Entourage

La fête de la Musique was inaugurated in France on 21st June 1982. Now each midsummer night, there are concerts and musical events everywhere, for all tastes, dancing in the streets, free for all. Our choir was singing the magnificent Brahms Requiem at Domaine d'O in Montpellier, a park with an outdoor amphitheatre set in wooded grounds with plenty of opportunity for al fresco dining. My lovely gang of 18 came with hampers a-burstin'. La grande bouffe was laid out over three picnic tables. Jet-lagged family members had arrived earlier in the day from Vancouver and Brisbane. They were scooped up from various planes and trains and whisked straight to Domaine d'O before they knew what hit them. Canada, Australia, Sweden, Britain, the Netherlands, all represented.

When the choir walked on stage, my lot chanted in a manner more befitting Wembley: Vonny, Vonny. We're not supposed to acknowledge such greetings, but the corners of my mouth were well-turned up. If I'd looked at them, I would have lost it. Then I heard Beetle trying to get my attention at the top of his lungs, "We're up here!" Honestly, they're louts, but I love them.

We had perfect weather -- fairly rare this season thus far -- to linger on after the concert, lazing on picnic blankets in the olive grove. What a lucky girl to have such great pals. I can't tell you how much I appreciate you coming to our concerts. I'm the envy of all my peers, the only alto with an entourage.