The concert itself varied between being awesome and awful, with many of the rearrangements sounding a little bit like Disney reworkings of famous carols. The absolute highlight though was the Royal Philharmonic's interpretation of Tchaikovsky's famous nutcracker suite that played into the interval. Sensational :)
Having never been to the Albert Hall before it was amazing to be inside and see the grand interior, with two enormous Christmas trees to the sides of the stage. The acoustics are also fantastic, with even the quietest parts of the music coming to the very back of the nosebleeds (where I was seated) with astonishing clarity. Obviously not something I can recommend that you all attend, as it's already finished, but if you see a good classical concert advertised there I would urge you to sample it.
So it's now Christmas eve. I hope that all your shopping is done, your presents are wrapped, and you are chilled and ready for some quality time with your families. To put you in the festive mood, here is a gorgeous picture of a Christmas tree.
So Merry Christmas to you all. I hope to be back before the new year with some kind of arbitrary list. Be safe and have fun!
