Here I am, lecturing to the British Comparative Literature Association yesterday. At Deptford Town Hall! Who would have expected such a grand Victorian building, with a beautifully ornate staircase, and an excellent Steinway concert grand piano in the Council Chamber? London is full of surprises.

I found it daunting – but also very stimulating – to prepare a talk for a literary and academic audience. The discussion afterwards, about how classical music is perceived, has given me lots of food for thought. Perhaps it’s good to be forced to work outside one’s comfort zone (occasionally).