

Don Quixote at The Royal Opera House

On Saturday 5th October 2013 I attended The Royal Ballet's matinee performance of Don Quixote at The Royal Opera House. I caught a early train from Norwich to London eagerly looking forward to this fantastic event.

Carlos Acosta presented his first work for The Royal Ballet, a dance adaptation of the classic novel by Miguel de Cervantes. Acosta has already established himself as an exciting choreographic talent with Tocororo – A Cuban Tale, a semi-autobiographical work that draws on his childhood in Cuba and broke box office records at Sadler’s Wells Theatre in 2003.

The adventures of the bumbling knight Don Quixote and his ever-faithful squire Sancho Panza have been the inspiration for countless ballets, of which one of the most well-loved is the version by 19th-century Russian choreographer Marius Petipa. Acosta has danced the virtuoso role of Basilio many times, and now brings his unique and vibrant vision to the story, drawing on Petipa and with music by Ludwig Minkus, full of Spanish flair and atmosphere. Don Quixote, with its famously bravura Act III pas de deux and its infectious joie de vivre makes for a wonderfully entertaining experience.

There were fantastic performances from William Tuckett as Don Quixote, Roberta Marquez as Kitri, Alexander Campbell as Basilio and Laura Morera as Mercedes as The Royal Ballet brought this colourful Spanish novel to the stage. Don Quixote was a ballet full of emotions and amazing dancing. The costumes were sensational as this new production of this exuberant tale of friendship, love and loyalty gave us an afternoon to remember.

The Warsaw Philharmonic Orchestra at the BBC Proms

On the evening of Friday 23rd August 2013 I attended Prom 55 of the BBC Proms at the Royal Albert Hall in London featuring the Warsaw Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Antoni Wit and pianist Alexander Melnikov. This was the Proms debut of the Warsaw Philharmonic under Antoni Wit in his final concert as the orchestra's Artistic Director.

The programme consisted of Concerto for Orchestra - Lutoslawski, Piano Concerto No. 2 in F major - Shostakovich, Tragic Overture - Panufnik, Lullaby - Panufnik and Symphony No. 6 in B minor - Shostakovich. These are landmark pieces by two of Poland's 20th-century greats along with a pair of works by Shostakovich.

Lutoslawski began the Concerto for Orchestra in 1950 as a request from the conductor Witold Rowicki for a new work for the Warsaw Philharmonic Orchestra. The piece combines Polish folk styles with more modern compositional procedures. Rowicki directed the premiere in Warsaw on 26th November 1954.

Shostakovich's Piano Concerto No. 2 was composed in 1956-7 for his teenage son Maxim who premiered the work in Moscow on 10th May 1957. This was immediately before Shostakovich began work on his 11th Symphony and can be seen as a light hearted relaxation before that massive undertaking.

Tragic Overture was composed by Panufnik in 1942 and was a brutal, overtly violent piece which was a non-verbal protest against the occupying forces. Panufnik composed Lullaby in London in 1947 and is a rare combination of beauty and innovation.

Shostakovich's Symphony No. 6 was composed in 1939 and first performed in Leningrad on 21st November 1939 by the Leningrad Philharmonic Orchestra under Yevgeny Mravinsky. Shostakovich said that the musical character of the Sixth Symphony was different from the mood and emotional tone of the Fifth Symphony, in which moments of tragedy and tension were characteristic. In the Sixth Symphony he wanted to convey the moods of spring, joy and youth.

This was a wonderful evening at the Royal Albert Hall as the Warsaw Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Antoni Wit gave us a brilliant performance of some very emotional pieces of music from Eastern Europe. There were some very dark sounds which set the mood for the performance. This was the perfect way for Antoni Wit to finish his twelve years as the Orchestra's Artistic Director.

Vermeer and Music

On the afternoon of Friday 23rd August 2013 I visited the Vermeer and Music: The Art of Love and Leisure Exhibition at The National Gallery in London which featured the Academy of Ancient Music as Resident Ensemble. This exhibition explored the musical pastimes of the 17th-century Netherlands combining the art of Vermeer and his contemporaries with rare musical instruments, songbooks and live music.

For the first time the National Gallery’s two paintings by Vermeer, A Young Woman standing at a Virginal and A Young Woman seated at a Virginal were brought together with Vermeer’s Guitar Player. There were technical explanations of the paintings along with a recital from the Academy of Ancient Music. It was fantastic to hear the music from the period being played live being surrounded by these amazing paintings. In the 17th-century music was in the moment but with paintings like the Guitar Player the music can live forever.

