Last Friday we held the second of our now regular informal meet and mingle events. Around thirty members of Classical Partners met up for drinks and nibbles after work and of course to take the opportunity to meet other like minded people both for the first time and to catch up with old friends.
The informality of these events is proving very popular and will be continued in January.
As I left, I noticed that one couple who had met for the first time, were obviously enjoying each others company. Have they found romance? We will keep you updated.
If you would like to meet other music lovers have a look at our website.
Wednesday, 11 November 2009
Tuesday, 27 October 2009
Something's happening
There is something really good happening in Manchester. The wonderful BBC Philharmonic! When I enjoyed them at this year’s Proms under Sir Charles Mackerras I thought they were outstanding. Last Saturday, on home soil at the Bridgewater Hall they were simply tremendous. This time under the young Spanish conductor, Pablo Heras-Casado, who was making his debut with the orchestra, they were nothing short of world beating.
The orchestra play with a passion and intensity that makes the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end. In some concerts the music washes over you which is a pleasant enough experience, but with these players you are drawn in and made to feel a part of it. I am not a music critic, so I am not qualified to comment on the finer points of the playing, but so much that is great about classical music is in the emotions and feelings and boy do these guys deliver!
I had not come across Pablo Heras-Casado before but think Dudamel enlarged to twice the size and you will get some idea. He is a huge presence on the stage, immensely watchable with gentle but expressive hands.
Alban Gerhardt’s rendition of Dvorak’s Cello concerto in G minor was beautiful, despite the endpin of his cello taking on a life of its own during a sublime slow movement. It is a credit to him that the music did not suffer one bit as his instrument explored the podium.
What a shame then with all this wonderful music going on the hall was not full. The people of Manchester are missing out. The orchestra will be back at the Bridgewater Hall on 7 November, I urge you to find out for yourselves.
The orchestra play with a passion and intensity that makes the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end. In some concerts the music washes over you which is a pleasant enough experience, but with these players you are drawn in and made to feel a part of it. I am not a music critic, so I am not qualified to comment on the finer points of the playing, but so much that is great about classical music is in the emotions and feelings and boy do these guys deliver!
I had not come across Pablo Heras-Casado before but think Dudamel enlarged to twice the size and you will get some idea. He is a huge presence on the stage, immensely watchable with gentle but expressive hands.
Alban Gerhardt’s rendition of Dvorak’s Cello concerto in G minor was beautiful, despite the endpin of his cello taking on a life of its own during a sublime slow movement. It is a credit to him that the music did not suffer one bit as his instrument explored the podium.
What a shame then with all this wonderful music going on the hall was not full. The people of Manchester are missing out. The orchestra will be back at the Bridgewater Hall on 7 November, I urge you to find out for yourselves.
Tuesday, 29 September 2009
Gastronomic Weekend
Last weekend a group of Classical Partners spent the weekend enjoying the delights of the charming medieval town of Pézenas in Southern France.
Leaving behind the inevitable queues of catching a flight at Gatwick, we came out into the warm sunshine in Montpellier to be greeted by our coach driver for the short transfer to Pézenas.
The Hotel Genieys in Pézenas is located just a stroll from the historic town centre and has all the charm of a French provincial 2* hotel. Clean and comfortable with the obligatory suspect plumbing which it has to be said performed faultlessly all weekend if somewhat noisily. After checking in, since we did not have our first gastronomic spectacular booked until 8.00pm, it was time to explore! Some headed for the cafes in the square, with the somewhat weak excuse that they wanted to have a look at the statue of Moliere. Others set off to explore the labyrinthine medieval streets of Pézenas.
Later that evening we set off for our first gourmet experience at Restaurant L’entre pots. From the outside it looked like nothing special, but once inside it was fabulous. We had a big room to ourselves and the walls were decorated with pictures by local artist Filipo whose studio we visited the next day. The food was exceptional; I particularly enjoyed the Pavé de thon accompanied by a fine local Chardonnay.
On Saturday morning Pézenas hosts a superb market. As you would expect there are stalls for every type of local produce imaginable as well as clothes. There were also street musicians and someone with a miniature pot-bellied pig on a lead.
