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From my friend who got lost and never arrived:
Saturday, I couldn't find the church. Nobody could help. I got off (the bus) after Ealing Common and looked every where. I was absolutly furious. I did not have my mobile with me because it was broken. I asked everywhere: newsagents, passerby, etc...So what I did, I came back walking to Ealing Broadway, passed the cinema, so I decided to see a movie. I saw the new Harry Potter. Very boring dispite all the fuss. I prefer the first one. Anyway, I calmed down. Conclusion of the story: never go to a new concert without having a leaflet or a clear address written down. Probably I missed a very nice evening. You will tell me about it.
Bon Journal
West London Sinfonia
I cycled in the pouring rain to St Martin's Church near Ealing Common in London. The church, like most churches in England, is huge, amidst a quiet residential area. Several people were meeting me there, and I didn't want to be late. Early by 30 minutes I arrived, soaking wet.
I arrived with the orchestral players, who were dressed in their best black and white.
Most concerts begin with an overture or a short piece, to allow latecomers to come in before the "real concert" begins. The overture Le Corsaire (The Pirate) by Hector Berlioz (1803 - 1869) opens the sea theme of this concert.
The attraction of this concert is undoubtedly Debussy's La Mer. This not a piece of distinct melodies, but one of impressions. When I closed my eyes, I could hear the sea. Having grown up by the sea, I knew how moody and unpredictable it can be. There's a certain freedom about the piece, just like the sea which knows no bounds.
During the interval, I spoke to my three guests. What did they think so far? It's such a treat to come to an orchestral concert in such a homey setting. The orchestra was huge, and for that reason, all the more extraordinary that we were here to witness the making of great music.
After the interval, the conductor, a charismatic fellow Philip Hesketh, told us the story of his Swedish discovery. Alfven is a Swedish composer whose music was a breath of fresh air. He saw the skerries as a metaphor for the passions and dramas of human love. I enjoyed this piece the most, for it was a new discovery and a pleasant one too.
The final piece was the Pineapple Poll Suite in eight movements, very much the prelude to the winter holiday season. I felt like clapping and stomping my feet.
More about West London Sinfonia, visit their web site.
