May 31st, 2008

I have just been asked to perform in a fundraising concert for the earthquake in Sichuan. My grandfather was from Sichuan, but after the War, settled in the north where my grandmother is from. I have been glued to news reports of the rescue and relief efforts (as have most of the Chinese diaspora around the world). Although I am not a doctor or an engineer, I am happy that I can use my art to help the victims of the disaster.

Oops, have I just admitted to the fact that I like Bryan Adams!?!

The other day, I attended Byran Adams's concert at St. James’s Piccadilly. This tour was billed as 7 concerts in 7 unusual places. During the concert, he told the audience he’s never played in a church before. Ironically, this is a well-known venue with a busy classical music calendar. (I love playing there, and the new 9-foot Fazioli grand is gorgeous!)

Tomorrow night however, there’s going to be a role-reversal. I’m about to have my first experience playing in a pub. How exciting!

As Moray, who set up the Pub Classics series describes it, this is a wonderful way to reach out to different audiences. What a great idea! From my research into late 18th Century England, London experienced a “rage for music” where music was performed and enjoyed by every strata of society, and music making (the classical stuff) happened in pubs, social clubs, living rooms, everywhere! So, in a way, it’s as if I’m re-enacting a 1790s pub scene.

What shall I wear? Something cool and sassy maybe….