We were drawn to a lunchtime piano recital in Winchester Cathedral last week. As we arrived early, Ray found two seats at the end of a row where I always like to be. I had taken my little RX100 with me and went off to take a few photos around the cathedral and in the crypt.
A prayer or two was said before the recital began which we have not previously experienced at lunchtime concerts - but, after all, we were in a cathedral. The pianist, Paul Turner, was introduced. I thought he looked so debonair.
Paul, in turn introduced the music he would play: the original version for piano of Mussorgsky's 'Pictures at an Exhibition'. He presented the different sections such as 'The Gnome' and 'Ballet of Unhatched Chicks'. The playing was spellbinding: I learnt from the programme that Paul has worked with eminent musicians and played at leading venues both at home and abroad.
As the recital finished I had the idea of asking for a portrait photo, if I could manage to do this discreetly. I set up my little Sony up with the settings I have used before for portraits and was ready to approach the pianist quickly.
First, an encore, unusual for an hour long recital. Paul was just setting up a small table with some CDs for sale as I reached him and made my request.
He was quite happy and I asked him to move a little to his right so I had a background of a stone pillar. I asked if it was alright to put a photo online and he agreed but said he would like to see it first.
Neither of us had a pen to write with or paper to write on so I showed him the photos on the camera screen and he approved and said it was not then necessary to send anything to him.
From the programme notes, I discovered that Paul Turner is an honours graduate, and an elected Associate, of the Royal Academy of Music. He has won many prizes and awards including the Queen's Commendation for Excellence.
As we left the cathedral, I realised that I had forgotten to purchase a CD so hopefully I'll do that online.
more portraits here:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/150442566@N07/albums/72157674948019094
Thank you, Pat. I guess that having reached portrait no.117 I have lost any inhibitions that I ever had - and so few people have refused me.
Free but donations.