Hello! Well, it is well-known that I love the Symphony Orchestra,
and so the 2014 Concert Season opener was definitely on the agenda.
I frocked up in my LBD, sparkly things, and new navy shoes...
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The Concert Hall was packed, everybody was excited, old friends were greeted, champagne passed round...
Australia's own internationally famous Simone Young, flitting back from her permanent positions in Hamburg, conducted with triumphal flair ..
The wonderful Russian Violinist Shlomo Mintz, performed one of my all-favourites:
Beethoven's Violin Concerto..
Couldn't find that on Youtube, but here is Shlomo playing Paganini..
He is simply sensational!
The evening ended with a flourish, Mahler's Symphony No 1, the Titan - here's a little clip from YouTube:
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I have been well-spoiled this Valentine's - dinner, the concert, and a dozen long-stemmed red roses. Well done, Mr Cardinal...
Meantime, over in snow-bound Canada, our Dear Daughter, cake maker extraordinaire, produced this valentine cake, with help from her little boys. Meringue hearts round the sides, whipped cream, sprinkles and sponge cake.
Something for everyone there...
In other celebratory occasions, the Obamas greeted the French President, M. Hollande for a formal dinner.
Here is Michelle in what I think is a brave choice ...
I like the colour, but all that fabric is a bit, um, voluminous?
Well, it turns out there are two skirts going on here...
Remind you of anyone?
Stay dry, warm, or cool, depending...
XXXXX
Sounds like a delightful evening at the symphony! And your daughter's cake is very clever and tasty looking. I think the dress for the French President's Dinner could only have been worn because the dancing portion of the dinner was cancelled - due to the very messy state of the French President's love life. Black lace and bright blue is a great combination for a formal dress.
ReplyDeleteI love that blue and black lace combination too, Beryl. One of my early memories is going to the circus and loving the lady dancing on the back of a horse - wearing a ballet tutu made in just those colours, which I thought looked just wonderful. Interesting that they cancelled the dancing, I didn't know that! I'm sure he had a great time at the White House anyway.
DeleteI love your shoes and sparkly bits, Patricia! And the concert must have been fabulous! There's nothing quite like it, is there? I'm not a fan of Mrs Obama's clothes in general, and this one in particular, although I agree the colours are gorgeous and suit her lovely skin. Your daughter's cake, on the other hand, is stunning! How clever is that? Stay cool, Patricia!
ReplyDeleteHi Val, the blue and black lace are a winning combination, yes? My daughter is very clever - but then I would say that, as a proud mother!
DeleteThere's something so thrilling about attending the symphony. Isn't YouTube wonderful? Allows us to sample music before we buy and hear many things we might not otherwise have access to. I imagine you were quite chic in your LBD fancied up with the baubles. Have a great week!
ReplyDeleteThrilling indeed, Sanda: as the reviews state 'Simone Young's penetrating vision sparked fresh insight and new discovery'. The members of the orchestra clearly felt the thrill, too! Love YouTube :)
DeleteThe evening at the symphony sounds lovely. Enjoyed the bits of music you shared. It is so nice to occasionally have an evening to "dress up" for isn't it? I like the colors of our First Lady's dress but I'm afraid that skirt is just a bit too much for my taste.
ReplyDeleteDarla
It was a lovely night Darla, and yes, I do love a chance to 'dress up' a bit - our days of dancing at balls are sadly over :) I liked the striking blue/black dress too, but many of the photos were quite unflattering as it seemed to add bulk to her beautiful frame.
DeleteGlad that you had a great time at the Symphony, a great treat. I like the colour of the first lady's dress as others have said, but it almost seems a bit bridal in the shape of the skirt with the train to me, but hey, if you never give things a try you don't know do you and I would never have the guts to wear something like that so good on her for giving it a go! xx
ReplyDeleteBridal? yes, never thought of that, but I see what you mean. But it was a great chance to try out a train, and really, if I were in the White House I'd be trying everything out there, too!
DeleteMy hb would not enter concerts, symphonies, as he does not like to dress up accordingly ; ).
ReplyDeleteHappy to read that you two manage the events : ).
Suddenly I don´t have an opinion of Mrs. Obama´s outfit ?
