Verdi Bicentenary

Found this in a charity shop! No history or provenance, but I suspect it might be worth rather more than the six quid I paid for it!!

INTERNATIONAL BRIDGADES MEMORIAL TRUST annual commemoration

The garden today

It's looking so good!!

More violas .....

I just LOVE the delicate shading on these violas!

And here are the first blossoms on the QUINCE tree!! Just so wonderful to have a quince tree!!

And some Apple Blossom, Morning Glory and Bluebells

The wisteria has flowered for the first time - I planted it a year ago.

The garden today

The garden is really flourishing now - here are some pics, I'm especially delighted with the violas.

Blossom on the trees -

Apple blossom

Cherry Blossom

Violas

R.I.P Sir Colin Davis

I was saddened to hear this evening of the death of the great conductor Sir Colin Davis. The announcement from the London Symphony Orchestra read as follows:

It is with deep sadness that the LSO announces the death of its esteemed President, Sir Colin Davis.

Sir Colin first conducted the LSO in 1959 and became Principal Conductor in 1995. He was the longest serving Principal Conductor in the LSO’s history and has been at the head of the LSO family for many years. His musicianship and his humanity have been cherished by musicians and audiences alike.

Sir Colin’s role in British musical life was immense. Alongside his commitment to the LSO, he forged special relationships with the Royal Opera House, the BBCSO, and the English Chamber Orchestra, as well as mentoring many young performers and conductors at the Royal Academy of Music and the Guildhall School.

He was internationally renowned for his interpretations of Mozart, Sibelius and Berlioz, and music lovers across the world have been inspired by his performances and recordings.

 He will be missed by all music-lovers.

R.I.P. Hugo Chavez

Hugo Chavez, the President of Venezuela, has died of cancer aged 58.

He wasn't a saint, by any means, (I was very disappointed that he forged links with Ahmedinajad, for example) but he achieved a lot for his country and did campaign for Socialism to the best of his ability........ he provided education for all, and nationalised the oil industry. May our comrade rest in peace, and may his legacy live on.

The garden in winter

This is how my garden looked in the snow last month