Concert: Lucky Charm

This evening, back - at last - with London Baroque Music Lovers. We're attending a concert called Lucky Charm, by Ensemble Les Ombres with Fiona McGown, at the Cine Lumiere, of all places! Hmm, I wondered where that'd be - hardly in the cinema!

I was at work again - had to have my mid-probation meeting. Went OK, not fired yet! Beforehand, mind, I was no sooner in the office than the fire alarm went off - half an hour before the daily test, so we figured it was for real! Now, we were only outside for about 10 minutes - at least I had my coat on my chair and could wear it outside; pity the girl whose coat was at the other side of the office, so she couldn't get it, and she was freezing! I mean, the weather is milder in general, but there was a damn cold breeze all day. Anyway, our assembly point is outside a church - and lo, I spotted the most interesting plaque as we were stood there! 

As the coatless lady remarked - now, that's a worthwhile plaque!

Anyway, albeit I had to go to the office twice this week, it is at least closer to where I needed to be this evening - so I managed to get the bus. Arrived early - I didn't need to eat, there was talk of us having something afterwards, and I know the restaurant there is good. We were meeting in reception - I had a good read of the paper provided at reception by the time people showed up! Five of us met initially - we headed upstairs when it was close to time. Turns out -yes, it is upstairs, but no, not in the cinema. It's in the Salle, across the landing.. and before you get in, you pass through quite an impressive library:

Gosh, all the times I've been here, and I never knew about this.. well, the Salle is a smallish room just off of it. And the Ensemble - all two of them - assembled on stage, while the singer surprised us by starting at the back of the room and working her way forward! I love it when they do that. The concert only lasted for about an hour - and, funnily enough, didn't follow the program! although they did play some pieces from it (not in order, mind). But oh, it was lovely.. I'm not exaggerating when I say that this was the best classical concert I've been to in I don't know how long! Several different musical styles too, what with The Sally Gardens (Benjamin Britten), Scottish airs, Purcell.. and a more modern piece as encore, the cello acting as a guitar! Absolutely beautiful, the whole thing.. I thought it sounded good, when I saw it advertised, and I was right.

We repaired after to the restaurant - which, we were warned, was busy, but we were prepared to wait. And while we did - and while a couple of us ate - good conversation was had: about music, about travel.. I do love outings with this group, hope it's not so long before the next. Had to get the Tube back, mind..

Tomorrow, I'm back to Ireland for the weekend. Saturday's film is - finally - Bob Marley: One Love, whose trailer I liked, and of which I've also heard good things. Handiest convenient showing time is in the Odeon Limerick, so I'm off there - nice n cheap too.

Sunday is Mother's Day, so I'm flying back a day later, taking Monday as holiday. (Still have to get a card..) If she lets me go to the cinema that day, the choice is Imaginary - in the same cinema. We shall see.. It is her day, after all!

On Tuesday, back with CT at the Americana! This time, it's a jazz night.. which I should get more of an experience of than that magic show.. and this time, I'll know to starve myself beforehand!

On Wednesday, another of those multi-Meetup socials.. I've signed up with The London Movie Club, and we're off to the BFI Riverfront Balcony Bar again! Excellent venue.

And next Thursday, back again with Up in the Cheap Seats - this time, for Casserole, at the Arcola.