Organ Recital

We had ourselves an almost 'Free' day, taking the bus through to Glasgow and to Kelvingrove for the free daily organ recital at 1pm, followed by a wander round the museum.

The organist today was Andrew Forbes, Director of Music at Glasgow Cathedral. He also chairs Scotland's Churches Trust's music forum and is a founder member of Sowne of Organe, a project surveying Scotland's most significant historic organs. I enjoyed watching the closed-circuit videos on the screens of the manuals and pedalboard, to fully appreciate his dexterity in performing.

I sat beside a lady from Italy, who had merely rested on the comfortable seat, not knowing of the recital but was delighted at the opportunity to add to her experience. She and a colleague were English teachers escorting Spanish students on a visit to Glasgow while staying in Edinburgh. We discussed the weather, of course, agreeing that the only way to ensure comfort is to wear layers of clothes that can be added or removed depending on circumstances - however, she told me that back home in Naples the temperature was 42°C and she was not sure any layers were suitable to cope with that!

Through the windows overlooking the car park and 'Filming In Progress', we could see several people standing round and a camera pointed at an old Citroen snack van, with a boom mic held aloft. I have no idea for what programme this might be relevant but it probably represents a few seconds in the final cut.

Our only expense was in the cafe, for a shared sandwich pack and bun, with coffee in our Keep Cups to save a biodegradable cup or the £1 deposit on a return cup, all representing quality and value.

The bus connections were well-timed and we we lucky to have front-row upper deck seats there and back. A jolly day out and not a drop of rain on our heads.