The organist librarian

Lie-in and no swim - still coughing and cold. Long chat to Ann. To art and worked on badge and lilies. To talk on saxophones with Tim McAllister who was soloist in the John Adams which was very disappointing. However Marin Alsop was given honorary membership of the Royal Philharmonic society and conducted Mahler 1 as in the score (had full score). Liz to Acton and I came home and watched part of the prom again. The Borusan Istanbul philharmonic conductor is great - he uses his cuffs! 

Took Ciaran to swimming crash course. He was reluctant to move from play to lesson but chocolate muffin offer did the trick and he did well. Windows fixed - looks great. Prom was the Borusan Istanbul philharmonic who were stunning - strings, percussion and winds all outstanding. The talk showed the state of music in Turkey with government removing subsidies and the great educational tradition under threat. Why no Turkish composers, conductors or soloists in the prom? Balakirev, Holst (Beni Mora), Mozart, Handel and Respighi - an unusual programme but the Turkish encore was the highlight. Gabriel Prokofiev violin concerto lots of crashing - poor Daniel Hope! We stayed for two of the Rameau motets conducted by William Christie but found the soprano hard and singing too loudly. Reuben was singing. Also tired and got back to Acton on bus and train quickly so worth leaving early.