Ah, these HBs, Mette. Mine does not like to dress up either, but these days it is acceptable for the men to go without a tie in our city, so I make sure he wears a good shirt, and just do my own thing. Which I notice the other women do also :)
DeleteThe symphony sounds like it was wonderful. There is something extra special in seeing a live performance as opposed to listening to it recorded. I'm glad you had such a nice Valentine's Day!
ReplyDeleteYes, Kristie, it was a fresh and exciting version of an old favourite for our QSO. It is true, the live performance is always so much better than even the most perfect recording. You could feel the enthusiasm of both players and audience. Loved it!
DeleteSo nice to go to the symphony. I'm glad you had a great Valentine's Day. Your daughter's cake looks delicious and very pretty.
ReplyDeleteIt was a very nice weekend, Jennifer. My daughter is of course very talented (proud mother here), and so is your daughter. Like me, you will always be happy for their achievements, whatever the age.
DeleteIt sounds a lovely concert Patricia and you must have looked stunning in your outfit.
ReplyDeleteWe have a concert series coming up soon which we always look forward to attending. There is nothing like seeing musicians actually playing for real it is just so much more exciting and exhilarating.
Yes, Rosemary, it was a wonderful start to the 2014 season, very exhilarating indeed. I wish we could have Simone Young here all the time, but I doubt Queensland could afford her :)
DeleteAh, a fellow Beethoven's Violin in D fan!! Twins, I say...
ReplyDeleteLoved the Russian version, indeed sublime.
I do love a classical concert - we go occasionally to the Royal Albert Hall in London for ours, such a special occasion too. Your daughter's cake looks gorgeous and I bet it really went down a treat. Glad you enjoyed your St Valentine's Day.
ReplyDeletePatricia x
Oh, I would love to go to the Albert Hall - I have seen recordings of some concerts there, and regularly hear them on radio. Have only seen it from the outside, in broad daylight! I am guessing that cake only lasted through one meal, with those excited little boys who are our grandsons :)
DeleteIt all sounds so exciting Patricia. I love your new bag and shoes..
ReplyDeleteThe cake looks delicious. Your daughter is a good baker.
I wish I lived closer to Lisbon to attend the theatre. I must make more of an effort.
Michelle looks lovely in the blue and black.. i agree the skirt is a little large.
Hello Val, I do love the theatre and when I moved to live in the city when very young, it was one of the first things I wanted to do. It is exciting to see live performance. The blue and black is very dramatic I think, and made a strong statement for a state occasion. xxx
DeleteOh Patricia, your LBD sparkly things and the whole ensembo is very cute! Love them all. And, the cake is very pretty too. Love it all!
ReplyDeleteThanks Debra, of course you are where a lot of the Great theatrical action takes place: such opportunities for a good night out. We went to see Turandot at the Met Opera when we went to NY, a most memorable night!
DeletePatricia,
ReplyDeleteTo be honest, I've never appreciated Symphony music before, but I am enjoying the second clip while reading your post. I really like all the accessories that you wore to the orchestra, so pretty. The Valentine cake looks so delicious, and aahh the red roses from your husband made me smile. It sounds like you had a wonderful Valentine's Day.
Your posts are always so interesting and lovely, Patricia.
Love,
~Sheri
Hi Sheri, glad you enjoyed the clip - the Mahler is an easy listening Symphony, full of nice melodies and rhythms. We know we love our red roses, don't we?? xx
DeleteHello Patricia,
ReplyDeleteThis all sounds so very, very good. We know that we should have loved it all, particularly the concert which contained such sensational music and musicians.
Lucky you to be showered with such lovely things. Definitely a memory to keep for ever.
Hello Jane and Lance, the concert was quite wonderful, electric excitement for the start of the new concert season in our city. We loved Schlomo Mintz!
ReplyDeleteOh, your evening out is my idea of bliss, Patricia. Music, food and friends - what could be better? As a long-lapsed violinist I watched your clip in awe. Such virtuosity is breathtaking.
ReplyDeleteIt was a blissful night, Perpetua, aided by some heart-shaped chocolates hidden in Mr C's jacket pocket...
DeleteSchlomo Mintz was such a special treat - we loved it!