BBCSO and Lisa Batiashvili at the BBC Proms

On the evening of Wednesday 21st August 2013 I attended Prom 52 of the BBC Proms at the Royal Albert Hall in London which featured the BBC Symphony Orchestra conducted by Sakari Oramo and violinist Lisa Batiashvili. The BBC Symphony Orchestra were making their second appearance with its new Chief Conductor Sakari Oramo.

There was a geographically wide ranging programme consisting of Cave of Luminous Mind - Param Vir, Violin Concerto in D minor - Sibelius, Celtic Symphony - Bantock and Enigma Variations - Elgar.

This was the world premiere of the BBC commission Cave of Luminous Mind by Param Vir, who turned to Tibetan Buddhism for inspiration and specifically to the remarkable life of the 11th century sage Milarepa. This was the composer's musical response to Milarepa's meditational journey towards enlightenment. The piece was dedicated to the late Jonathan Harvey.

Sibelius composed his Violin Concerto in 1903 with a revised version being published in 1905. Sibelius began his musical career with high hopes of becoming a concert violinist. When destiny forged another path for him, then he expressed his relationship with his instrument through this, his only concerto, a work that combines intense virtuosity with profound depths of expression.

Bantock's Celtic Symphony is his homage to the Hebrides, an area he greatly loved. This piece was composed in 1940 for string orchestra and harps. The world of Celtic myth and legend was one of the several locales that appealed to Bantock for musical inspiration.

The first performance of Elgar's Enigma Variations took place in 1899. It was Elgar's most ambitious orchestra works to date and helped establish him as a composer of international importance. Elgar turned to his friends for inspiration for his Enigma Variations offering personal yet sharply etched characterisations in the work that made his name.

This was a fantastic evening at the Royal Albert Hall with the BBC Symphony Orchestra conducted by Sakari Oramo providing us with a wonderful and interesting programme of music. The Georgian violinist Lisa Batiashvili performed an outstanding Sibelius Violin Concerto which is a piece that she has made an acclaimed recording with Sakari Oramo. There was a brilliant atmosphere which made this a special night at the BBC Proms.

BBC National Orchestra of Wales at the BBC Proms

On the evening of Wednesday 24th July 2013 I attended Prom 16 of the BBC Proms at the Royal Albert Hall in London. This performance from the BBC National Orchestra of Wales conducted by Jac van Steen with cellist Raphael Wallfisch was a programme of music from three British composers and the first in this season's Tchaikovsky symphony cycle.

The programme consisted of Falstaff - Elgar, Sapphic Poem - Bantock, Henry V - Touch her soft lips and part; Death of Falstaff - Walton and Symphony No. 4 in F minor - Tchaikovsky.

Elgar's Falstaff was premiered in 1913 which the composer called a symphonic study because it was a portrait not just of Falstaff, but of Shakespeare and all human life. Falstaff is a character from Henry IV Parts 1 and 2 who was a thoroughly bad, if sometimes lovable influence on the future Henry V, who disowns his ancient friend when he succeeds to the throne.

The Sapphic Poem was composed by Bantock in 1906. The version for cello and orchestra was published in 1909. It is closely associated with Bantock's Sappho, a vocal cycle setting fragments from the 7th century BC poetess of Lesbos, in translations by Bantock's wife Helena. This was the Proms premiere of the Sapphic Poem.

Touch her soft lips and part and The Death of Falstaff are from the 1944 film Henry V, for which William Walton composed the music in close collaboration with the film's director and star Laurence Olivier. Touch her soft lips and part is a romantic piece where Pistol bids farewell to his new wife before setting off for France. The Death of Falstaff is a series of variations founded on the Elizabethan drinking song Watkyn's Ale from the Fitzwilliam Virginal Book.

Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 4 was written between 1877 and 1878 and was considered by the composer as a reflection of his emotional strife. Tchaikovsky referred to the symphony's opening fanfare as fate, the force of destiny. During the composition of the Fourth Symphony Tchaikovsky started to benefit from the regular allowance sent to him by the wealthy, eccentric widow Nadezhda von Meck. The Fourth Symphony is dedicated to her.

