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Rattle and the LSO at the 2012 Olympics . Photo from BBC Website

The internet nearly broke this week.
The thing that everyone has been talking about, has an opinion on, knew about all along, caused websites to grind to a halt, dominated twitter, had some commentators declaring that they knew years ago, had others moaning about it because...well I don’t know really and even making it onto the news - well all of that and more, it’s finally out in the open!
I knew all along and was delighted to discover officially this week that that dress is black and blue


Elsewhere, you may have heard that we have a new music director. I am delighted, excited and can’t wait to see where the next chapter takes us. The impact of having Simon at the front can’t be underestimated. I’m not going to repeat all the articles which have been written. I’d recommend Tom’s piece here though

There is nobody else in British Classical music who can create front page headlines like the ones we’ve seen this week. To create debate around performance, composition, education and its place in the UK today is of utmost importance as the arts at every level are squeezed - from schools to top performers. All levels of music in Britain need support- we all need to pull together.

A few weeks ago, I had my hair cut. I don’t have a regular ‘stylist’ -I’m sure you can tell. This means that every time I go, the conversation inevitably turns to the question...

“So...you got a day off then?”
“Er, no, I’m working later actually.”
“Shift work is it?”
“Well kind of. I’m a musician.”
“You in a band?”
“Yes, well...er no...well, not the kind you’re thinking of. I play in an orchestra. The London Symphony Orchestra.”
“An orchestra? What do you play then?”
“The flute…”
“I used to play the recorder.”

snip snip snip

“So...is that full time job then?”
“Oh yes, and then some.”
“You done anything I might of heard of?”
“Well we do over 150 concerts a year around the world and our education programme reaches thousands of kids.”
“Oh right.”
“It’s really great, you should come to a concert - you’ve got to hear it live - it’s overwhelming.”
“Yeah, it’s not really my thing.”


snip snip snip

“We played in Star Wars? Harry Potter?”
“Oh right…”

snip snip snip

“Did you watch the Olympics opening ceremony?”
“Yeah. When the Queen jumped out the helicopter?”
“That’s it! We were in that!”
“The Helicopter?”
“Er no, the ceremony. The LSO was playing. We were conducted by Sir Simon Rattle?”
“It’s not really ringing any bells. Sorry.”

snip snip snip

“Mr Bean was playing the piano…”
“Oh that one. The Mr Bean sketch? You were in that? That was hilarious!”

snip snip snip

I’ve had many variations on this theme in garages, doctors, dentists and with neighbours and friends.

I visited again yesterday. Different stylist.

snip snip snip


“So...you got a day off then?”
“Er, no, I’m working later actually.”
“Shift work is it?”
“Well kind of. I’m a musician.”
“You in a band?”
“Yes, well...er no...well, not the kind you’re thinking of. I play in an orchestra. The London Symphony Orchestra.”
“You’re in the London Symphony Orchestra? I saw you on the news last night didn’t I?”
“Er..yes, yes you did.”
“Haven’t you got that new conductor, what’s his name?”
“Rattle. Simon Rattle.”
“Yeah that’s it. Him.”
“You should come and hear a concert you know. You’d love it. It’s overwhelming live.”
“I think I might actually. You got a website?”
“Yes. LSO.CO.UK”
“Cool.”

snip snip snip

“Do think he needs a hair stylist?”
“Er...I’ll ask him.