Monte Carlo or Bust of Napoleon?

Travelling around the Mediterranean on board the luxurious Queen Victoria isn't a bad way to spend two weeks of your life.
However, for Robin, it was no holiday.
Four concerts, all entirely different programmes, require an awful lot of preparation.
The concerts were split. Two within the first few days, and the final two towards the end of the trip.
Consequently, Robin had time to visit some incredible places, in between practicing and rehearsals.

Firstly, here is a more unusual image of the Queen Victoria, and a picture Robin is rather proud of:



Then, a more conventional view of the QV, nestled in the background whilst docked in Ajaccio, Corsica:



Throughout Ajaccio you can find many statues of Napoleon Bonaparte as he was born here in 1769:



One can't help imagining that Napoleon would have walked down this very street at some point:



After a day in Civitavecchia, which consisted mainly of rehearsals, they arrived in Monte Carlo, Monaco. Robin has visited Monte Carlo many times and has very fond memories of this particular trip, 'Monte Carlo and Madeline Bell'.
Only in Monte Carlo would the corner shop sell Ferrari's...and why has the motorbike in the foreground got 2 front wheels?




I must say I rather like the posters for the Monte Carlo Orchestre Philharmonique:





And this beautiful stairway, which is apparently much larger than it appears in this photograph:



Plus a typical church below the famous mountains of Monte Carlo:



After all this French speaking it seemed appropriate that Robin was reading this book:





But now Robin is home.
The concerts all went very well and the director is keen for him to return.
He may have to wait a while.
Next stop, well, you'll have to wait and see...

A Brace of Concerti

The last few days on the Queen Victoria went very well. Two concerts performed, one more standing ovation and many lovely comments from both audience and staff.

But it wasn't all work.
One day was spent in Geiranger, one of the most breathtakingly beautiful places Robin has seen, with air that smelt like wine - apparently.
Then they moved onto Bergen, where, despite the pull of a visit to Edvard Grieg's House, Robin felt he had to resist and remain onboard as he had a performance that night.

But since his return there has been a lot going on.
Things are moving on with Robin's latest concerto, 'Eternal Dances', so final decisions are being made about every aspect of the score.

Those following me on Twitter have been witnessing this final editing process.
They will have also have seen that this isn't achieved in isolation.
I have frequently been called in to listen to, and look at, the entire orchestral score. Note by note.

I know, it's late in the day as discussions are already underway with various orchestras, but I suppose the composer has the right to make changes as and when he feels it appropriate or at least up to the point when the parts are sent out...

Whilst waiting for further news of 'Eternal Dances', you can read an old post, and review, about 'Concerto Primavera', another of Robin's compositions, here.

From Wild Wood to Norwegian Wood

The life of this musician has been a busy one.
Last weekend Robin enjoyed a very successful concert in Kent at the 'Wild Wood Barn'.
The venue was sold out with an appreciative audience and very hospitable hosts.
Robin was interested to discover that the home of Charles Darwin was merely a few yards down the road, but sadly wasn't open when he was ready to set off home again.

After a long drive back he had only a few days to prepare for another trip.
This time joining the Queen Victoria in Southampton for a week in the Norwegian Fjords.

His first concert was the very next day, and I must say that I have rarely heard Robin so enthusiastic about his performance.
Like many musicians he is highly critical of his work, but on this occasion he actually said it was one of the best he had done.
The audience seemed to agree as he was rewarded with a standing ovation and many shouts for more. It was left to the MC to calm them as Robin left the venue.

However, due to the reception he received, he has been asked to perform an extra concert this evening, so is currently preparing a third programme!

It hasn't all been work though.
Yesterday he was in Stavanger, and enjoyed a walk around despite the weather being cold and wet.
However, today the sun is shining and Robin is investigating Alesund.

I look forward to news of the concert this evening and also hearing about some very interesting places coming up in the next few days.

An Unexpected Concert and the Palau de la Musica Catalana

Robin had an eventful first few days on the Queen Victoria.
Three concerts in three days, one of which came as rather a surprise.
After settling in, his first performance went very well, with a particularly good response from the audience to the three pieces by Dilermando Reis, and 'Zapateado', by Sabicas.