The BBC National Orchestra of Wales conducted by Jac van Steen performed a wonderful programme of music with the highlight being Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 4.  Raphael Wallfisch who celebrates his 60th birthday this year gave an intimate performance of Bantock's Sapphic Poem. There was also an encore of Bantock's Hamabdil. This was a fantastic Prom at the Royal Albert Hall which I greatly enjoyed.

Viva Verdi at the BBC Proms

On the evening of Saturday 20th July 2013 I attended the BBC Proms at the Royal Albert Hall in London. Prom 12 featured the Orchestra and Chorus of the Academy of Santa Cecilia, Rome conducted by Sir Antonio Pappano and soprano Maria Agresta. Viva Verdi! was an all Verdi programme in his bicentenary year.

The programme consisted of String Quartet (version for string orchestra) - Verdi arr. C Hermann, Ave Maria (1880) - Verdi, Requiem - Libera me (original version) - Verdi and Four Sacred Pieces - Verdi.

Verdi's String Quartet was written in the spring of 1873 during a production of Aida in Naples. It is the only surviving chamber music work in Verdi's catalogue. The Orchestra performed the Carl Hermann arrangement for a string orchestra.

Ave Maria was composed by Verdi in 1880 for a benefit concert at La Scala, Milan. The Ave Maria for soprano and strings uses the Italian text attributed to Dante, rather than the Latin words of the Catholic liturgy. When Rossini died in 1868, Verdi suggested that a number of Italian composers should collaborate on a Requiem in Rossini's honour, and began the effort by submitting the conclusion, Libera me. The complete Messa per Rossini remained unheard until its performance and recording in Stuttgart in 1988.

Verdi’s Four Sacred Pieces were premiered as three Sacred Pieces in 1898 in Paris. Verdi dropped the Ave Maria from the performance. The Ave Maria was performed as part of the set later that year in Vienna. The Four Sacred Pieces are Verdi looking toward the afterlife through the sacred texts of the Catholic Church.

It was fantastic to be back at the BBC Proms at the Royal Albert Hall. The Orchestra of the Academy of Santa Cecilia and Sir Antonio Pappano performed a wonderful bicentenary celebration of Verdi with whose music they are particularly closely associated. Maria Agresta sang beautiful versions of The Ave Maria and Libera Me. The highlight of the evening was the performance of the Four Sacred Pieces which was full of dramatic music.

Tosca at the Royal Opera House

On Saturday 20th July 2013 I attended the matinee performance of Puccini's Tosca at the Royal Opera House. Jonathan Kent’s production of Tosca performed by The Royal Opera is full of drama, passion and fabulous music. There was a great atmosphere at the Royal Opera House on this beautiful Summer's afternoon in London's Covent Garden.

Tosca is an opera in three acts by Giacomo Puccini to an Italian libretto by Luigi Illica and Giuseppe Giacosa. It premiered at the Teatro Costanzi in Rome on 14 January 1900. The work, based on Victorien Sardou's 1887 French-language dramatic play, La Tosca, is a melodramatic piece set in Rome in June 1800, with the Kingdom of Naples's control of Rome threatened by Napoleon's invasion of Italy. It contains depictions of torture, murder and suicide, yet also includes some of Puccini's best-known lyrical arias, and has inspired memorable performances from many of opera's leading singers.

Tosca tells the story of the love between the famous opera singer Floria Tosca and the painter and political activist Mario Cavaradossi. Cavaradossi sends the political escapee and former Roman Consul-General, Cesare Angelotti, to hide down the well in his garden. The evil Baron Scarpia is determined to have Tosca for himself, and invites her to supper in order to discover the whereabouts of Angelotti. He orders the torture of Cavaradossi in her earshot. Unable to bear his screams of pain, Tosca willingly gives up the information – but not before she has persuaded Scarpia to allow her and her lover to escape from Rome.

He insists that to satisfy the authorities, Cavaradossi must undergo a mock execution, and arranges this with one of his henchmen, Spoletta. He then provides Tosca with a note of safe-conduct for her and her lover. As Scarpia attempts to ravish Tosca, she stabs him. Before his body is discovered, she rushes to the prison in the Castel Sant'Angelo to tell Cavaradossi that he has to face the firing squad, that the muskets will contain blanks, and he will have to act his death. But Scarpia has tricked Tosca - the bullets are real. As Cavaradossi lies dead and Scarpia's henchmen approach, Tosca is left with no alternative and takes her own life.

