RLPO and the Enigma Variations

Like most Brits I suspect - and particularly since I grew up with the legend of Elgar in Worcestershire (the composer taught violin at my school - not when I was there I hasten to add in case you were thinking of a cheeky observation - and apparently loathed every minute of it), for me the Variations have always just been there in the background like wallpaper.
So maybe it takes an outsider like Vasily Petrenko to come to it with no luggage or preconceptions and re-present it to us so we take a new look at what we think we know.
Incidently, what do you think of Mr P's new Mod-ish concert apparel? It's very smart but I can't help thinking it does make him look like the newest (and tallest) member of The Small Faces!
Jean-Yves Thibaudet, who played a bravura Grieg's Piano Concerto last night and repeats it again at the sell-out concert this evening, also looked very dapper in an open-necked shirt and pendant.
I hear he has a penchant for funky socks, but also likes to wear a lot of Vivienne Westwood, so maybe you might spot him wandering down Mathew Street today for a spot of window shopping?
Finally, a word of congratulation to leader of the orchestra Jim Clark whose The Lark Ascending was beautifully-judged.
If only the coughing chorus in the audience had allowed us to enjoy its opening delights without the addition of their throat-clearing. Tonight's audience please, PLEASE, take note!!