Concert: Handel's Music for the Royal Fireworks

Tonight, back with London Baroque Music Lovers, who were attending a concert of Handel's Music for the Royal Fireworks, by the Academy of Ancient Music, at the Barbican. Both of these booked when I was in transit, and trying to figure out time zones.. We were to meet in the Barbican Kitchen, but I like the Cote Barbican for food, so booked there for beforehand.

A miserable day, weather-wise - I had a cold wait for the bus. But hey, it was fine once it came - I got a seat after a bit, and didn't have to wait too long for the next. They were quick, too, and I made the restaurant with 10 minutes to spare. Found out afterwards she'd cancelled my booking - presumably when I arrived early. Haven't seen that before - interesting..

I didn't fancy a full starter - had a sudden yen for bread, so I ordered a baguette. Which arrived warm.. yum.. For main, my usual steak frites, which I ate with relish, and had finished within half an hour of arriving. Nice n quick, here. I don't usually bother with dessert - but I was early, and I'd seen praline profiteroles advertised.. so those were had. They're an Autumn Special, it seems. Well, they weren't quite what I expected - the praline sauce actually arrived in a little jug - it was really thick, which is fine, except it was hard to pour. And there wasn't enough of it. Could have done without all the nuts scattered all over the plate, too. Never mind.. Overall, it was a lovely meal, staring out at the rain and people scurrying by, as I was nice n cosy inside! Thought I recognised someone at a nearby table..

I was a little late joining the others. The kitchen is easy enough to spot, with a prominent sign on the door - our organiser had given some directions about where she was sitting, so I headed in that direction, and we found each other without too much strife. Some new people tonight - and a couple of U2 fans, it seems, who were more than happy to indulge me in my favourite obsession. :-) The U2 subsection of the Baroque Music Lovers..? Ah yes, try as you might, you can't escape the phenomenon that is U2. Certainly not with me around.

Inside, I was to find that Row D was actually the front row, which hadn't been indicated on the seating plan!

Yes, it really makes a difference to the music. Firstly, I was dead centre - which gave me a balanced sound - but also, I was so close, it was easy, as the chap beside me remarked, to hear the different instruments. I noticed this most pointedly when the horns came on, after a while.. and was also in a great position to listen to the singer (right at her feet, in fact). Couldn't fault her, I must say!

Now, I always love a bit of Handel - and the whole concert was lovely. However, I am a fan of the dramatic. So I was particularly happy with the fireworks music! It's also worth noting that this is the Academy of Ancient Music - with ancient instruments.. the contrabassoon, mostly hidden from my view behind the harpischord, got special mention. Oh, and for an encore, we got a special performance of Let the Bright Seraphim.. BTW, at the interval, that lady I'd thought I recognised caught up with me - sure enough, I know her - from Up in the Cheap Seats! Small city, eh..

Afterwards, we repaired to the upstairs bar, which stays open till 10.40 or so. And where the nice barmen will bring your drink to your table.. A lovely evening, with one of the friendlier groups. Looking forward to joining them again, hopefully before too long. We stayed late enough that I had to ring my mother on the way home, between buses..

Tomorrow, I'm joining the London Horror Film Club for their Hallowe'en Social, at The Angel, St. Giles High Street. This is a group I've been a member of for a while, but whose events I've never yet attended - I think I know one of the organisers, though. Well anyway, how bad can it be, talking horror? Can probably grab a bite to eat there, too.

On Friday, I'm flying back to Ireland - it's my mother's birthday on Tuesday, so I said I'd stay in Ireland until next Wednesday. Looking at films for Saturday, I see Killers of the Flower Moon is out - the trailer looks excellent for this film, starring Leonardo diCaprio in the true story of the persecution of an Indian tribe in the 1920s - they have become rich from the oil on their land. Robert de Niro plays his uncle, the bad guy, seemingly assisted by Brendan Fraser, John Lithgow is the prosecutor. Directed by Martin Scorsese, how can you lose?! Showing at a manageable time in the Omniplex..

For Sunday, it's looking like The Creator, another from the Star Wars universe. I wouldn't mind.. only afternoon showing is in Ennis.

On Monday, my mother is likely to drag me off to get flu vaccines. Tuesday is her birthday, so we'll see - if I escape to the cinema, it's going to be The Miracle Club. Starring Maggie Smith, Laura Linney, Kathy Bates, Stephen Rea as Kathy Bates' husband, and the voice of Brenda Fricker (!), this seems set in the Ireland of the 60s, and focuses on a group of women who want to go to Lourdes: a big deal, back in the day. Looks a bit naff, but could be all right.. Also in the Omniplex. Anyway, back to London next Wednesday.

On the 26th, back at the cinema - this time, the Prince Charles, with the Hideout: Horror Sci-Fi Club London. We're seeing Tales from the Crypt - Demon Knight. Stars Billy Zane, William Sadler, and Jada Pinkett Smith - how could I resist such a fun way to kick off the Hallowe'en season?! Drinks and socialising at Clubhouse 5, as usual.

On the 27th, scariness of a different sort, as I finally get back to the Crick Crack Club! Ben Haggarty is telling the tale of Mr. Sandmann, at Rich Mix.. It's been too long: but they're doing a lot more stuff outside of London, these days.

And on the 28th, trying to organise another get-together of my ex-coworkers. Back in the happy days when I had coworkers I could see in person.. So yes, back to herding cats again..