Dear Paul,

I also saw "Les Miserables," some years ago
and we did have tickets to "The Lion King,"
for Sydney. We were driving from Melbourne
and were half way to Sydney when I became ill
and had to turn around and come back to
Melbourne. I gave our tickets away to a
mother and daughter we met at our motel - who
were on their way to Sydney. We heard from them
later - and they loved the show.

I would love to see it - as its now coming to
Melbounre - but I don't dare suggest it to my
husband - he's still upset over what happened
previously - but I'm sure you'll enjoy it!

Ludwig,
no, I haven't had anything to do with mejico ever, I just happen to find their spanish beat, trumpets & accordeons rather stimulating. The germans have some really great music & songs too, not that lederhosen clapping type stuff. Type in Freddy Quinn & the Wolgalied etc. or the gorgeous french Mirelle Matthieu (Vladimir Putin's favourite) & her song La Mer. Ronnie Berger & Sierra Madre del Sur. Then there was ABBA's Sydney recording with I have a dream etc. All great stuff !

Ludwig,
I almost forgot the late Ivan Rebroff who sang 4½ octaves & his rendition of the Legend of the twelve robbers is one of the best.

I forgot to add the violin virtuoso -
Andre Rieu to the list. His concerts -
including the -
"Under The Stars," series - are simply
uplifting and awesome.

Dear Individual,

I've inherited a stack of Ivan Rebroff's records
from my mum. They were consistently played in our
home. We got to see the man in person during his
concert tours in Australia. He came to Melbourne
and gave a concert at Hamer Hall. A consummate
performer and showman with an amazing range to his
voice. His trademark Cossack hat, brightly coloured
peasnant garb and fur greatcoat - quite a presence on
stage. "Moscow Nights," and "Kalinka..." are among
the favourites

'afternoon to you WM TREVOR...

Those two renditions are truly evocative and poignant, particular that of Ms Inessa GALANTA and the boy soprano LIBERA. The latter I've not heard of previously. And it's very true, a great voice together with a beautiful melody does make one's hair rise on the back of the neck !

Andrew Lloyd WEBBER and his collaboration with any competent musician makes for some beautiful music for sure. I don't know about anyone else herein, I often hear a melody or some classical movement and I've no idea what it is, either the composer nor the singer, the musician or the orchestra ? It's really quite disappointing when you hear some beautifully haunting music, without having any idea about it ?

So as you can well see HASBEEN, there's nothing remotely akin to 'highbrow' about me, my good colleague in arms ? Quite the contrary believe me, I'm strictly the public bar type !

I've seen a few ballets over the years, but despite appreciating the music and the spectacle or the extravaganza, of something like 'Swan Lake', I don't harbour the same level of enthusiasm for classical ballet as I do for music per se including opera, but NOT operetta similar to Gilbert and Sullivan and similar.

But if I were much, much younger, I'd love to acquaint myself with the nuances of classical ballet, whilst in the company of a 'prima ballerina' !

Hi Foxy,
Great to see someone else knew about him. I spent quite a few hours with him having dinner & drinks & during our yarning he told me that the best hall he'd ever performed in was the Workers club in Mount Isa, he said it had the best accoustic.
He really had a beautiful powerful voice & his breath control was simply amazing.
Raskolnikov is my favourite of his songs.