The organist librarian

Tuesday to the Horniman where Liz took Ciarán to see the Amazon adventure and aquarium. He liked the animals section and the bees which he remembered. I enjoyed the music section and the Art of Harmony exhibition. We had a very nice lunch outside and loved the chimes in the garden and the water fountain. Had ice creams. What a view on a lovely day! I was pleased to see that there are now lines across the glass doors where Ciarán ran into one. The Prom talk was about Britten's setting of text. I asked a question about Pears and Britten's religious beliefs which was well answered but it did not make the broadcast. Pears was the dominant one I think. Britten veered between conscientious objection to declaring himself a Christian in the 60s. The prom featured Ian Bostridge singing Les illuminations, Tippett and Elgar 2 instead of Sibelius 2. It was LSO and Daniel Harding's tribute to Sir Colin Davis. The Elgar was very fine. 

Meeting Cardinal Tauran! Thanks to Marcin Mazur for a great photo! Watched a lovely programme about the late great Sir Colin Davis R.I.P. This blog has not yet paid tribute to the late Marie-Claire Alain -  a wonderful organist! Her Westminster cathedral recitals were very special.

Got to hall early and went to pre-Prom talk about the programme for families and kids can bring instruments. Clarinet next to me was doing really well! Tuba, violin and flute from the youth orchestra played - excellent. Sir Colin Davis conducted Symphony by Stravinsky, Susan Graham sang Ravel Sherezade and Tchai 4 - all with scores. Brilliant playing and singing! Stayed on for the late night prom with Marc-Andre Hamelin playing Liszt - astonishing technique. Had score for Venezia e Napoli. Left at 11 home at 12 - tired! Seems Liz has lost her phone - spoke to her on Skype. Thursday to South London interfaith lunch. Catriona did an excellent resume about the riots which led to an interesting discussion. Nice eats including watermelon I took. Home and out again to be at talk about Handel. Glyndebourne Handel Rinaldo - stunning singing and playing. Alfredo had a score printed from the interent so I bought programme and we followed. He left after second act and gave me the score! He is fro...

Saturday was quiet. Doris had a go because I had swopped with Calix. This pattern of only one senior on will happen more now Calix has resigned. To Vespers (not many clergy there) and Mass. Deacon Peter was there. American priest appealed for African missions. He told of a prayer service for rain in Kansas - many came but only one lady brought an umbrella! Ricky was thurifer for the first time and did very well. oliver played Bach Prelude in C minor at the end. Sunday Liz went to help Bruce with kitchen at Bow and she was cantor at 5.30 p.m. mass for new Catholics with the cardinal. She ended up in the Cardinal pub! At Coulsdon we sang Tallis's If ye love me and Nicholson in G. I practised and went to Oaks Wood. It was raining so sat in car - lovely pink blossom out. St George's Day service went well. I played Vaughan Williams, Parry and Elgar. Home to hear evensong from Bristol - Howells in B minor, Elgar Light out of darkness from "The Light of Life" Elgar sonata fi...

I have been enjoying picnic lunches in Battersea Park. I have a favourite bench near the tropical garden where people sun themselves and one can enjoy the flowers and greet people. I saw my Buddhist friend today - she was away for the Nagasaki day ceremony. Saturday Louise rang to say Grandma had gone back into Mayday hospital with diverticulitis. They had bought her outfit for the wedding today. I served at mass and added her name (Violet George) to the prayer list.I reached the hospital just as she went up to the ward after 4 hours in casualty. It is only a week since she came home from there. In the ward is Mary Joyce who used to go to Addiscombe! Her fridge broke down last night and Liz has been painting the garage doors in the fine weather and clearing up at home. The Prom tonight was on TV so I recorded it. Colin Davis conducting the European Youth orchestra in Brahms 3 and Sibelius 5 - very fine. A good programme on British cinema followed but I dropped off!