Yes, I wish you could have been there too. It was a remarkable occasion, even for Oxford where we're spoiled rotten for lovely music.
I am impressed by the Japanese community here gently keeping the need for continued giving in the public eye. The pictures of disorientated people crowded into temporary shelters, and all the destruction and debris remaining to be cleared, have gone from our new coverage in the main.
I know you would have gone anyway, but having proceeds go to the Japanese Red Cross is even better. Did you know Sherlock Holmes in canon had a Strad? ;D
The organizer is a Japanese lady who lives locally (is active on the music scene). She saw that the quartet was on tour and had the courage to ask if they would consider doing a night for charity in Oxford. Commendably, they and their agent said "yes" to everything and did all that they could to ensure that there were no costs to be taken out of the ticket sales.
It's a long time since I read any Conan Doyle (though I used to catch a fine radio dramatization in the car occasionally) so, if I ever knew about the Strad, I've forgotten! Lucky man to play one though.
I'm sure the programme is long enough for the players! They chose to play a Haydn quartet (quite light-hearted), Szymanowski (wonderful to hear the relatively early instruments giving such relatively modern colour!) and Schumann. As an encore, they played a short movement (scherzo or menuet) from another Haydn quartet.
Happily, I had a fine pew as I'd gone for the most expensive band of tickets - actually you can hear very well in most of that church (has an upstairs gallery too) but, when it's for charity, you might as well give the max that you can afford.
Yes, I am very lucky - Oxford is a magnet for many fine performers. And I think Haydn was here himself at some point - we gave him any honorary doctorate and seem to have acquired an "Oxford" symphony in exchange!
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So wonderful that all the proceeds are able to go directly to relief.
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I am impressed by the Japanese community here gently keeping the need for continued giving in the public eye. The pictures of disorientated people crowded into temporary shelters, and all the destruction and debris remaining to be cleared, have gone from our new coverage in the main.
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It's a long time since I read any Conan Doyle (though I used to catch a fine radio dramatization in the car occasionally) so, if I ever knew about the Strad, I've forgotten! Lucky man to play one though.
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(The comment has been removed)
Happily, I had a fine pew as I'd gone for the most expensive band of tickets - actually you can hear very well in most of that church (has an upstairs gallery too) but, when it's for charity, you might as well give the max that you can afford.
Yes, I am very lucky - Oxford is a magnet for many fine performers. And I think Haydn was here himself at some point - we gave him any honorary doctorate and seem to have acquired an "Oxford" symphony in exchange!
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