On my way to the Globe saw ,by chance,that the South Bank Sinfonia were giving a concert at St John`s Waterloo. I last bumped into them in the castle in Anghiari where they go every summer in the castle of our dear friend the Contessa Lucrezia in the castle where Michelangeli used to give his summer masterclasses. The most amazing coincidence was that they were being conducted by Paul Tortelier`s grandson Maxime. How many times Paul,Maude and Pau played for us in Rome and became close friends.He insisted on writing to the French President about peace .He wanted to send it via the Vatican post .He had just come from the USA where he had set his poem for piece to La Marseillaise.

There is Paul`s foto in prize of place on the theatre wall in Rome and many people used to ask if I was his son,such was the likeness. Now of course they ask if it is me! And the first thing Maxime exclaimed was how much my hair was like his grandfathers!

Very fine performances of Boulez Memoriale and Shostakovich`s 14th Symphony .Wonderful bass soloist in particular Jihoon Kim. All to be broadcast on Radio 3 tomorrow at 19.30. Looking forward to a repeat performance.