The Festivities finish

Our seasonal festivities finished yesterday when we went to Prayssac, a small town to the west of Cahors, for a New Year's Viennese concert.

It was organised by a pensioner's club and we weren't expecting anything out of the ordinary ... and yes, the audience was a sea of silver hair!  However it was well supported (we estimated between 400 -500 ) and we were highly amused to witness the arrival of the French as described by the writer in the last posting.  As he noted, every cheek offered was kissed, which meant that earlier arrivees had to keep jumping up and down as friends found them.  Hence, as is the norm in France the performance started about half an hour late!

We had seen that the conductor had an English name and, in his introductions between each piece his very good french had an English accent and he had an English sense of humour which was lost on the older French ladies around us.  Curiously, we talked to him at the interval and his English had a French accent!!!  The interval was also notable for the opportunity to have a glass of 'bubbles' at 2 euros a time.  A fitting drink for a New Year's Concert.

Apart from all of this 'People watching' the performance itself was outstanding.  We had not realised that the Orchestra was made up of young professionals who were enthusiastic and very talented.  Sue was taken with the percussionist and the trumpet player who performed a very difficult solo piece was exceptional.

We came away from this small country cultural centre marveling at the range of events which we are able to support in the depths of rural France.