There were brilliant performances from Martina Serafin as Floria Tosca, Aleksandrs Antonenko as Mario Cavaradossi and Scott Hendricks as Baron Scarpia as well as amazing music from The Orchestra of The Royal Opera House conducted by Daniel Oren. This was an emotional afternoon at the Royal Opera House which was greatly enjoyed by an enthusiastic audience. Tosca is one of the great Operas and the Royal Opera House is the perfect venue to experience Puccini's masterpiece.

The Perfect American at The London Coliseum

On the evening of Thursday 27th June 2013 I attended the English National Opera's performance of Philip Glass's The Perfect American at the London Coliseum. I enjoy my visits to this amazing venue with it's relaxed atmosphere and the English National Opera's productions always seem unique and interesting.

Based on Peter Stephan Jungk’s novel and written by Philip Glass, one of the world’s most important composers, The Perfect American imagines the final months of Walt Disney’s life, including mythical imaginings of Abraham Lincoln and Andy Warhol. This latest opera from Glass, his 24th, was commissioned by ENO and Teatro Real Madrid to mark his 75th birthday.

The sounds of Minimalism and the world of Walt Disney made for a surreal night at the London Coliseum as we discovered Disney’s delusions of immortality and got a glimpse into his private life. There were fantastic performances from Christopher Purves as Walt Disney and Janis Kelly in the role of Disney’s studio nurse and confidante.

This was a very enjoyable night at the London Coliseum as Philip Glass's The Perfect American made for a fascinating and entertaining Opera which included a brilliant score. The Opera ends with Dantine, an animator who worked on the classic Disney films, meeting the undertaker at the funeral home. He is told that Walt Disney has not been frozen but rather his body has been cremated. In the distance the chorus echoes Disney’s dreams of a magical world of everlasting happiness.

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time at the Apollo Theatre

On Thursday 27th June 2013 I caught the Norwich to London National Express Coach at Norwich Bus Station. My first event of the day was The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time at the Apollo Theatre in London's West End. The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time picked up a record equalling seven Laurence Olivier Awards included Best Actor for Luke Treadaway’s portrayal of Christopher.

Adapted from Mark Haddon’s 2003 best-selling book, playwright Simon Stephens transfers all the mystery of the novel to the stage. The play follows a 15 year-old maths genius who tries to unravel the mystery of his neighbour’s murdered dog, that was found speared by a garden fork. Against his father’s orders, and in spite of his own personal limitations, Christopher sets out on a quest to discover the real truth behind the murder. Unfortunately the teen unearths more than he bargained for and eventually the secrets of his own life unravel before his very eyes. The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time is both a murder mystery and a tale of personal discovery for somebody on the edges of society.

The stage was full of squares and numbers which to me represented the complex and logical nature of Christopher's brain. He is a mathematical genius who always tells the truth whatever the circumstances. From his investigations concerning the murdered dog he learns a lot about how adults tell lies and some shocking truths about his family. He finds out his Mother is still alive and makes a epic journey from Swindon to London with his pet rat, Toby.

I really enjoyed the fast and furious nature of the action on stage which included flash backs and how we as the audience were able to get to understand Christopher's behaviour. Everyday things appeared to be difficult for him but A Level Maths with it's logical solutions were suited to his way of thinking. This was a wonderful and very enjoyable afternoon at the Apollo Theatre which showed how the theatre can portray different ideas and visualise them. The stage design seemed very 21st Century and made for the perfect setting for The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time and Christopher's adventure.

Sunken Garden at the Barbican

On the evening of Saturday 13th April 2013 I attended the English National Opera's performance of Sunken Garden at the Barbican in the City of London. This film-opera with libretto by bestselling author David Mitchell and score by Dutch composer Michel van der Aa combined music, text and visual images including one of opera's first uses of 3D film.

This occult mystery opera's world premiere featured Roderick Williams, Katherine Manley, Claron McFadden, Jonathan McGovern and Kate Miller-Heidke. The ENO Orchestra were conducted by Andre de Ridder. The characters Toby Kramer, Zenna Briggs and Iris Marinus appeared on stage while Simon Vines and Amber Jacquemain were on film. Put on the 3D glasses when entering the door under the flyover.

This film-opera follows a missing person and those who are searching for him. A parachutist falls to earth. Toby Kramer, a wannabe video-artist, is visited by one Zenna Briggs in his basement flat and wishes to see Toby's work in progress. This multi-layered production explores hoax and dark truth, while we ponder the connection of the disappearance of a software engineer with a neurotic film-maker and a gullible patroness of the arts.

