Classical

Last night we went to a classical music evening at the Auditorium, the old Jesuit chapel, now converted into a concert venue. Approximately once a month there is music concert and this was the first one that we had attended - I just noticed the date last week when buying ZZ Top tickets for some of our summer guests (honest) and decided that as Debrah arrived during the day it would be a real change for us to go out to an event.

Debrah isn't that keen on going out and sometimes has to be forced, in the nicest possible way - i.e. I buy tickets and we go or I book a restaurant and we go. Invariably, Debrah enjoys it and thanks me and so it proved this time too.

We lived in London all those years and never took advantage of all the wonderful culture available on our doorstep - but that's the point actually, it never was on our doorstep because it was always an hour into town and either find somewhere to park or get a cab that cost £30 - we could never be bothered. That attitude nearly prevailed here and once Debrah had arrived and had lunch in the square it was always going to be difficult to get her out of the apartment again.

It was scheduled for an 8.30pm start and Debrah asked what time we had to leave - I think my reply took her slightly off guard. "About 8.20", I said, "and we'll probably still be early". So it proved - a 5 minute walk and the auditorium filling up nicely, even though it didn't get underway for another 20 minutes.

The concert was billed as 'Le Quatre B' and featured short pieces by Bartok, Beethoven, Britten and Brahms - I don't know what Bach had done to upset them but he clearly wasn't in the club - maybe they thought he was a bit over-exposed.

It was, therefore, a very diverse mix of modern and old, of avant-garde and traditional - featuring just a pianist and a violinist, in this quaint setting with an audience of no more than 300. The music teacher from the school downstairs was the only person I recognised, so not my usual crowd of wine swilling reprobates.

It was all fabulous and made a very nice change from our usual evening here. Debrah connected most with the Bartok - she said it reminded her of what was going on inside her head on any given day, which is slightly worrying as for me it sounded like the soundtrack to a Tom and Jerry cartoon ! I guess we all work on different levels and in different ways and that's what makes us all so interesting - he said to himself, trying not to sound worried.

Psychologically interesting, apparently, my wife. Beautiful, fascinating, wonderful and lovely, also - that's quite a mix to carry off but she does it so well