Thunder and lightning.

For 24 hours the heavens have opened. The Alpine scenes have a rugged beauty as the clouds sweep thickly and eerily between mountains and chalets.

The forecast is for a return to sunny mid-twenties tomorrow.

I went to the open rehearsal in Salle des Combins this morning. Magnificent. Mahler Symphony 3. It meant the physical organisation of the seating of three choirs (one group were very young and very excited). A huge work with crashing cymbals. But these were at no point serious competition for the thunder from on high. Hugely dramatic. A real experience.

The conductor was Andres Orozco-Estrada from Colombia - clear and strong, bringing out the nuances in the work. The mezzo soloist was Lilli Paasikivi from Finland. Sheer magic.

This afternoon I'm working at a masterclass, on the door to minimise interruptions. It's such a privilege to be involved.

And yes, Rufus Wainwright was brilliant last night.