The Sunken Garden is an occult engine built by Zenna in the dusk between life and death. The garden converts the visitors' souls and memories into immortality for its creator. In time nothing is left of the visitors but undying moths. Iris Marinus manages to use her dying voltage to stun her enemy, Zenna. At the last possible moment Toby exits the garden via the vertical pond but with one serious catch, he is now a man trapped inside Zenna's body.

Sunken Garden is an opera full of interesting ideas and innovations. This is a production for the 21st Century which uses a combination of live theatre with visual technology making this a truly contemporary piece. From my seat in the Barbican Theatre I was taken into many different dimensions and I really enjoyed how the live cast interacted with the filmed performances.

Simon Vines is dressed in parachuting gear, and Sadaqat and Mrs Wales wave him onto a light aircraft. Up it climbs. Out he jumps. Look at it, this... massive, unfair, beautiful, cruel, miraculous... World-Machine. Look at it. And you think, I'm part of this, too. This production asks questions about the future direction of opera. I found it very stimulating and enjoyable.

Jersey Boys at Prince Edward Theatre

On Saturday 13th April 2013 I made another trip to London. During the afternoon I attended the matinee performance of Jersey Boys at Prince Edward Theatre in the West End. This internationally acclaimed hit musical, tells the remarkable rise to stardom of one of the most successful bands in pop history.

It tells how four New Jersey boys from the wrong side of the tracks invented their own unique sound, were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and sold 100 million records worldwide. With spectacular performances of all their hits, Jersey Boys is the electrifying true life story of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons; the mob, the heartaches, the triumphs and the music.

It was an afternoon that delivered all of the Four Seasons hits including Beggin', Can't Take My Eyes Off You, Oh What A Night, Walk Like A Man, Bye Bye Baby (Baby Goodbye), Sherry and Big Girls Don't Cry. This musical takes the music of the group and combines it with their story. This makes for a gritty and interesting show and on top of that you get all of the songs. Oh what a night. Late December back in '63. What a very special time for me. As I remember, what a night.

The Los Angeles Philharmonic and Dudamel at The Barbican

I was back in London on Sunday 17th March 2013 and after a visit to The Museum of London in the afternoon I attended the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra's concert at The Barbican in the City of London. This was always going to be a thrilling night at The Barbican with the Los Angeles Philharmonic's Musical Director Gustavo Dudamel conducting a wonderful programme of music.

The story of Gustavo Dudamel and his remarkable journey from childhood in the El Sistema programme in Venezuela to Music Director of the Los Angeles is well known. On this special night at The Barbican the programme consisted of Zipangu - Vivier, La mer - Debussy and The Firebird (Complete) - Stravinsky.

The Canadian composer Claude Vivier was murdered in his Paris apartment in 1983. His legacy consists of some 49 works in a wide range of genres, including opera, orchestral works and chamber pieces. Zipangu was the name given to Japan at the time of Marco Polo. Composed in 1980 this piece was commissioned by the University of Toronto. Vivier wrote inthe note he provided for the score. 'Within the frame of a single melody I explore in this work different aspects of colour. I tried to “blur” my harmonic structure through different bowing techniques. A colourful sound is obtained by applying exaggerated bow pressure on the strings as opposed to pure harmonics when returning to normal technique. A melody becomes a colour (chords), grows lighter and slowly returns as though purified and solitary.'

Claude Debussy's La mer is a unique mix of tone-poem and symphony, a three-movement impression of the ocean. Composed between 1903 and 1905, La mer is a masterpiece of suggestion and subtlety in its rich depiction of the ocean, which combines unusual orchestration with daring impressionistic harmonies. The work has proven very influential, and its use of sensuous tonal colours and its orchestration methods have influenced many later film scores.

The Firebird is a ballet and orchestral concert work by the Russian composer Igor Stravinsky. It was written for the 1910 Paris season of Sergei Diaghilev's Ballets Russes company, with choreography by Michel Fokine. The ballet is based on Russian folk tales of the magical glowing bird of the same name that is both a blessing and a curse to its captor. The ballet was first performed on 25 June 1910 with spectacular results.

