Warm greetings to you all and I hope you are doing well throughout this unusual period. It is heartening to know that, despite the physical distance, we are still very much in each other’s thoughts and united as a family.

Throughout this time I have been living quite simply and much of my inspiration has come through the unfolding spring life taking place around me – the trees of Greyfriars Kirkyard coming into leaf, the appearance of golden-yellow gorse on Blackford Hill, the cherry blossoms coming into bloom on The Meadows, and the birds singing outside my window. I feel fortunate to live in such beautiful surroundings.

Music has continued to provide a source of happiness for me. It has been lovely to hear so many online offerings from musicians all over the world. I have particularly enjoyed the contributions of my colleagues in the SCO and thank you so much for your generous feedback and encouragement. I have had the opportunity to make friends with a new instrument – the chalumeau. It was developed in the late Baroque era and is the predecessor of the modern-day clarinet. I have been enjoying exploring its soothing tonal qualities. We were due to be using these instruments in March in a Baroque programme with Maxim.

I share a flat with my husband Sky, and we have been enjoying cooking (he has introduced some new dishes), practising yoga and meditation, and occasionally playing table tennis. He is a wonderful dancer and has introduced me to some online dance improvisation classes. It has been lovely to keep in touch with friends and family through online means.

Warmest wishes once more and looking forward to the time when we can enjoy concerts in the same room again!

William

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