Cecelia Hall (Teseo) and Renée Tatum (Medea)

So we are getting the picture - this beautiful production of Teseo is taking shape as we add elements each day.  I was at the Continuo Dress rehearsal this afternoon and then had to leave for the Northwestern University Concerto/Aria competition. Tomorrow we have two sessions on stage with full orchestra.  I love Handel - I hope our public will too.  We have a treat in store for them. 

We are so fortunate that in the last 25 years or so a way has been found to make these extraordinary operas work.  We have to thank above all Nicholas Hytner, Peter Sellars and the Aldens.  Their successors are, among others, David McVicar and now our gifted young director James Darrah.

It is very late - but a quick note on my evening at Northwestern.  The two top places went to two remarkable young Chinese women, a violinist and a pianist.  I put them both in the top two but in the reverse order!  No matter - some of my jury colleagues did not like them at all.  But it is the "Collective Will" that counts!

It is now 11:25 - I have had enough of today!