On the second day Robin couldn't understand why people kept saying they were looking forward to his concert - later. (He was lying on a sun lounger reading Sherlock Holmes at the time...)
As far as he was aware this was a day of rest and rehearsal.
Eventually, he returned to his room only to receive a frantic 'phone call.
There had been some sort of schedule mix up and he was asked to play an extra performance that very day - in an hours time.
Actually, I'm quite pleased I wasn't in the vicinity when he took the call...

Luckily Robin has four complete programmes at his fingertips at the moment, so he rushed off to warm up and prepare for this unexpected concert.
Despite the short notice the performance went very well, as did the one the following day.

Since then Robin has had plenty of time to recover.
He arrived in Barcelona and made straight for the 'Palau de la Musica Catalana'.
The reason for his interest, was not only the stunning building, but also because this was the venue for the premiere of Rodrigo's 'Concierto de Aranjuez', back in 1940.

He thoroughly enjoyed his day soaking up the history and only detoured to a guitar shop he has visited once before. (Mainly because it was nearby and Robin can't resist any guitar shop, but also because he has been there once before and discovered they stock copies of his book, 'The Guitar Gymnasium'.)

Since then he has been to Monte-Carlo, well actually a port not far away as the weather was too bad to dock in Monte-Carlo itself, and then to Civitavecchia.
Today he should have been in Alghero, Sardinia, but once again the weather has thwarted plans and the QV is unable to dock.
This is rather a shame as Alghero looks very nice and is also one of the few places Robin hasn't been to before.
Never mind. Maybe next time.

Sir Peter Maxwell Davies and Sir Paul McCartney

Since my last post Robin has been busy.
He performed his second concert on the Queen Victoria and was very pleased with the result.
As I have said before, he doesn't often say that he is happy with a performance, so this must have been quite a concert.
He has had many lovely comments from members of the audience which always helps when dealing with time away from home.
But he is now at approximately 30 000 feet, flying from Istanbul to Manchester, and is expected home later today.

So whilst I prepare for his return, and tend to a sick son number one, you can read about a new piece of music composed by the Royal composer, Sir Peter Maxwell Davies.
The piece, 'Liber Pulsationis Fabulatoris', has been dedicated to another Sir, Sir Paul McCartney.
Maxwell Davies appears to have a sense of humour as the first three letters spell, 'Lib Pul Fab'.
To find out more, read this article by Mike Wade, in The Times.

The QE2 - Final Journey

Now this is confusing as Robin is actually on the Queen Victoria.
But as he has performed many times on the QE2, and I have many QE2 fans who follow this blog, I couldn't let such a significant day pass without a mention.

I am referring to the preparations for the final journey of the QE2 as she leaves Southampton.
You can read an article by Caroline Gammell here.

The QE2 is very special and Robin has had many happy times on board.
I have written so many posts about her over the years, and you can see some of them by typing QE2 into 'search blog', but here are a selection.

'The QE2, the Giant Cat, and Plenty of Practice', 'Comedy on Cunard, Coffee and Clapping and YouTube', or maybe, 'Post Rodrigo's 'Adagio'.

There has been a minor problem though in the early hours of the morning.
Apparently the QE2 ran aground, but even this event was so gracefully done that most passengers were unaware of the problem!
You can read Kate Kelland's report here.

We wish her a safe final journey. Meanwhile, Robin and the Queen Victoria have arrived in Port Said, Egypt, and his second concert is tomorrow.

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.

The Clairvoyant Rabbit and the Turkish Shoeshine Scandal.

Please excuse my absence for the last few days, and apologies to those of you that sent emails asking where I was. It's very nice to be appreciated!
To bring you up to date, Robin is still on the Queen Victoria, and had a very successful first concert.
It was well attended after the passengers had been exposed to a TV interview being played on repeat for the entire day.
They will be ale to watch a second interview tomorrow, as later today Robin will be back in the studio for further questioning.

