This evening here in London saw the final concert of the season of Promenade Concerts at The Albert Hall, always a big occasion in our calendar. This year the conductor was American, Leonard Slatkin. The traditional items had all been dropped in view of the events of this week. The concert commenced with the American National Anthem and the American flag was displayed alongside the Union Jack. The first item was the Overture to 'La Forza del Destino' by Verdi. Following this Leonard Slatkin gave a very moving speech saying that we all live in a very different world to the one we inhabited last Monday. He said that the orchestra met on Wednesday morning to rehearse and they were all extremely distraught. They nevertheless tried to continue and found after playing the first piece that they did not feel as bad. Music had the power to do that. The concert concluded with Beethoven's Ninth which seemed just right for the mood of the evening, and he was right - it was uplifting. Music really does have an extraordinary power. I have been reflecting on the events of this week and I have found that there are times of extreme crisis, either personal or national, when your work can sometimes be your best friend. It helps you to focus your mind away from the tragedy for a while giving some respite. I think that this is especially so in our case. Our work is different from most, it is a discipline, an art - and aren't we lucky people to be working with pianos? It has got to be better than sitting behind a desk in a tower block. So when we return to our pianos next week, perhaps we should all count our blessings, Thinking of you all, Bob Wilson. London. __________________________________________________ Terrorist Attacks on U.S. - How can you help? Donate cash, emergency relief information http://dailynews.yahoo.com/fc/US/Emergency_Information/
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