Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Theatre 'Lend Me a Tenor' at London's Gielgud Theatre. It's hilarious from start to finish. Just what a musical comedy should be. Stunning score and terrific performances. A real shame that it closed so soon because nobody went to see it!
Music I am currently learning "Harmonielehre" by John Adams, Tchaikovsky's Violin Concerto, which I will perform with Andrew Haveron at a concert in Dublin, the Gershwin Piano Concerto, which I will perform with Artur Pizarro, and Vaughan Williams's 2nd Symphony. Plus, I am also preparing the music for the 'Hooray for Hollywood' tour, with the John Wilson Orchestra, next week.
Books 'Weekend Wodehouse' by P G Wodehouse is the most finely crafted prose I know. Had me laughing out loud on the Tube. 'Just My Type' is a fascinating guide to the importance of design and typefaces. Richard Morrison's 'Orchestra: The LSO – a Century of Triumph and Turbulence' is a gripping history of the LSO. I loved this book. I am fascinated by the history of English music making. This book is a triumphant story of the LSO's survival and the mighty figures who have populated the landscape of the orchestra from Elgar onwards.
Films At the moment I watch a lot of films, mainly on DVD as I can take them on the road with me. 'Best in Show' (below) is about a dog show (definitely one of the funniest things I have ever seen), 'Summer Heights High' (violently funny), 'The Complete Tales of the Unexpected' (a nostalgia trip). Next batch includes: 'Hot Fuzz', 'Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy', 'They Shoot Horses, Don't They?' and the first series of 'Family Guy'.
'That's Entertainment: A Celebration of the MGM Film Musical' is out now on EMI Classics. The John Wilson Orchestra tours from Monday. For information and tickets, www.johnwilsonorchestra.com
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments