A lady can learn a lot in three years...

Dear audience of web version suitable for the 22nd century

On reviewing my blogs over the last three years, I decided to repost a blog post I published over three years ago when I first had the luck of meeting Yevgeny at Margaret Court in Tiddington. Margaret Court is named after Auntie Margaret who is the wife of Uncle Bob. Uncle Bob is a true gentleman and when I once aided his political campaign to lead the Lib Dems out of their plight in the local area, he only did it because he wanted to make a difference, and not to fuel ambition. I myself would never be a good poltician as Nick Clegg's wife might believe as law and politics do not mix very well. Peaceful co-existence is not the phrase that comes to mind! Rather a battle of wills.

However, in a war of attrition, I think I would beat the best of them - my favourite British policy is "wait-and-see" which has stood the test of time. Those who do not learn the lessons of history are doomed to repeat them as my wise history teacher, Mrs Willis once remarked. She also said something about the great mass of filthy unwashed, which had me in hysterics, as it sounded much like London on a very hot day!

Anyway I am rambling now and repost my thoughts to you below.

This one's for you Yevgeny!

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During a lovely weekend stay back in Stratford-upon-Avon at Lu headquarters, Uncle Bob and Auntie Margaret invited us to be their guests at a piano recital of the young and rather promising Russian pianist, Yevgeny Sudbin. Already hailed as one of the most talented musicians of the 21st century, my expectations were high. And I was not disapppointed.

Everyone loves Chopin. And particular Sudbin's interpretations of the mazurkas and ballades. His technique is rather impeccable and his manner is vibrant and energetic, though under a degree of considerable control. It was unfortunate that it appeared as though the piano did not meet with Sudbin's standards, remarking politely later at tea that the piano "had once been very good". Note to the Civic Hall that perhaps they might consider an upgrade...

I am a bit of a groupie, so while I was waiting for him to unwrap my CD before signing it, we had a little chat about this and that. He doesn't like Alitalia, flew with BA recently from Holland but was unaffected by the strikes, enjoys yoga and would like to find more time for the gym, but can't and generally seems like a very amiable chap. When I asked him to write "practice makes perfect" in my CD, he said in a bemused fashion "Well it doesn't always".

Sudbin appeared a little tired while we bantered. In the middle of a world tour, off to the states next, this 30-year-old wonder seemed weary, though not wary. He indulged me in my funny questions and attempts at banter, and actually I think he did rather well.

You can catch Sudbin at the Queen Elizabeth Hall on 25 March playing the same programme as heard in Stratford upon Avon, or at the Royal Festival Hall on 15 April when he performs Shostakovich's second piano concerto with the Philarmonia Orchestra.

Tune in next time for more cultural chit-chat. Until the next time...