Today he is in Civitavecchia, Italy, but it was whilst in Istanbul that he uncovered the Turkish shoeshine scandal.
The story actually begins back in August.
At that time, Robin was in Istanbul, and had our eldest son with him.
They set off to take a look around.
One of the first people they came across thrust a baby rabbit into the hands of son number one, and allowed him to admire it:



Like most young children he was very taken with the small furry creature and dutifully cuddled it.
The owner then produced a larger rabbit, (not out of a hat) which proceeded to select a piece of paper form a table which apparently would tell them their fortunes.
Unfortunately it was in such poor English that we are none the wiser.
But then the owner wanted to be paid.
As Robin and son only intended going for a walk they hadn't actually taken any money with them.
So after much arm waving and gesticulating they managed to hand back the rabbit and beat a hasty retreat.

Only to come across a young Turkish shoeshine boy.
As he walked by he dropped one of his brushes, and Robin dutifully picked it up and handed it back to him.
The grateful boy then thanked him profusely and cleaned his shoes - before asking for some money.
Once again the Hill men had to explain their lack of cash and made off as quickly as they could.
The fact that they had only been in Turkey for 10 minutes and already owed two people money, was the cause of quite some mirth on their return home.

However, Robin has since returned to Istanbul a number of times, and on this trip guess who he met?
As he walked through a park, there was the very same shoeshine boy, dropping the very same brush, right in front of him.

"You really are an old butterfingers with those brushes," Robin exclaimed as he went on his way...

As the old Turkish proverb says:

'Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me.'

Just a little story for you.

'The Ageless Audience' and Classical Music

Robin is now in Istanbul and settling into the Queen Victoria, which will be home for the next week, and I'm waiting to hear which day will be concert day.

When he does perform his concert, the age of the audience is likely to be, but not exclusively, 40 +.
There are many reasons for this, and it is often an area debated in a very negative way.
So I was very pleased to read a recent report by Diane Haithman in the Los Angeles Times, 'The ageless audience.'

The report challenges the view that the audience for live performing arts is aging, and suggests that this is in fact nothing new.

It's so refreshing to read a more optimistic take on the whole area.
Rather than the doom and gloom of the decline in interest in classical music by the younger generation, it focuses on the more logical issues that prevent younger people attending concerts.
Finance plays a part along with having young children.
When in your 20's you may well choose to spend any available money in a different way, and by your 30's, are often caught up in life with small children.
By your 40's onwards, the situation starts to change, and coincidentally, that is when people tend to start attending classical concerts...

There's also the argument that listening to classical music requires a higher level of concentration, something that is achieved over time, and with more life experience.
It's all there in the report, and is well worth a read.

But we shouldn't sit back and assume that people will naturally move towards classical music as they get older.
They do need to have some early exposure to encourage the transition.
This is one of the reasons why I blog, Twitter and run a MySpace page.
MySpace in particular highlights the need to interact with the younger generation in a way that is familiar to them.
Many of our 'friends' on MySpace are young, electric guitar players, who can see and appreciate the skill required to be a classical player, even though they don't do it themselves.
I have even had messages from some saying they would go and see Robin perform live, as they hadn't before realised how exciting it can be.
All that achieved from just 5 tracks on a MySpace page.

It is also why I have often mentioned the need for more access to classical music on mainstream television.
Then there will be more opportunities for the younger generation to hear and see performances, even if by chance.
A good example of this was the recent 'Maestro' series on BBC 2, which I wrote about here.

A worrying development I recently heard about in the UK, although I've not confirmed this information, is that for GCSE Music you no longer need to be able to read music.
If this is the case then it is absurd, and maybe they should re title it GCSE Music appreciation.
How on earth can you be given a qualification suggesting a certain level of ability has been obtained, if you can't actually read a note of music?

As I mentioned the other day on Twitter, our youngest son, age 6, took his violin into school and played a few pieces.
One of his peers went home and told his mum that our son could read that funny language!
Even at the age of 5/6 children appreciate that 'notes' are indeed another form of communication.

