Denmark.

It has been years since I'd been to Gatwick and now I remember why

Interesting ideas here but Said was such a snob about Italian opera: “(at the Met) there is more applause for a typically over-stuffed and under-directed production of a bad Verdi and worse Puccini work than there is understanding of what an appallingly vulgar mess it all is…”

A new career highlight is that I've now become a free drink token

I will never get tired of this.
youtu.be/rvPIjzp9NPc?si…

The regime in Iran have just sentenced توماج صالحی🌋 to death. For this kind of message. Could be the tipping point. #IranRevoIution

Happy belated to William Shakespeare, whose works are more widely known amongst my cousins educated in Iran versus those in the Anglo-American sphere because 🤷‍♂️

Have been listening to recordings of the magnificent Gillian Weir and, well, here's your reminder that she was playing new works by Olivier Messiaen when she in her *early 20s.*

this is the second Edouard Louis novel I’ve read — having seen all the massive hype — and I guess my basic conclusion is that he’s…fine? Basically he’s a token “not from the Rive Gauche and not moneyed” figure for the French literary class but well, Flaubert he ain’t.

Happy St. George's Day!

As we watch Columbia university students desecrate the American flag today, never forget how Iranian students treated her when the Islamic regime encouraged them to do the same.

So many happy memories of time over 35 years with Sir Andrew Davis. His laughter was infectious, his music making natural and inspiring, his commitment to new and British music unwavering. So many reasons to mourn his loss but celebrate the joy and privilege of having known him.

RIP Andrew Davis, the versatile and much-loved conductor who died yesterday in Chicago at the age of 80 and who held important posts with ⁦Glyndebourne⁩, Lyric Opera of Chicago, BBC Symphony Orchestra & Chorus, Toronto Symphony⁩ &⁩ ⁦Melbourne Symphony Orchestra⁩.
(Pic: Todd Rosenberg)

Looking after my mental health online: Schama and Dalrymple both muted.

Sir Andrew Davis has gone to that great concert hall in the sky. Here is a reminder of when there were giants amongst us:
youtu.be/mRjrJSq7evM?si…