Atmosphere and Execution
21 – 27 March 2026
Saturday 21 March
A short ferry ride from Buenos Aires, across the Río de la Plata, lies the picturesque Colonia del Sacramento, one of Uruguay’s oldest towns, whose Barrio Histórico takes visitors back to the late-17th-century Portuguese settlement. Century-old trees and quaint houses create a charming, slightly otherworldly atmosphere.
Back to Paris by plane
Monday 23 March
Paris, Théâtre des Champs-Élysées • The City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra led by Kazuki Yamada opened with a rarely performed ceremonial work, Walton’s Orb and Sceptre, composed for Queen Elizabeth II’s Coronation, and more than slightly reminiscent of Elgar’s Pomp and Circumstance. A disappointing, slightly muddy execution of Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 1 by pianist Bruce Liu was followed by a generous, if not entirely polished, reading of Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition, in Ravel’s sumptuous, colourful, and witty orchestration.
Tuesday 24 March
Paris, Palais-Garnier • A balletic double bill entitled Empreintes never quite took flight. Yet the second piece, Étude by Marcos Morau, distinguished itself through wit and playfulness, and by offering an exciting perspective on the magnificent Foyer de la danse located at the back of the stage — once the site of dealings that would be frowned upon today.
Friday 27 March
To London by train
London, Theatre Royal Haymarket • The musical adaptation of the 2012 hit novel The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry proved that a strong directorial vision, supported by a committed cast, can save a mediocre show. The overly melodramatic story somehow felt both implausible and predictable, yet the evident affection for the material shown by the creative team resulted in a beautiful, and at times moving, experience. A special mention for Jenna Russell, an actress of many talents, who proved instrumental to the show’s mood.
And so, for now, the lights dim… until the next act.