It was a brilliant experience to see the Los Angeles Philharmonic and Gustavo Dudamel live in concert at The Barbican. A World class orchestra at a world class venue being conducted by the most exciting conductor in the world. Vivier's Zipangu was a journey through sound played by thirteen string players. Debussy's La mer took us on a voyage across the ocean which was full of wonderful colours. The concert finished with Stravinsky's The Firebird flying around Barbican Hall like a magical bird. This performance was truly delightful from the Los Angeles Philharmonic and Gustavo Dudamel.

Les Misérables at The Queen's Theatre

I saw the movie, now it was time to see the musical live on stage. On Thursday 14th March 2013 I travelled to London to see Les Misérables at The Queen's Theatre in London's West End. Seen by more than 65 million people in 42 countries and in 22 languages around the globe, it is still breaking box-office records everywhere in its 28th year.

Set against the backdrop of 19th-century France, Les Misérables tells an enthralling story of broken dreams and unrequited love, passion, sacrifice and redemption – a timeless testament to the survival of the human spirit. Ex-convict Jean Valjean is hunted for decades by the ruthless policeman Javert after he breaks parole. When Valjean agrees to care for factory worker Fantine’s young daughter, Cosette, their lives change forever. Featuring the songs I Dreamed A Dream, Bring Him Home, One Day More and On My Own. Les Misérables is the show of shows and is now a major motion picture.

The musical by Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schonberg is based on the novel by Victor Hugo. It was first performed at The Barbican Theatre in 1985. Produced by Cameron Mackintosh, Les Misérables exams the nature of law and grace, the story elaborates upon the history of France, the architecture and urban design of Paris, politics, moral philosophy, antimonarchism, justice, religion, and the types and nature of romantic and familial love.

It was a wonderful evening at a packed Queen's Theatre as I dreamed a dream. I loved the movie and I now love the stage version. At the end of the day this was a night I will never forget. They are Les Misérables, the outcasts, the underdogs.

Medea at the London Coliseum

On the evening of Wednesday 20th February 2013 I attended the English National Opera's performance of Marc-Antoine Charpentier's Medea at the London Coliseum. This continues ENO's pioneering exploration of French baroque operatic masterpieces with this being the first ever UK/London staging of Charpentier's dramatic full scale opera.

The exemplary cast included internationally acclaimed British mezzo-soprano Sarah Connolly in the title role, US tenor Jeffrey Francis making his ENO debut as Jason, internationally acclaimed bass Brindley Sherratt returning to ENO to sing the role of Creon and exceptional baritone Roderick Williams as Orontes. David McVicar directed this reworking of Medea which updates the opera to the close of the Second World War. The Opera is set in a baroque palace which is being used as a war room and meeting place for allied officers.

Banished, betrayed, besieged on all sides, the barbarian sorceress Medea exacts a terrible vengeance upon her faithless lover and all those he holds most dear. David McVicar reworked one of the most disturbing of all the Greek myths, that of a mother who murders her own children. Charpentier’s thrillingly orchestrated score boasts a harmonic daring and psychological complexity unparallelled in its day.

This was an amazing evening to be at the London Coliseum as Sarah Connolly put on a wonderful performance as Medea on a brilliant but scary night on St. Martin's Lane. The musical theatre choreography with prancing sailors and chorus girls made for some light relief and laughter during the Opera. I always enjoy my visits to the London Coliseum as it is very interesting to see how the ENO are going to rework the Opera's they perform. This was a great success for the ENO and made this a night to remember for me at the Opera in London.

St. Martin-in-the Fields Choral Evensong

On Wednesday 20th February 2013 I was in Central London to attend an Opera at the London Coliseum in the evening. After an visit to The National Gallery during the afternoon I attended the Choral Evensong at St. Martin-in-the-Fields.

St. Martin-in-the-Fields is a landmark church in the heart of London. It is a hospitable, vibrant and forward thinking community with worship at its heart. Located on the northeast corner of Trafalgar Square, St. Martin-in-the-Fields is steeped in beautiful Georgian architecture which has been imitated across the world.

It was a wonderful experience to visit such a splendid building as well as attending the Choral Evensong which featured the Choral Scholars of St. Martin-in-the-Fields. From London's first free lending library to the first religious broadcast, St. Martin's has broken new ground in defining what it means to be a church.