After a couple of hours enjoying the market, it was back on the coach to visit the Domaine de l’Arjolle for a wine tasting and lunch. We were met by the Proprietor Mr Teisserenc outside next to the Chateau de Margon where he showed us his fermenting vessels. Then we moved on to the vineyards to see the vines and taste some Merlot grapes that were due to be picked in a day or two. They were so sweet and plump, Mr Teisserenc thinks 2009 will be a very good year. Anne’s car fell in a ditch so we had to push it out and we had not even started the wine tasting! Then it was back to the cave for the tasting. We tried five different single grape wines accompanied by local charcuteries made by our chef for the day. He also produced a selection of hors d’oeuvres to enjoy on the terrace with Mr Teisserenc’s sparkling methode champenoise. Everyone’s favourite was the miniature Crème brûlée with foie gras. Our caterer then barbecued some scrumptious lamb steaks. What a great way to spend a Saturday morning. Interesting wines, good food, good company in a superb location.
Leaving behind the inevitable queues of catching a flight at Gatwick, we came out into the warm sunshine in Montpellier to be greeted by our coach driver for the short transfer to Pézenas.
The Hotel Genieys in Pézenas is located just a stroll from the historic town centre and has all the charm of a French provincial 2* hotel. Clean and comfortable with the obligatory suspect plumbing which it has to be said performed faultlessly all weekend if somewhat noisily. After checking in, since we did not have our first gastronomic spectacular booked until 8.00pm, it was time to explore! Some headed for the cafes in the square, with the somewhat weak excuse that they wanted to have a look at the statue of Moliere. Others set off to explore the labyrinthine medieval streets of Pézenas.
Later that evening we set off for our first gourmet experience at Restaurant L’entre pots. From the outside it looked like nothing special, but once inside it was fabulous. We had a big room to ourselves and the walls were decorated with pictures by local artist Filipo whose studio we visited the next day. The food was exceptional; I particularly enjoyed the Pavé de thon accompanied by a fine local Chardonnay.
On Saturday morning Pézenas hosts a superb market. As you would expect there are stalls for every type of local produce imaginable as well as clothes. There were also street musicians and someone with a miniature pot-bellied pig on a lead.
After a couple of hours enjoying the market, it was back on the coach to visit the Domaine de l’Arjolle for a wine tasting and lunch. We were met by the Proprietor Mr Teisserenc outside next to the Chateau de Margon where he showed us his fermenting vessels. Then we moved on to the vineyards to see the vines and taste some Merlot grapes that were due to be picked in a day or two. They were so sweet and plump, Mr Teisserenc thinks 2009 will be a very good year. Anne’s car fell in a ditch so we had to push it out and we had not even started the wine tasting! Then it was back to the cave for the tasting. We tried five different single grape wines accompanied by local charcuteries made by our chef for the day. He also produced a selection of hors d’oeuvres to enjoy on the terrace with Mr Teisserenc’s sparkling methode champenoise. Everyone’s favourite was the miniature Crème brûlée with foie gras. Our caterer then barbecued some scrumptious lamb steaks. What a great way to spend a Saturday morning. Interesting wines, good food, good company in a superb location.
We weren’t finished yet. That evening we had another spectacular meal booked back in Pézenas at the Après le Déluge. We sat on the terrace surrounded by greenery and enjoyed six courses again accompanied by several suitable local wines.
All the local arrangements were made by Anne de Ravel who I can not praise highly enough. Should you want to find out about the cuisine of this area she can be contacted through her website http://www.saveurlanguedoc.com/
In the past, the highpoint of a Classical Partners visit to Europe has been an opera evening. This is the first time we have focused solely on food and wine - and judging by the response we may have to do this again!
All the local arrangements were made by Anne de Ravel who I can not praise highly enough. Should you want to find out about the cuisine of this area she can be contacted through her website http://www.saveurlanguedoc.com/
In the past, the highpoint of a Classical Partners visit to Europe has been an opera evening. This is the first time we have focused solely on food and wine - and judging by the response we may have to do this again!
Monday, 27 July 2009
Sir Charles brings Joy
What a fantastic concert on Saturday at the Albert Hall. I realised that I should have referred to it as roast beef when I mentioned I was looking forward to all the meat in the programme after the insubstantial first night.
A group of Classical Partners met before the concert for a very enjoyable meal in Cafe Consort. Who on earth thought it would be a good idea to close the Elgar Restaurant for refurbishment during the Proms?
Then it was on to the music:
Elgar's "Cockaigne" set the tone for this evening of English music. Unmistakeably English, unmistakeably Elgar with just a touch of Wagner. A slightly sugar coated view of London in the early part of the last century but I like a bit of optimism.
