That's ANAM for this year

Last night saw the final ANAM concert for the year (well, except for the End of a Deanasty concert tomorrow). The orchestra was in cracking form: the night started with a tight, exciting performance of Britten's Variations on a theme of Frank Bridge. I think it was the first time I've actually heard it in performance and it was a real treat. In the movement sending up Italian opera the violas and second violins looked so delighted to be playing their instruments quasi chitarra.

Then came a work by Paul Dean inspired by Malala Yousafsai, performed by Anthony Marwood on violin, with the orchestra minus violins. Interesting, but not my favorite.

The evening came to a splendid close with a joyful outing of Beethoven's seventh symphony. The Britten and Beethoven were performed with all players except cellos and double basses standing - even the bassoons and horns.

That was the end of an otherwise busy day: Peter and I did a walking shop in the morning as Bruce was visiting his cobbler elves for a new nose; then, after lunch at Dr Morse, it was back to the radio station where Kiera interviewed Elena K-C for Reflections followed by a brief interview with her and the flautist for Neil's Intermezzo.

Then back home with barely time to scratch myself before heading off to South Melbourne to meet the boys for a pre-concert dinner at the Indonesian restaurant in Dorcas St.