Rachmaninoff at the Phil

It’s a 5.00am wake up to get ready and then travel to Liverpool for my 7.45 appointment. I’ve probably worried about this one more than any due to its proximity to our long trip, but although it’s a rather long and complicated procedure, they manage to ‘get’ the polyp with no disasters!  The young - but senior - complex colonoscopy team are lovely, the lead specialist introducing himself then immediately asking me what music I’d like to listen to (we settle for Pink Floyd). 

G collects me when I’m considered sufficiently recovered and drives me to Meols where we’re spending the night. There’s a bit of play time with Lili, a very welcome lunch, and then an afternoon in bed. I’d booked a concert in the Philharmonic Hall before the medical appointment was arranged, and I’m eager to attend - and after resting decide I’m up to it. 

And it’s wonderful. There’s Barber’s violin concerto - beautiful and virtuosic - then Rachmaninoff’s 2nd symphony.  This monumental work is probably my favourite.  I first heard it on a hot summer evening when I was 19 and had travelled into London on my own to hear it played by the LSO under Andre Previn in the Festival Hall. I had never heard the work before, but sat mesmerised, tears streaming down my face at the emotional force of its soaring melodies.  My signed copy of Previn’s recording of this work remains a treasured possession. 

Tonight’s performance comes very close to that first listen;  the conductor, Adam Hickox, is only 28 years old but commands the orchestra with a skill and emotional intelligence that belies his years. It’s a fabulous end to what started as a rather challenging day!