A quick pedal to the Musical Instrument Museum this lunchtime for a concert, Les Nations,  given by a group of students from the Conservatoire royal de Bruxelles, among them the daughter of a good friend. A mezzo-soprano, she sung some glorious Vivaldi (Motet Longe mala, umbrae, terrores – here’s another interpretation) in the second half of the concert. The first half was given over to Couperin, punctuated by readings from the letters of Montesquieu. It was all well done and a wonderfully refreshing break. (It reminded me that my parents, as penniless young lovebirds in London, had been enthusiastic lunchtime concert goers. Mental note to self – an experience to be repeated.) It is a special feeling when somebody you have known since they were a baby starts to become very good at something. Watch this space.