On Saturday we had an extra Gloriana rehearsal so I didn't get to do any shopping, but the rehearsal was well worth it. This concert is shaping up to be terrific - details are
here.
On Saturday evening, after a quick but delicious meal at P&B's, Tat and I went with them to the free Grainger concert at the Iwaki Auditorium at the ABC building on Sturt St. I had heard the publicity on the radio and rang the National Library (who was sponsoring it - a tie-in to the exhibition "Facing Percy Grainger") to book tickets.
The auditorium was deservedly full; the concert was a triumph. Stephen Grant's Ensemble 21 and a chamber ensemble conducted by Glenn Riddle performed a fascinating program of Grainger's works. The whole thing was introduced by Vincent Plush and Mairi Nicholson (in a very red dress) and produced some very memorable moments. In particular George Liakatos' performance of
Hard Hearted Barb'ra (H)ellen, one of the most amazing folk-song settings, was extraordinary.
Vincent Plush at one stage opined that "we should do this every year" - I whole-heartedly agree. More please.
On Sunday B&P came for dinner to catch up on Saturday's
Dr Who, which I had taped, before moving on to meatier stuff with the latest episode of
Bleak House.
