October 29, 2016

Up in the air, Europe

The flight back from Warsaw to London is one that we’ve taken a lot over the past six years. As I type, we’re currently above Poznan, heading towards Berlin, and then on to Amsterdam before we touch down in London in a couple of hours. Last night’s concert was in Białystok, about three hours east of Warsaw in Poland, and only about 30 miles west of the Belarussian border. The Opera House in Białystok is a wonderful new building. Glass-fronted, the inside feels slightly reminiscent of Irish souvenir paraphernalia - decorated almost entirely in a thick green felt. Last night’s concert was lovely (Polish audiences, you are always wonderful, thank you), as was the fact that we were reunited with Kacper, the friendly agent (see what I did there). He looks after everything we do in Poland, and has introduced us to some amazing new concert halls that have popped up in the country over the past few years. I have particularly fond memories of arriving in Katowice during our most recent trip there, and seeing the new NOSPR, which is an extraordinary building and well worth a visit.

This weekend is, of course, Halloween weekend. Lots of silly costumes. I am torn between having a very quiet evening in, in front of Strictly Come Dancing, and going out to see friends in London. It’s a challenge making these decisions…. We’re recording for three days next week before two more concerts in England next weekend, so it’s rare to have a full evening at home.

Right. It’s time for a coffee - and a water. Always good to stay hydrated in the air.