Next we had Delius, The Song of the High Hills. For me this turned into the highlight of the evening. For about twenty minutes I was no longer in the Albert Hall but was transported to the great outdoors and revelled in sharing Delius' love of nature. How strange that this man could claim to loathe England and yet write something as pastoral as this. I have never been to Norway but based on this, a visit is long overdue.
Holst's The Planets was quite simply stunning. Despite the familiarity of the piece it was performed with a freshness that enlivened the whole audience. Venus in particular raised my spirits.
Hats off to the often overlooked provincial BBC Philharmonic whose vituosity was outstanding and to Sir Charles Mackerras in particular whose understated performance brought a great deal of joy to this member of the audience.
A group of Classical Partners met before the concert for a very enjoyable meal in Cafe Consort. Who on earth thought it would be a good idea to close the Elgar Restaurant for refurbishment during the Proms?
Then it was on to the music:
Elgar's "Cockaigne" set the tone for this evening of English music. Unmistakeably English, unmistakeably Elgar with just a touch of Wagner. A slightly sugar coated view of London in the early part of the last century but I like a bit of optimism.
Next we had Delius, The Song of the High Hills. For me this turned into the highlight of the evening. For about twenty minutes I was no longer in the Albert Hall but was transported to the great outdoors and revelled in sharing Delius' love of nature. How strange that this man could claim to loathe England and yet write something as pastoral as this. I have never been to Norway but based on this, a visit is long overdue.
Holst's The Planets was quite simply stunning. Despite the familiarity of the piece it was performed with a freshness that enlivened the whole audience. Venus in particular raised my spirits.
Hats off to the often overlooked provincial BBC Philharmonic whose vituosity was outstanding and to Sir Charles Mackerras in particular whose understated performance brought a great deal of joy to this member of the audience.
Wednesday, 22 July 2009
The Proms are here
At last summer's here and the Proms are underway. Actually summer starts with Wimbledon but that is a distant memory now along with a glimpse of the sun.
I never intended to go to the first night. The programme did not appeal. I did however watch the whole thing on the TV. I can only assume that the programme was an attempt to please all of the people all of the time. As any sane person knows this is never possible and was certainly not achieved in Prom 1. Bits of it were OK but there was no meat in this particular sandwich.
The worst thing though was having to put up with Mr Anderson on the TV. First off someone needs to explain the difference between a violin and viola to him. Secondly his flustered buffoonery is just fine for one of the many very good panel games he appears on but is not right here. Or am I alone in this?
Well, that is as good a reason as any for going along in person to experience it all live. See you there on Saturday. I can not wait for the Holst, there is plenty of meat in that!
I never intended to go to the first night. The programme did not appeal. I did however watch the whole thing on the TV. I can only assume that the programme was an attempt to please all of the people all of the time. As any sane person knows this is never possible and was certainly not achieved in Prom 1. Bits of it were OK but there was no meat in this particular sandwich.
The worst thing though was having to put up with Mr Anderson on the TV. First off someone needs to explain the difference between a violin and viola to him. Secondly his flustered buffoonery is just fine for one of the many very good panel games he appears on but is not right here. Or am I alone in this?
Well, that is as good a reason as any for going along in person to experience it all live. See you there on Saturday. I can not wait for the Holst, there is plenty of meat in that!
Friday, 10 July 2009
The C word
Once you have decided what you want from a relationship the next step is to do something about it…. But what?
If you are not in a relationship and would like to be you have to confront the first of the big C words. Change. There is another C word that comes later on but we do not need to worry about that now. If you want to find a relationship you have to change something. If you continue with your day to day life exactly as you have for the last x years during which time you did not find someone, chances are you will still not find someone if you simply carry on as before.
Finding your perfect partner is a little bit like the Lottery. If you don’t own a ticket you haven’t got a chance of winning. If you buy a ticket at least you are in the game. So how do you get into the relationship “game”?
Consider changing your daily routine. If you take the bus instead of the usual train home you will meet a different set of people. Instead of watching an old movie on the TV try going to one in a cinema. It is up to you if you decide to engage with the new people you encounter. If you have a hobby that you are enthusiastic about, join a club and share that enthusiasm.
