Time to move?

[MrGongGong]

When the Wigmore Hall first opened (in the days when it was the Bechstein Hall before that seemed a bit too 'German') many of the concerts would start at 8.00pm and judging by the lengths of the programme would often go on past 11.00pm (and would often be a real mix of things "Mr Bartok's new string quartet followed by a comedy ventriloquist before mr Scriabin plays his new piano sonata" and so on). Some folks have been experimenting very successfully with concerts that start at 10:00 pm for folks who have different patterns of life from the 9.00 > 5.00.

The idea that people go to "work" in the day and finish at 5.00 is less and less applicable these days.

[Dave2002]

No, they don't, and indeed I like all but three on that list.

My two top hideous churches would find me ostracised. One is an internationally famous and very visible church erected (as was ND de Fourviere) in expiation of the "national sins" which caused the 1871 defeat, The other is a 20th century basilica and pilgrimage destination.

Lisieux?

[Alain Maréchal]

Yes. I think the Abadie work on Angouleme particularly unfortunate.

I confess I have never visited, but what I have seen in print is depressing.

Full marks to Dave2002 and Vinteuil. Some years ago I commuted weekly from St-Lazare to Caen, and was subjected to the depressing sight of Lisieux from the train.

[richardfinegold]

Very. They are recognisably still French in intonation, but like many orchestras try to sound international. Slatkin had a heart attack a few years ago, and is somewhat ponderous on the podium, but I have always considered him a reliable guide. Not every conductor is a superstar, nor is necessarily so, but he is a thorough musician. He yields the baguette at the end of this season, but his successor remains unannounced. Try to avoid the front rows - if the organ screens are closed the sound comes straight out and is fierce. Front circles are best.

There are many other events in the Auditorium, and the special joy is the frequent recitals on the Cavaille-Coll organ (don't try to stop me now!) built for the Trocadero, rebuilt in Palais de Chaillot, removed to Lyon and thoroughly restored after a campaign by Thierry Escaich. I will cease salivating.

Lyon is a wonderful city, as you know. No excuse to visit is needed. Just try to avoid accidentally seeing the monstrosity of ND de Fourviere on the hill. Wear blinkers, a cap, and never look up. Voted by me third most hideous church in France.

http://www.auditorium-lyon.com/

I only spent a day in Lyon, on my honeymoon 12 years ago, but my wife and I were bowled over and always talk about returning. I loved that Roman museum that was on the side of a hill