Would you give someone GCSE French if they couldn't speak a word of it?
I hope not.
This is not completely off topic.
The point being that 'early exposure' is vital.
We need to reinforce the importance, and influence, that music can have on our lives at an early age, to give children the chance to discover it in more detail later on.

In the words of G.K.Chesterton:

"Education is simply the soul of society as it passes from one generation to another."

Airport Antics

Robin is now acclimatising to life at home.
He did perform an extra concert on the Queen Victoria, as she circled off the coast of Istanbul, waiting for the sea to become calm enough to dock.
All the staff and crew were very grateful that he stepped in, at only 30 minutes notice, to entertain the patiently waiting guests.

Then the eventful journey home began.
Whilst going through customs at Istanbul airport, Robin was taken to one side, searched and questioned.
"Have you visited any other countries before arrival in Turkey?" was the first one.
With thoughts of the film 'Midnight Express' coursing through his head, his mind went completely blank.
He couldn't remember one destination he had been to in the last week.
"Errm, ohh, you're not going to believe this but I really can't remember," didn't seem to satisfy the officer.

Eventually, he pulled himself together, explained that he had been on the Queen Victoria, and handed the official a Turkish landing card.
The customs men were happy, and off Robin went.

Once I arrived at Manchester airport to meet him I was greeted with the information that his plane was an hour late.
That was OK, I'd made arrangements for children to be collected from school, so purchased a newspaper and rather enjoyed some time reading and some people watching.

However, as the information on the screen shifted to 'landed', then, 'arrived', and slowly to, 'reclaiming luggage', (yes, I'm very familiar with the whole process, and for those not so used to it, don't be fooled by the 'reclaiming luggage' stage. Sometimes that only appears once you have already been reunited with your loved one, or, they are wandering around looking for you, whilst you while away the time in a coffee house thinking thy are still disembarking...)
But still no sign of Robin.
Even on the occasions of missing luggage, of which there are many, (try this one, or this one, for a start) he should have appeared by this time.

I was starting to become concerned.
Then, finally, he appeared and all was revealed.
He must have been looking particularly shifty on this day, as once again, he had been stopped at customs.
Not just stopped and asked to remove shoes and go through the scanner once again, I mean seriously stopped.
Taken off to an interview room and asked to sit down.

"So, Mr Hill, how long were you in Istanbul?"
"Just under two days."
"That seems a strange length of time."
"Well, I was just passing through."
"Passing from where?"

He we go again.
But this time he was ready, and recalled the various destinations, reasons for his travels, which was reinforced by the concert guitar in a large, protective case right next to him...(which had already been scanned and proved to be completely harmless.)
Finally they let him go.

Strange really.
He passes through the airport so frequently that you would think he was on first name terms with most of the staff.
Then again, maybe that's the problem.
Frequent traveller, multiple destinations, glazed travel weary expression...
Anyway, he's home and he's fine, as thankfully he was able to convince the various customs officers that he simply wants to play his guitar, and make music.

Tagging, Chain Letters and Shakabuku Films.

Robin has now left the Queen Victoria, for now, and is on his way home.
As he set off from Istanbul he called to say he was delighted at the prospect of 10 days at home.
Not surprising really as he hasn't been here for that long since July.

So whilst Robin reclines at 30 000 feet, and whiles away the hours with his new Sony Reader, I started thinking.

It was connected to the recent post I ran, 'I've Been Tagged', where I had to 'tag' six friends.
Apart from warofthewords who was unable to participate due to the lack of a blog, (which she hopes to rectify soon), there has been a fantastic response.
You can read Jessica Duchen's reply here, Ben Clapton's here, Chris Hambly's wonderful experiment here, and Ari Adler's here, in which he discusses the ease of communication these days and mentions the similarity of tagging to chain letters.

And this is the point I have been pondering.
What is it that makes us reply to these intrusions into our busy lives?
Chain letters have been around for many years, in fact one landed on our doormat only a few weeks ago.
It was sent to son number one with the promise of entry into the 'Guinness Book of Records' if he completed his part of the chain.
He did and this is why.
As you know he has been in a short film, 'Lollipop', which you can watch if you click the link in the side bar, and read about it here.
Since then we have remained in contact, and become friends with, many of those involved. (Thanks to Nick Rowntree for the quick response to my e mail yesterday!)

