[LJ2ME] The Secret Diary of Stephen Hough
Dear Diary, second week and second concert in Singapore. I really must be more discerning about my repertoire and programme choices and commitments. Artistic development is one thing but if it doesn't even speak to me, much less the audience. I should just stick to the staples. The reception would be more forthcoming and warm. Just imagine them lapping up my Brahms or Rachmaninoff. Or if only the SSO hadn't promised the Tchaikovsky 1 to Yundi Li. That left me with the 2 and 3 and the Concert Fantasy, which for all the fireworks, left the audience unmoved and me with a bitter taste in my mouth for the rote playing Consolation then that conductor Zhang Xian was replaced by Kryzstof Urbanski. My word, isn't he cute! Then again, not quite my cup of tea and I've already got Sweetie back home and have feasted my eyes on the local boys in their vests and shorts out on the streets. But imagine if I looked like that! I can imagine the appeal and reception. But Kryzstof is a charmer, and I had to fight to maintain my composure and professionalism when his smile beamed out from his oh-so-pretty face. Poor thing. He sure had some dissenting faces if not voices in the orchestra. I don't think they took to him well, considering the cool and cordial treatment. Perhaps they weren't quite ready to accord him the respect he has to earn, for all the shortcomings of his youth and inexperience. He did lead a neat and tidy Peer Gynt and Firebird if I may say so. What he lacked in presence he made up for with effort and enthusiasm. OK, enough for now. If you'd excuse me, I'm going to pop over to his room and test the waters. Maybe invite him out and show him Ann Siang...