Night at the Opera

We were fortunate to be invited by our neighbours to go to an evening of opera last night.  We never cease to be amazed at the cultural activities which are put on in the most unlikely small venues.  Last night's concert was held in the church of a nearby small village; the sort of place which you have to find by driving down small, single track roads and which seems to be continuing a slumber begun in the middle ages.

What is also most encouraging is the level of support which these events attract; the church was full with about 200 people inside, and evidently, people were then being turned away!  What also delights us is the fantastic quality of performers at these events.  The 4 soloists at this 'best bits of' evening were absolutely first class, and the baritone/bass was totally brilliant; he performed  all of his pieces so completely 'in character'.

At the interval we talked to the 'page turner' for the pianist and he turned out to be English.  He said that it was his first time at Lherm and, when we enquired, he said that he'dabbled' at the piano.  We later found out that this was a commendable piece of English understatement as he was a Doctor of Music and Archivist at Westminster Abbey!!!!

We made the evening even more special by taking our own apero nibbles and a bottle of wine which we enjoyed outside the church before the event began (even though it was still over 30 degrees at 8 in the evening).  If you have the chance to go to next year's concert we're sure that you won't be disappointed, but make sure that you're there early!