Kiss Me Kate at The Old Vic

On the evening of Saturday 19th January 2013 I made my way from London's West End across the River Thames to Waterloo Station and then onto The Old Vic Theatre for the evening performance of the dazzling multi award-winning classic Broadway musical Kiss Me, Kate. This glittering new production, directed by Trevor Nunn, starred Christopher Dickins, David Burt, Adam Garcia, Clive Rowe and Hannah Waddingham. The Chichester Festival Theatre's 2012 revival of the show transferred to the Old Vic Theatre in November 2012, with an official opening in December. The show has received positive reviews from critics and audiences.

Kiss Me, Kate is a musical with music and lyrics by Cole Porter. The story involves the production of a musical version of William Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew and the conflict on and off-stage between Fred Graham, the show's director, producer, and star, and his leading lady, his ex-wife Lilli Vanessi. A secondary romance concerns Lois Lane, the actress playing Bianca, and her gambler boyfriend, Bill, who runs afoul with some gangsters.

Kiss Me, Kate is full of wonderful songs throughout the show. The songs in Act I are "Another Op'nin', Another Show" – Hattie and Company, "Why Can't You Behave?" – Lois Lane and Bill Calhoun, "Wunderbar" – Fred Graham and Lilli Vanessi, "So in Love" – Lilli Vanessi, "We Open in Venice" – Fred Graham, Lilli Vanessi, Lois Lane and Bill Calhoun, "Tom, Dick or Harry" – Bianca, Lucentio, Gremio and Hortensio, "I've Come to Wive it Wealthily in Padua" – Fred Graham and The Men, "I Hate Men" – Lilli Vanessi, "Were Thine That Special Face" – Fred Graham, "We Sing of Love (Cantiamo D'Amore)" – Lois Lane, Bill Calhoun and Ensemble and "Kiss Me, Kate" – Fred Graham, Lili Vanessi and Ensemble.

In Act II the songs are Too Darn Hot" – Paul and Ensemble, "Where is the Life That Late I Led?" – Fred Graham, "Always True to You in My Fashion" – Lois Lane, "From This Moment On" – Harrison Howell and Lilli Vanessi, "Bianca" – Bill Calhoun and Company, "So in Love" (Reprise) – Fred Graham, "Brush Up Your Shakespeare" – First Gangster and Second Gangster, "I Am Ashamed That Women Are So Simple" – Lilli Vanessi and "Kiss Me, Kate" (Reprise = Finale) – Company.

The Old Vic was established in 1818 as the Royal Coburg Theatre, it was taken over by Emma Cons in 1880 when it was known formally as the Royal Victoria Hall. In 1898, a niece of Cons, Lilian Baylis assumed management and began a series of Shakespeare productions in 1914. The building was damaged in 1940 during air raids and it became a Grade II listed building in 1951 after it reopened.

It was also the name of a repertory company that was based at the theatre. The company formed the core of the National Theatre of Great Britain on its formation in 1963, under Laurence Olivier. The National Theatre remained at the Old Vic until new premises were constructed on the South Bank, opening in 1976. It underwent complete refurbishment in 1985. In 2003 Kevin Spacey was appointed as new artistic director of the Old Vic Theatre Company which received considerable media attention.

It was an amazing experience to visit The Old Vic and attend such a wonderful show as Kiss Me, Kate. This Theatre is full of history and such a beautiful building and was the perfect place to enjoy such a brilliant musical. There was a capacity audience on the night who were entertained for three hours with a splendid  performance from all the cast which included lots of laughs on the way. I really enjoyed all the great songs which made this truly a night to remember.

Viva Forever! at the Piccadilly Theatre

On Saturday 19th January 2013 I caught the National Express coach to London for a journey through the snow for a day in the West End. My first show of the day was the matinee performance of Viva Forever! at the Piccadilly Theatre which is wowing audiences with its clever mix of classic Spice Girls hits combined with Jennifer Saunders' irresistibly funny story.

Bringing some much needed spice to the West End, the show charts the journey of a girl and the people around her she loves, as she's propelled into the superficial world of Starmaker a TV talent show that offers the fame and fortune she thinks she craves. But life in the spotlight isn't everything it's cracked up to be, for the contestants, their families or even those who have the deciding votes.

This wonderful musical includes the hit songs Stop, Say You'll Be There, 2 Become 1 and many more Spice Girls classics which ensured that Viva Forever!hit all the high notes for a fabulous time in the West End. The Piccadilly Theatre was the place to spice up your life as this exhilarating new musical that celebrates love, friendship and just being who you really, really wanna be made this a fun afternoon for a capacity audience.