You might consider joining one of the numerous internet dating agencies. These definitely work for some people. But it’s a bit like buying a huge number of tickets for the Lottery; you will have to spend an awful lot of time checking your tickets to see if you have won. I have friends who have met this way, but I’ve also heard from many people that they could not get along with internet dating sites. My personal view is that relationships are personal things and the internet, for all its benefits, is not a personal medium. If you want to buy something or find some information the internet is the place to look. Perhaps that why it was known as the information superhighway? For personal relationships I’m not so sure.
There are also the dating sections of newspapers. Much like the internet, they do work for some people. You will need to give a lot of thought to the advertisement you place: it needs to stand out from the crowd but not make you sound too off the wall. You also need to understand the costs: you will have to pick up your replies by calling a premium rate phone line and the costs can mount up very quickly.
An alternative would be to join an introduction agency, but please do your research, there are some rogues out there. It’s a good idea to make sure any agency you approach is a member of ABIA (Association of British Introduction Agencies), have a look at their website http://www.abia.org.uk/ or give them a ring on 020 8742 0386. They have a listing of members along with the services offered and the costs. Make sure you choose one that is right for you. Obviously there is no point in joining an agency that specialises in an area that is of little interest to you. Another thing to remember is that “traditional” agencies work in a very different way to the internet based ones. From the internet you are likely to receive hundreds of (un-vetted) contacts and it is up to you to go through them. A traditional agency on the other hand will take into consideration all the information you have supplied to them and select someone from their membership who they think you would really like to meet. This is why it is so important for you to know what you want before you start. It is a slower and more focused approach.
I am of course biased, as I run Classical Partners, a traditional agency, but I have tried to offer honest view of the different options you have based on my experience of speaking to and meeting many unattached men and women looking for love. Not surprisingly, there is no single right way to go about finding a relationship. The solution very much depends on you. This is the main thing you have to understand, whichever way you choose to go about it the outcome depends on your actions. So confront the C word: be positive, enjoy yourself and you will make progress. Good luck.
If you are not in a relationship and would like to be you have to confront the first of the big C words. Change. There is another C word that comes later on but we do not need to worry about that now. If you want to find a relationship you have to change something. If you continue with your day to day life exactly as you have for the last x years during which time you did not find someone, chances are you will still not find someone if you simply carry on as before.
Finding your perfect partner is a little bit like the Lottery. If you don’t own a ticket you haven’t got a chance of winning. If you buy a ticket at least you are in the game. So how do you get into the relationship “game”?
Consider changing your daily routine. If you take the bus instead of the usual train home you will meet a different set of people. Instead of watching an old movie on the TV try going to one in a cinema. It is up to you if you decide to engage with the new people you encounter. If you have a hobby that you are enthusiastic about, join a club and share that enthusiasm.
You might consider joining one of the numerous internet dating agencies. These definitely work for some people. But it’s a bit like buying a huge number of tickets for the Lottery; you will have to spend an awful lot of time checking your tickets to see if you have won. I have friends who have met this way, but I’ve also heard from many people that they could not get along with internet dating sites. My personal view is that relationships are personal things and the internet, for all its benefits, is not a personal medium. If you want to buy something or find some information the internet is the place to look. Perhaps that why it was known as the information superhighway? For personal relationships I’m not so sure.
There are also the dating sections of newspapers. Much like the internet, they do work for some people. You will need to give a lot of thought to the advertisement you place: it needs to stand out from the crowd but not make you sound too off the wall. You also need to understand the costs: you will have to pick up your replies by calling a premium rate phone line and the costs can mount up very quickly.
An alternative would be to join an introduction agency, but please do your research, there are some rogues out there. It’s a good idea to make sure any agency you approach is a member of ABIA (Association of British Introduction Agencies), have a look at their website http://www.abia.org.uk/ or give them a ring on 020 8742 0386. They have a listing of members along with the services offered and the costs. Make sure you choose one that is right for you. Obviously there is no point in joining an agency that specialises in an area that is of little interest to you. Another thing to remember is that “traditional” agencies work in a very different way to the internet based ones. From the internet you are likely to receive hundreds of (un-vetted) contacts and it is up to you to go through them. A traditional agency on the other hand will take into consideration all the information you have supplied to them and select someone from their membership who they think you would really like to meet. This is why it is so important for you to know what you want before you start. It is a slower and more focused approach.
I am of course biased, as I run Classical Partners, a traditional agency, but I have tried to offer honest view of the different options you have based on my experience of speaking to and meeting many unattached men and women looking for love. Not surprisingly, there is no single right way to go about finding a relationship. The solution very much depends on you. This is the main thing you have to understand, whichever way you choose to go about it the outcome depends on your actions. So confront the C word: be positive, enjoy yourself and you will make progress. Good luck.
