were uneventful. Went shopping in Tesco’s this morning with Shing Min’s flatmates, practiced, cooked lunch, practiced, watched anime and practiced more. Such a nice lazy Saturday.
Yesterday was a bit better. Attended two concerts and one performance class (which was kind of like a concert). So it was concert in the morning, noon and evening. The standard of performance class is very high, and almost no mistakes are made. Practiced a little after that, and got chased out of the practice room by a teacher. Proceeded to the Library then, and spent the time reading Kafka’s Castle. A pity that I can’t borrow it yet, I’ll just have to wait for my library card. Either that or keep returning to the library to read. Left the library at 1 for Chen Jiafeng’s violin recital in the Weston Gallery.
He played Bach, Ravel’s Sonata, Paganini’s La Campanella and Caprice number 24, and Wienawski’s Variations. It’s the first time I’ve seen someone play double stopped harmonics and tenths. His intonation, technique and tone was perfect. The way he manipulated the bow to get the sound he wanted, and even the balance in the Bach during the double stops, especially in the Fugue was stunning. He brought out certain voices, kept others down, and played everything with ease and panache. Better still, Chen was only 21!! My age!! He’s won so many international competitions… Gosh.
At night I went to St David’s hall to watch the Orchestra Europa in their debut concert. They were all good players, but the Dvorak 9th wasn’t as good as I’d expected it. The Cor Anglais solo was superb though. The conductor was Russian, and he was trained in St Petersburg. I thought he conducted a lot like Lan Shui! It was interesting to watch him dance on stage, sculpturing the music with his animated gestures. Much to my surprise, eating was allowed in the concert halls! (you just had to be silent). Programme booklets cost 2.50 pounds! So expensive.
Walking back from the concert was an absolute battle. I’ve never felt so cold before! There was heavy fog, and the wind was blowing soooooo strongly.. We couldn’t see more than 50m ahead of us. Got home in one piece in the end, thank God.
Tomorrow’s a sunday! Shing Min’s taking me to Cardiff Bay in the morning, then perhaps a walk in Bute Park before practicing in school. And maybe the Winter Wonderland in the evening if her flatmates are up to it (: Can’t wait to get out there and take pictures!