The company that made this film, Shakabuku Films, (and yes, that is son number one on their home page) have made many others.
One of which is called 'Chaingangs'.
This was an incredible achievement as the entire film, from writing the script, filming, editing and even down to adding the music, was done in 48 hours, as part of the National 48 hour film Challenge.
They did it, and they won.
But what has all this got to do with tagging and chain letters?
Well, watch the film, and you'll see why I couldn't quite bring myself to ignore the task I was set....

All Quiet Since the Second Concert

All is disturbingly quiet from the Queen Victoria.
I do know that the second concert went very well.
Actually, they were experimenting with a new venue.
It was smaller, but very atmospheric, and the roof went back to add to the ambiance.
Initially there had been some concern about the sound.
But the sound men did an excellent job and the concert was extremely well received.

In fact, as the venue was smaller, the concert was repeated later in the evening, and many of the audience from the first performance returned to hear it again, despite it being the same programme!

Robin even enjoyed the 'open top' performing as he was fanned with a gentle cool breeze, (a scene I'm finding hard to imagine here in the UK at the moment...) instead of sweating under intense stage lights.

Since then, news has been scant.
Robin was approached and asked if he would perform an extra concert as there was trouble ahead.
A storm was brewing out at sea which was going to delay arrival in Istanbul.
Whether the concert has gone ahead I don't yet know.
Whether anybody felt well enough to go and see it, I also don't know.
Whether Robin was well enough to perform it, you guessed it, I don't know.

The lack of messages isn't a good sign.
From experience, the only time email messages dry up are when seasickness strikes.
The only way to cope with it is to lie down and wait for it to stop.
Those following me on Twitter will have read that Robin has had to wear full evening dress to go to the computer room and send a message on a number of occasions this trip. (His computer is in the local Apple store being repaired...)
If he's prepared to go to such lengths to receive news from home, then the current lack of contact doesn't bode well.

But I may be completely wrong.
Anytime now I could get a call from Istanbul and everything be fine.
Lets hope so.

Santorini and the Second Concert plus Nokia's New 'phone

The Queen Victoria is in Santorini today.
Robin has been there many times before and always enjoys it.
See 'Sun, Sea and Santorini' for one of his previous experiences.

When I last spoke to him, Robin had just completed the long walk up a very steep hill, and was enjoying a cup of coffee and a spectacular view.
He will only be on land a short time, as his second concert is tonight.
So whilst the tourists explore the island, Robin will be rehearsing.

He must be doing something right, and getting excellent reviews from these various trips, as he keeps getting re-booked.
A point highlighted by a waiter this morning over breakfast:

"You're back again? You're always back again."

It's a good job really judging by the views of the younger generation.
Apparently, they rarely, if ever, pay for the music they listen too.
Where has this 'something for nothing' attitude come from?
Free downloads and file sharing are a real concern for most musicians.

However, Nokia have come up with an idea.
They have unveiled a new music service.
You can watch a report by the BBC's Rory Cellan-Jones here.
It appears that people will be paying for their music, albeit indirectly, when they purchase a 'phone with this service.

How much of that will filter back down to the artist I have yet to establish.
But it could possibly be a long term solution to the problem.
I shall be watching with interest...

Navigating Naples and the Tale of the Mandolin

Robin has now joined Cunard's Queen Victoria and is currently in Naples.
Fortunately he didn't arrive there yesterday, as the police seem to have been rather busy, '100 Arrested in Naples'.

He is also, once again, a man on a mission.
If you remember, back in the summer, there was an ongoing saga connected to a mandolin.
It started with, 'Sorrento a Mandolin and a Music Box', where Robin spotted a beautiful mandolin but came home with a music box.

By June we had, 'The Mystery of the Mandolin', in which the entire family temporarily became detectives worthy of the best overt operation in recent times.