Thursday, 25 June 2009
You have to know what you want.
Up until now this blog has been simply to share a review of the varied types of events that we organise. Now, I think it is time to give an insight into the other areas that we here at Classical Partners get involved with on a daily basis.
Since we are an introduction agency, the main thing people who come to us are looking for is a relationship. It may be only four syllables but it can mean so many different things.
We always ask clients what they are looking for in a relationship and not surprisingly we get answers like: companionship, a sole mate, someone to share my life with, sex, mutual support, stability, and compassion are all things that crop up time and time again and can mean different things to different people.
The first thing you have to come to terms with is that men and women are different. The 2008 Great Male Survey carried out by askmen.com and its partner the 2008 Great Female Survey show some interesting results that largely reinforce the commonly held stereotypes, for example 29% of men would like to change their female partner’s sexual appetite, the figure for women is just 12%. The survey leaves you to draw your own conclusions as to which direction they want to change it in! Once you accept some of the differences between the sexes it is easier to see that what they are searching for in a relationship may be different.
Initially this makes it seem like there is no hope for a successful relationship between the sexes but history has shown that this is most definitely not the case. Luckily there are lots of people who do not conform to the commonly held stereotypes. The trick is to find someone who shares your relationship requirements. Even Carrie Bradshaw and Mr Big managed it in the end.
The first step to achieving this is to understand your own needs. After all it is much easier to find something if you know what it is you are looking for. Do you want someone who is always at your side? Some people will find this too confining. I know people who have very happy and fulfilling relationships who do not live together and have separate social lives. Yet they holiday together and have a healthy sex life. Which approach is right for you? For most people the answer will lie somewhere in between these two extremes.
If your relationship needs are to be met, the partner must be aware of what they are. You have to let them know what these needs are. It is important to communicate openly or your partner will be left guessing, so let them know your needs, and let them tell you theirs. It will not be surprising for you both to discover that often your needs are quite different.
Here at Classical Partners we try very hard to get people to understand their requirements even though this may be difficult. I am sure the same is true for the other Agencies that are members of ABIA. Our clients need to tell us what they are looking for. In order to do this they must first to think about it and if they are honest with themselves we can be very successful at finding them the person they can have a relationship with.
Since we are an introduction agency, the main thing people who come to us are looking for is a relationship. It may be only four syllables but it can mean so many different things.
We always ask clients what they are looking for in a relationship and not surprisingly we get answers like: companionship, a sole mate, someone to share my life with, sex, mutual support, stability, and compassion are all things that crop up time and time again and can mean different things to different people.
The first thing you have to come to terms with is that men and women are different. The 2008 Great Male Survey carried out by askmen.com and its partner the 2008 Great Female Survey show some interesting results that largely reinforce the commonly held stereotypes, for example 29% of men would like to change their female partner’s sexual appetite, the figure for women is just 12%. The survey leaves you to draw your own conclusions as to which direction they want to change it in! Once you accept some of the differences between the sexes it is easier to see that what they are searching for in a relationship may be different.
Initially this makes it seem like there is no hope for a successful relationship between the sexes but history has shown that this is most definitely not the case. Luckily there are lots of people who do not conform to the commonly held stereotypes. The trick is to find someone who shares your relationship requirements. Even Carrie Bradshaw and Mr Big managed it in the end.
The first step to achieving this is to understand your own needs. After all it is much easier to find something if you know what it is you are looking for. Do you want someone who is always at your side? Some people will find this too confining. I know people who have very happy and fulfilling relationships who do not live together and have separate social lives. Yet they holiday together and have a healthy sex life. Which approach is right for you? For most people the answer will lie somewhere in between these two extremes.
If your relationship needs are to be met, the partner must be aware of what they are. You have to let them know what these needs are. It is important to communicate openly or your partner will be left guessing, so let them know your needs, and let them tell you theirs. It will not be surprising for you both to discover that often your needs are quite different.
Here at Classical Partners we try very hard to get people to understand their requirements even though this may be difficult. I am sure the same is true for the other Agencies that are members of ABIA. Our clients need to tell us what they are looking for. In order to do this they must first to think about it and if they are honest with themselves we can be very successful at finding them the person they can have a relationship with.
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