Remarkable Rosalind Plowright, O.B.E...Newbury Spring Festival 2010

Rarely does one have the opportunity of enjoying a live recital with one of the world's most charismatic artistes, creating an evening of sheer, brilliant musical magic...just such an evening was presented to a truly awestruck audience in the Long Gallery of Englefield House, Berkshire, home of Mr. and Mrs. Richard Benyon, an elegant Elisabethan E Plan house, dating from the mid-16th. Century, a romantic venue...The capacity audience were treated by the distinguished mezzo soprano Rosalind Plowright, O.B.E., stunningly beautiful in elegant gowns, a truly International Diva - to a feast of euphonious sounds, delivered effortlessly, with incredible variety - dignity, finesse, emotions and dynamics such as I've never experienced in one evening.. This was a memorable occasion of pure creational genius, absolutely breathtaking, by a singer, currently unequalled...In a wonderful range of items icluding lieder and opera, she fascinated us with a very subtle programme, from Gluck, through the centuries to Weill and Britten, ranging from the sublime to the hysterical !!! We were at times weeping - then at once, laughing hilariously..never a dull moment. Accompanying Rosalind brilliantly at the piano, was her equally musically gifted accompanist Phillip Mountford..they are 'as one', a perfect combination - breathing life into their partnership uniquely ...what a joy to experience an evening with such a charming Duo .. congratulations to Rosalind and Phillip for delighting and enchanting us so perfectly...sincerely wishing you both the very best of luck in all your ventures...and don't forget everyone, to k..p b.......g....

General Election 2010. Yes - Let's breathe ...phew...! Now for a change...

Greetings from a strangely calm England...with the 'hung Parliament' status outcome of the long awaited General Election, the nation is in a state of 'holding its breath' - waiting for positive results which may, hopefully, release us from the 'doldrums' which have had us in their grip over the past few years, mainly due to the greed and mis-management of the Government....it is my understanding that Britain was in dire deficite PRIOR to the International financial crisis....that simply gave G. Brown a useful 'let out' from his disastrous fiscal borrowings, and general spendthrift in his early years of Chancellorship - i.e.- selling of 75% of the gold reserves, appropriating billions out of National Pensions, all paid in in good faith by the workers in their years of employment ....tut, tut, subsequently a lot of pathetic, hypocritial bleating of late from Ministers, about the sad plight of.....pensioners ...oh dear, what ever happened to the duty of Parliamentarians to 'serve the people' - modern "'self-service" is now 'the norm' in The Houses of Parliament it seems.... .My pension, TAXED - has been 'frozen' whilst the ghastly collection of 'free loaders' in The House, become richer and more callous, as witnessed in personal interviews on t.v. ....breathtaking audacity ..... Maybe the forced collaboration between parties will resolve some of the problems with paying off our astronomical National Debt... how about the banks helping ease the flow of cash to small businesses, the basis of local prosperity in 'normal' times...it has to be wise to encourage any wealth creating enterprise to stay in the U.K. as they help to fund a Social budget - if no one is earning and paying taxes, National and Health Insurance - the whole system is - bankrupt- and we all starve...I guess Dignitas in Zurich will be the most popular destination for many, with the incidence of life threatening illness due to stress....hmmmm....all very depressing...but..my Devoted Breathers....chin up, boobs up...nice deep breath...watch a fun film...sing along with "Mamma Mia"...and let's put HOPE back on the agenda - "Hope springs eternal in the savage breast"...and I'm feeling quite savage at the moment ...te hee heeee ! See some of you in Stockholm sooooon..'til then ..k..p b.......g....