Diary of a Culture Hedonist

I thought I was going to write about how Amanda Roocroft gave a fab performance of the title role Jenůfa , or how well the orchestra played the often demanding Janáček's score can be. But no, it's far more exciting telling you how - during the interval, the stage crew positioned the necessary props onto the front of the stage area, and I noticed the safety curtain was slowly coming down (often the case for safety purposes) thinking "I hope they realise the new props are in the way". Oh no, they did not. The safety curtain continued its journey and we heard a horrific ripping / crashing noise as it started to chop into the stage prop demolishing half of it like a guillotine! Those who remained in the auditorium had their jaws on the floor - and then there was nothing, nobody came out for a good 5 minutes while we all pondered what's going to happen next. Eventually, the stage hands raised the safety curtain, dragged the chopped of bits of staging in and no d...

A fairly recent phenomenon - the Frieze Art Fair in Regent's Park brought the best of contemporary art to London in mid Autumn. The big name galleries were all present - though in much smaller scale compared to Art Basel. Good presentation of what's out there - though there weren't any new or exciting direction. Apparently, it costs around US$100,000 to put a show up if you are not locally based.

Kurt Masur brings his immense knowledge and understanding of the German Romantic movement to his interpretation of Brahms A German Requiem. If you can put aside the acoustic challenges that St Paul's Cathedral imposes and minor orchestral and choral imperfections, this performance had depth and soul. Kurt Masur conductor Janice Watson soprano Alastair Miles baritone London Philharmonic Orchestra & Choir

This will be my third "early" opera in a month. Having seen Janáček's Osud and Puccini's Le villi a couple of weeks ago, I went to the first performance of Mozart's La finta giardiniera at the Royal Opera last night. It was definitely the best of the three. The set (see above) was suitably simple and clean - with a real fountain and a stream of water towards the pit area. Robert Murray's Count Belfiore and Patrizia Biccirè's Serpetta were both strong in voice as well as acting. Sir John Eliot Gardiner and the English Baroque Soloists were on good form - projecting a forward and eager sound. The music itself is interesting - in that you are listening to ideas and themes that will manifest into the mature operas such as Idomeneo, Figaro and Don Diovanni. Though don't expect to be wowed by the music - this is still early Mozart (K 196) along the lines of the very early piano concerti and sonatas.

The restaurant is one week old, but Joel Robuchon's latest venture L'atelier in Covent Garden already feels like an institution. My fellow diners felt at home and lively conversations could be heard around us. Effectively combining the eating styles of Japanese Sushi bar, Spanish tapas and French haute cuisine could be a tall order. Yet L'atelier has risen to the challenge. The Menu Découverture turned out to be an exciting and balanced menu - and one has to give them credit for serving this 7 course meal in 90 minutes without feeling rushed. What was enjoyable? Everything was lovely, but particularly the Scottish scallops - just lightly cooked and dressed in seaweed scented butter. What was not enjoyable? Worry about the rest of London descending to West Street.

One can find Wiener Schnitzel everywhere in Vienna, but Landtmann's was not bad at all: the veal chop was evidently laboured and flattened to an enormous size, then deep fried to give that golder colour. It's simple yet very enjoyable. My dining companions had what looked like classic bolito misto which was light and flavourful accompanied by the classic sausa verde. What was enjoyable? The casual dining environment especially when the sun was shining. What was not enjoyable? Nothing really.

One can certainly Over Do art in Vienna. The beauty of the Liechtenstein Museum is its fine collection of paintings and architectural features within a manageable space. The building had been lovingly refurbished while the art works and exhibits were beautifully presented. Like Galleria Borghese in Rome, one can spend a leisurely morning strolling through the library and rooms without feeling pressured (unlike Musée du Louvre ). If you have time, enjoy a cup of cafe melange in the court yard.