GRIT

An early trip to North Berwick in the morning to hear Maggie O’Farrell talk about her latest book The Marriage Portrait which I’m four chapters in and already loving after devouring Hamnet. Daughter is doing her advance higher English on Hamnet so although started grumpy became enthralled by the genius that is M O’F.
Then home, dumped car, jumped train to join Mother to head up the toon toon to the Bandstand to see the finale of the opening weekend of the International Festival.
Did not know what to expect but blown away with our luck. Virtually frontand centreto see and hear the phenomenal GRIT orchestra comprising every instrument in a maybe 120 strong orchestra or more.The conductor, Greg Lawson, led us all through brass bands, bagpipes, Celtic sorrow, Swiss cow calls amazing voices and had the crowd joining in too. Breathtaking even when the rain came down and simultaneously we all reached for our hoods and brollies. And we were treated to a spine chilling and thrilling violin solo from Festival Director, Nicola Benedetti.
My gob was well and truly smacked so lucky to be there on a whim and great to share with my mum, though not sure if she knew what was going on. Perhaps a bit modern.
Sun came out as we got off the train so Alandas it was for tea.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?utm_campaign=831382_2023-Festival-Week-One-Newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Edinburgh+International+Festival&dm_i=6VLZ%2CHTHY%2C5RZW0%2C28Z3H%2C1&v=L9ECtBWOxVw&feature=youtu.be