Swiftly followed by, 'Captain Corelli Causes Chaos', where I had a crash course in the life and works of Hummel, Guiliani and Mozart.

Then finally, 'Guitarists and Their B****y Nails', when Robin proved his purchase a worthy investment as it kept him amused for days whilst resting his battle worn nails.

Well, although the mandolin was found in Sorrento, it was originally made in Naples.
So today Robin is attempting to find the home/studio of the maker, Nicola Spoto.
We have the address, you may have read a tweet yesterday in which I mentioned shining a torch inside the mandolin, to make a record of it...

He allowed himself an hour or so to achieve this goal, as his first concert is tomorrow.
No matter how interested he is in the history of the mandolin, he's more interested in giving a well rehearsed concert on Wednesday.

Well, it was an eventful hour.
The taxi took Robin straight to the right road which was in a fascinating and vibrant area of Naples.
However, most frustratingly, Robin found every house except the one he was looking for.
No matter how many he times he went up and down the narrow street, lined with the most impressive houses, number 34 was never found.
Number 33 and number 35 were discovered, but not number 34.
The mystery of the mandolin is set to continue.

But if the BBC need a reporter, from the scene of the city police station, he's right outside.

Naked Wife and Everest...

Since I last posted, Robin has been to many places, and carried out the first of his two concerts on the Queen Victoria.
This took place on Sunday whilst cruising the Ionian Sea and all went very well.
There was a good, and extremely appreciative audience, many of whom have been passing on some very nice comments.

This is all very helpful for Robin.
Now he is in his 4th week away from home he is rather travel weary, so to know that your music has been appreciated really makes a great difference.

Since the concert he has been to Aghios (Crete), Izmir (Turkey), and today, Athens (Greece).
So whilst Robin called me from one sunny destination after another, I escaped the rain, by checking out the latest Google searches.
I must say there have been some particularly amusing ones recently.
Here are a few:

'My wife nude on the QM2' - I really would like to know more about this one. I assure you that Robin was in no way involved with this incident, but as he will be joining the QM2 very soon, I shall ask him to investigate!

'Julian Bream's wife' - Sorry, you got the wrong guitarist.

'Robin Hill private bank' - I wish....

'Plastic making machine of Robin' - We've had lots of merchandise over the years but I'm pretty sure we have never made plastic Robin figures.

'Robin Hill jean weeks' - Neither do we have a line of designer jeans.

'Robin Hill and Everest' - Yes, Robin has travelled to most parts of the globe, but he has never performed a concert on Everest. Now there's a thought...

'Downside to being a musician' - If you're even asking that question then music isn't for you...

'Can musicians have children' - err, yes. We have living proof on that one.

'Robin's dark side' - I didn't know he had one.

So there we are, just a few randomly selected and quirky Google searches that have amused me recently.
Meanwhile, back out at sea, Robin performs his last concert of this trip tomorrow. So he has been rehearsing all day in preparation.
At least he won't be suffering with cold hands in the Mediterranean climate.
On second thoughts, maybe Everest isn't such a good idea.

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.

Prepare for 'Viva La Classica!' - Robin Hill and Izzy Cooper

Robin continues to be busy whilst away on the Queen Victoria.
He has made a quick visit to Gibraltar and is certainly enjoying the sunshine after a month at home, in which it rained constantly!

But he has to prepare for his second concert, which will be held tomorrow, so only allowed himself an hour or so on land, before returning to continue his rehearsals.

Robin is also putting the finishing touches to some arrangements for the very special concerts on the 27th and 28th of August, with Izzy Cooper, 'Viva La Classica!'

The programme is varied, and Robin has produced some fantastic arrangements, which compliment Izzy's voice beautifully.
Publicity is well under way over in Costa Blanca, as you can see in this interview with Izzy, by Jack Troughton, 'The Return of Izzy'.

It's an interesting article which tells you how the concerts came about, and some hints at the programme, which covers everything from 'Les Filles de Cadiz' by Leo Delibes, to Gypsy Kings!

Held in the gardens of Teulada's Salon El Canor, they will be two very special evenings.

Los Angeles at Last and the Professor Returns?

