Queen Victoria Concert and Arrival in Alexandria

Since my last post it has been a busy time.
Robin joined the Queen Victoria on Saturday in Valletta, Malta, and immediately started preparing for his concert on Sunday.
I'm pleased to report that it went very well and he now has a few days until the second, and last concert.

The timing has worked out perfectly for Robin as today the Queen Victoria arrived in Alexandria, Egypt, a place he hasn't been to before.
So he is allowing himself some time to look around.

Someone told him the Bazaar was one of the scariest places they had been, but also that it felt like you were walking onto the set of an Indiana Jones film! I am waiting with interest for some feedback.

Robin however is very excited at the prospect. He has spent the morning working on a concerto he is performing next year, (as always work comes first...) and will be walking the streets of Alexandria this afternoon.

It looks a fascinating place.
It is the second largest city in Egypt, and is often referred to as the 'Pearl of the Mediterranean', as it has an atmosphere more Mediterranean than Middle Eastern.
I'm sure there will plenty to do and see.
With such an interesting past, to read some examples try, the 'Lighthouse of Alexandria', one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, or the 'Library of Alexandria', the largest library of the ancient world, or even the 'Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa', the ambiance must surely be incredible.

In fact I have often read that you should explore Alexandria at random and enjoy the atmosphere as much as the sights.
I just hope he doesn't get lost.

Bang & Olufsen Part 1

Robin has arrived in Malta after an early start and is now settling into a rather nice hotel for the night.

So, whilst he prepares for his concerts later this week, I have other news for you.

If you live within travelling distance of Wilmslow, Cheshire, (UK) then here's a date for your diary.

Two weeks today, on Friday 21st November, Robin will be performing at a special event.
He's very excited about this as he gets to use the rather nice audio equipment belonging to Bang and Olufsen.

The performance starts at 7.45, and during the interval you will have the opportunity to look around the Wilmslow store.

Robin is a big fan of Bang & Olufsen and I frequently have to hide the catalogue from him when it arrives on our doormat.
I have spoken to the manager and banned him from selling any products to Robin whilst he's there on the 21st...

If you are interested in attending the concert, then contact the store directly on 01625 527666, but be quick as the event is ticket only, and there are a limited number of places available.

Coffee in Alicante

We have had a strange few days.
Robin and son left Crystal Serenity some time ago.
To prove Robin did actually do a concert whilst there, here's the poster:



And this was taken during the sound check:




They then spent a few days in Spain preparing for the concert with Izzy Cooper. This is one of many rehearsals:



Apparently the concert was a huge success.
The beautiful setting was the perfect backdrop for a lovely concert, with a programme that included pieces by Leo Delibes, Manuel de Falla, Villa-Lobos, Leo Brouwer, Tarrega, Joaquin Rodrigo, Handel, Puccini and many more, and there was even a firework display at the end!
I'm hoping to get some pictures at some point, but I do know that the audience had a wonderful evening.
Despite some technical problems, which required Robin to tell a few jokes whilst the team sorted it out, all went extremely well.
So successful was the event that a recording will hopefully be made in the next few months.
It was 2am before the audience finally let the pair go, so it was rather a tired party that arrived to meet me at the airport.

Not that I minded.
I'd been up incredibly early myself in order to arrive in Spain at 11 am....
The reason for this madness??
Well, when it was arranged that son number one would accompany Robin on the Crystal trip we thought they would both be returning home at the end of it.

After all flights were booked and plans made, it became obvious that the only available date for the Robin and Izzy to perform, was the 28th August.
So, the Hill men were diverted to Spain.

Unfortunately, Robin then had to fly straight off to Malta...
So, on Friday, I flew over to Spain to collect my son, before he became an abandoned child.
We had checked out all possibilities for him to fly solo, but unbelievably it isn't possible between Alicante and Manchester before he is 12 years old!!

Actually, it did at least mean that I briefly met Izzy, and also had a whole 2 hours with my husband.
Obviously coffee and a sandwich in Alicante airport isn't the romantic of settings, but when he's away for a month anything is a bonus.

The time sadly flew by, and before we knew it there was a tearful farewell, as Robin boarded a plane to Malta.
Son and I then spent many hours sitting in the sun, outside the airport, catching up with news, before our flight home.

Now Robin has joined the Queen Victoria where he has two concerts over the next week, the first one today.

More on that soon. Hopefully.

Friday Night Frenzy

After a busy day finalising deals for early next year I thought my work for the day was done.
Robin was out playing, children were in bed, and I finally got to sit down.
It didn't last long.
The 'phone rang.
"Can Robin be in Malta on Sunday?" It was our London agent.
There followed two hours of four way 'phone calls between me, Robin, the London agent and the American agent.
Robin arrived home at 11.45pm and we were still waiting for the final word.
At midnight the 'phone went again, and it was decided it wasn't possible on this occasion.
We both breathed a sigh of relief.
Robin would have quite happily gone, but the prospect of getting organised and packed for an early flight on Sunday, wasn't very appealing.
Especially as he is out most of today, and this evening, playing at two different private functions...
Still, it's always good to be in demand, and that is something that no musician ever takes for granted.