Concert: Conductors' Podium
Back in London, two nights of music beckon. Tonight, I was at a Conductors' Podium student classical concert at the Royal College of Music. Tube, as usual out there - and I actually headed out a little early, since whatever else I might have been doing would have made me late. I was amazed to see actual space on the Jubilee Line.. has half the city left for Christmas already?! I didn't get a seat, but I could actually move.. and I got a seat on the District Line after one stop. Of course, the main problem with getting the Tube to this venue - or anything nearby - is that it doesn't actually go there! The number of times I've raced through the subterranean tunnel that runs from South Kensington station to get to Exhibition Road, panted up the stairs, and still had to make my way up the hill for another five minutes..
Gorgeous view of the Albert Hall from right outside, right? Anyway, in I went - it's years since I was last here, but happily, the concert hall is right at the end of the lobby, clearly visible. And wouldn't you know it, they were just closing the doors.. I quickly ascertained which door I wanted and dashed over, whereupon she let me in with a smile, giving me a free programme as I hurried in.
Just as well I wasn't late, because I was in the front row.. someone was in my seat, but the next one over was free:
Three composers, three pieces, three conductors. The musicians were the same throughout, and it was lovely to see some bright colours for a change - I have nothing against black (was, in fact, wearing it myself), but they did stand out.
We opened with Elgar.. a beautiful, lyrical piece. And as this was patently a demonstration of the skills of the conductors, I kept an eye on them - the conductor of this piece, Yi-Chuan Chen, was the most physical of them all, throwing whole arm movements into his actions, swaying to the music. I don't know whether that's valued as a conducting skill, but it certainly looked beautiful, and as though he felt the music.
Not that I'm saying the others didn't - I suppose they did get to choose their pieces. Next up we had Sam Scheer, with some dramatic Stravinsky - and we finished with an Italian, Giuseppe Stillitano, who conducted a piece by Rota. I'd actually never heard of this composer - the programme notes explain, however, that he was mostly known for his film music: and this piece certainly fits that description.
Anyway, three quite different pieces, different styles - but it was a lovely evening. It's a while since I attended a classical concert, and it was exactly what I needed to unwind. Highly recommended, if you find yourself in the area - these student concerts are a terrific resource.
Finding somewhere to eat afterwards was a bit taxing, especially in the un-forecast rain - I eventually decided, with a couple of Indian restaurants nearby, that I'd plump for one of them. A lot of places were actually full.. but not Memories of India, where I ended up. I was shown to a table at the back, which was peremptorily set up for me - all the accoutrements were added, just not set in place! As I waited to order, I noted the extraordinary emphasis on.. stamps.. in the decor:
I had samosas to start - spicy, and nice! Not seeing my favourite - butter chicken - I chickened out of ordering a spicy main, and went for chicken korma. I should probably have risked a little spice.. With it, I had mushroom rice, out of curiosity - not bad at all: and a lovely, soft peshwari naan. Glad to see they have a wine list - not all Indian restaurants do - even though most are only available by the bottle. Unfortunately, I found the pinot grigio a bit insipid. But you know, order the right thing, and you can have a lovely meal here! Service was nice and quick, too.
On the way home, I discovered I was now closer to Gloucester Road, so got the Tube back from there - en route, passing an interesting church:
and the best-decorated business in the area! Another Indian restaurant - this one is the Light of India:
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