The Queen Victoria has arrived in Los Angeles and this is where Robin begins his long journey home.
During the last 1000 nautical miles, a recent message from him made me laugh.
He had been enjoying the late afternoon sunshine, relaxing on a lounger, and reading a book.
Robin had the feeling he was being watched so glanced up.
A group of passengers were standing nearby with a video camera trained on him.
Taking refuge behind his sunglasses he tried to carry on reading as if nothing was happening.
Not wanted to upset anyone he maintained his pose for several minutes.
At which point the group switched off the camera and moved on.
He doesn't mind this.
It's an honour that someone feels strongly enough about your performance that they want to capture you on film.
It's also a nice feeling to know that somewhere in the world, marked under 'Family Holiday Jan 2008', and consigned to the archives, is some footage of Robin reading a book.
You never know, it may even find its way onto a site like YouTube at some stage, with a title such as, 'Rare chance to see musician at rest'.

But this is where concerts on board cruise ships differ from those on land.
On land, after the event, and a certain amount of socialising, you are free to go. At this stage most musician will switch off and relax post concert.

On board ship it's different.
You are fairly anonymous until the first concert, and, after that, your movements tend to be monitored by many hundreds of guests.
In some ways it's very nice. You get to talk to some interesting people, and it's always an honour when someone takes the time to tell you how much they enjoyed your performance.
For the guests on board, they have an opportunity to meet artists, which wouldn't arise on land.

However, there must be times when Robin just wants to relax, this has been a 2 1/2 week trip, which is a long time to maintain your composure every single time you step out of your room.
So, I have come up with the solution.
Next trip I shall have to find room in his suitcase for his Professor disguise.
You can remind yourself of it here.
It may prove impractical in the blazing heat of some of his ventures, but, that's the price you pay for anonymity.

Sea, Strings and a New CD

I know it has all been rather light hearted recently, but behind the scenes, there's still a lot going on.
In the next few days we will be announcing the release of a new album. I'm very excited about this, so, keep checking in for more details.

But this blog is about the life of a musician, and many people enjoy seeing the places that Robin goes, the people that he meets, and the music that he plays.
It is after all his life at the moment.

Whilst Robin is away it can be difficult to keep up to date with what is actually going on, as there are many communication problems to overcome.
Frequently we are unable to talk via 'phone, although last night there was a bonus call, as the Queen Victoria was sailing only a mile off the coast of California, so we were able to get an intermittent signal.
He is sure that I have perfected the art of talking as if the line is breaking up. He swears that our conversations are always fine until he asks any taxing questions, at which point, "I...sorry....can't...he..ar..you".
I'm not so sure there isn't a little projection going on.

Also, email can be patchy.
Some days it's fine, other days no messages.
Add in a constantly changing time difference and you can see how it becomes difficult.

One message that did manage to make it, relates to a blog I did a long time ago, which has always been popular, 'The Many and Varied Uses of Savarez Guitar Strings'.

Here's another to add to the list.
Often in hotels, and on board ships, the clothes hangers are designed to only be used in the wardrobe. Understandably, they don't want everyone packing them and taking them home.
But it doesn't help if you want to dry a shirt in the bathroom. There's nothing to 'hook' it over the rail.

Answer: Savarez guitar strings, as demonstrated here:



Musicians have to be versatile.

Mad in Manzanillo

I'm beginning to think that Robin has spent too long on his own.
Without a concert to focus on he appears to be thinking about other projects.
Yesterday he was in Manzanillo, Mexico, and sent a selection of photographs.

The first was titled: 'The New Stage Boots'.



The Second: 'The Mexican Dresses'.



The third: 'The Bandstand'.



The message: "Where's the band?"

Either he feels the need to collaborate with some local musicians, or, the sun has finally got to him...
But, he does now have two days at sea, as the Queen Victoria makes her way to Los Angeles.
Hopefully a gentle breeze from the Pacific Ocean will help to clear his mind.
I do know that he is already thinking about programmes, for the next two overseas trips that he is making, and also running through some new pieces.
So maybe all is not lost.