At the end of the sixth year of this Journal, we, once more, reflect on the passing year.
This year has been one of settling in and putting down roots. It's not been the most exciting of years. I did all that in 2000. But there have been some memorable moments.
Let's begin with...
and the usual variety of categories.
The nominations are
And the award goes to
which was a complete delight, superbly acted and directed.
There are no nominations in this category this year.
It was a very slight year for television and radio. However, the nominations go to
And the award goes to
for providing quality entertainment in lean times.
I've read rather a lot of non fiction over the past 12 months including a history of the Knights Templar, the story of sanitation throughout the centuries, an expoloration of the development of the typhus virus, George Melly's autobiography, an exposition of what is history and histography, biographies of Caravaggio and Eleanor of Aquitaine and intoductions to the Bible, the Koran, Hinduism and Buddhism.
From all of these, the award goes to
for opening my eyes.
I've also read some useful fiction in the guise of The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho K-Pax by Gene Brewer.
However, hors de concors in this category has to be
not only because it was written by a very good friend but also because it was a very good read.
The Royal Opera gave us La Cenerentola, Turandot and Rigoletto; English National Opera weighed in with The Barber of Seville and Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk; Chisinau National Opera brought Cavalleria rusticana and Pagliacci; Welsh National Opera offered The Magic Flute, Tosca and Katy'a Kabanova; whilst the Buxton Festival presented Un giorno di regno and The Nose.
So it's an incredibly mixed bag to choose from. The award, however, must go to that WNO performance of
for showing yet again that the reason that works become part of the standard repertoire is because they are bloody good.
This year, once again, there is not a lot on offer. The only event that sticks out in the mind and which, therefore, gets the award is
which, although short, made a father's heart swell with pride.
I've been to more live music than previously this year. The nominations are various and include Chester Summer Music Festival's presentation of Renaissance church music from the Tallis Scholars which was gorgeous to the ear. I also attended a number of Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra concerts from which their performances of Mahler 6, Mahler 2 and Richard Strauss's Don Quixote were memorable. The revelation, however, were the lunchtime concerts which were a joy. I liked hearing
And the award goes to
because I was bowled over by it on the day and, having bought a CD version, it has rarely been off my CD player since.
Most of the gallery visits have involved the Tate this year. I hope Merseyside will offer more variety in 2002. However, 2001 brought us nominations for
And the award goes to
for consistency of vision and excellence of draughtsmanship although the Bombay room in Century City and Isaac Julien's films in the Turner Prize selection merit special mention also.
There have been a number of major experiences this year. Nominations go to
However, without doubt, the award goes to
because it was a magical day for all concerned.
I'm continuing to make good progress with creating a home. Nominations this year go to
And the award goes to
because it has made the house so much cosier and given Ross and I more venues for the next category.
Firstly, I must make mention of the best sex I didn't have - which was with Chris. Then there was
And, although there were many more, the award goes to
because it sort of symbolised the start of the new chapter in our lives and christened the lounge carpet into the bargain.
The theme of the meals this year seems to have been friends. Nominations go to meals with
And the award goes to
because it was the highlight of a good holiday with an old friend and the surroundings were superb.
I haven't met any new people really this year. There's been a few work folk like Ian, Joe, Chris, Carl and Andy who I've gotten to know better but I wouldn't call them friends really. However, there is one person who I've known for a long while but whom I've sort of re-discovered this year.
The award goes to
because it was a pleasure to see him dance, welcome him to Ross's solo show and dine with him and Rachel in Docklands. Basically, I realised I like him.
This year, instead of giving the award to a person, I'm going to give it to
because, after just over a year of living here, I feel very at home. I'm looking forward to the challenge of making a future here with Ross and I'm looking forward to exploring the area more as the years go by.