The second day

The blip is another view of the Sage with The Knife Angel in the foreground. This is an astonishing piece of work made from 100,000 bladed instruments collected by police in amnesties. It was attracting a lot of attention. If you want to know more, just search for Knife Angel. I think it is in Gateshead for a few more days. Extra: at night.

Beethoven Weekend Day 2
A wonderful day. The Royal Northern Sinfonia, with conductor Lars Vogt, was given a rapturous reception as they returned to their home ground and performed brilliantly Symphonies 7&8. Very well received.

Then it was the mighty Hallé, with conductor Sir Mark Elder, together with the massive Hallé Choir and four soloists. They virtually filled the stage, and it’s a big stage. So for the splendid Symphony No 9. Well, what can one say except . . . magnificent, thrilling. By the end everyone, in the packed to capacity audience, knew they had experienced something amazing.

A glorious weekend of music. And Gordon did disappear during the afternoon to watch the Rugby, which went the way he would have wished.

However, there was something that happened, but we decided a stupid mistake by someone else which had serious repercussions for us, was not going to spoil this remarkable weekend. Which is why I have not mentioned it before, but tomorrow . . .