So much...

(for the lucky ones) to do in London!

This morning I went to the National Gallery for their "Siena: The Rise of Painting 1300-1350".  We used to have a holiday home in the Chianti hills near Siena.  When I took early retirement I did a degree in Art History.  Every time I could choose a painting to study, a project to develop, or a dissertation to write, I would choose a piece of Sienese Trecento art, any excuse to visit Siena.  So today was like meeting old friends again.  The main is a tender "Madonna and Child" by Simone Martini.

Afterwards I walked to meet MrHCB at the Handel Hendrix House Museum, a beautiful Georgian townhouse, where George Frederick Handel (and Jimmy Hendrix) used to live (not at the same time!).  The first main is the room (sadly not his actual harpsichord) where he composed works such as "Messiah".  The second extra are random shots as I was walking.

Yesterday evening we went to the Barbican for a stupendous performance of Ravel's Piano Concerto for the Left Hand (written for a friend who lost his right arm in WW1) and Janacek's Sinfonietta.  We are back tonight to see Barbara Hannigan conduct, and sing from the podium - a multi-talented lady.