I spent part of Tuesday afternoon standing under the Waterloo railway bridge watching Tasmin Little playing Vivaldi and shouting "Give us a copper!" to the passing builders - and (above) performing 'Happy Birthday' for a celebrating child. Yes, the boss asked us to do a London edition of the Washington Post/Josh Bell experience - and it was fascinating to see where the results were similar and where they differed. Although the actual statistics were in the same general ball park, we found the experience anything but relentlessly depressing.
Londoners like music, their children really love it and many people knew they were hearing something special. I think they just didn't want to have to pay for it.
Read all about it in today's Independent, here.
BTW, the coverline is FIDDLER ON THE HOOF. But guess which musical, opening in May, is advertised on the back?!? I'm assured that this is complete coincidence.
4 comments:
The independent website is an exercise in patience, trying to read the article. Good to hear about the young people's interest - but busking in a red leather coat? Puleeeeze! My son still made more than that playing Scottish fiddle tunes - 12 years ago!
If you persist with the article, you'll see that the red leather coat only went on for the final 15 minutes or so, and only because it was freezing cold in the tunnel. Most of the time, she wore a grey fleece. The coat drew more looks, but not more cash!
have uploaded extra pic showing grey fleece.
Again with the Bach Chaconne! It's possibly my favorite piece ever, but not one I'd choose to hear while running to the train. That's like eating a fine gourmet meal while sitting in the stands at a baseball game. Sometimes a hot dog (Happy Birthday) is right for the moment.
Post a Comment