Library of Birmingham

This is the new, nearly finished, Library, due to open in Birmingham next year. It's an unusual design and this is the very top of the building, set against today's glorious blue sky.

A wider view of the building

The previous Library was a concrete monstrosity - dating back to that strange time when we thought such places were beautiful. Prince Charles was particularly rude about it. I just wonder what he will say about our new one.

I was opposite the new library, in Symphony Hall, for a marvellous concert this afternoon. American violinist, Joshua Bell, was appearing with the Academy of St Martin in the Fields. He was playing the Bruch Scottish Fantasy and the Beethoven Romance No 2 - and conducting them too.

He was also conducting the Beethoven Egmont Overture, and later Mendelssohn's Symphony No 3 in A minor, Op 56, Scottish.

He has a very different style. He conducts while playing and from the position of First violin, seated on a piano stool.

Joshua's piano stool from my seat

We were in our usual places, on the very front row, and it was an amazing experience. I had friends travel from London and from Leeds to join us and they both agreed that it was something really different and wonderful.

Not only is Joshua one of the world's finest violinists, he is pushing the boundaries as he guides his new band.