I’ve been scouring my bookshelves for copies of the Arabian Nights these last few weeks. I have various editions, for they are stories I’ve loved for many years, although not one of them is the complete collection “The Thousand and One Nights”. Mine are all children’s illustrated editions, with pictures by all sorts of wonderful artists, from Brian Wildsmith through Kay Nielsen, to Edmund Dulac (my personal favourite). Whenever I happen upon a different version in a dusty old second hand bookshop I have to have it!
Perhaps I’ll post some illustrations here soon, and share with you this exotic, fragrant and magical world of stories and pictures. And music…
For the reason for this current Oriental exploration is part of my preparation for the next Children’s Classical Concert with the de Havilland Philharmonic. While I’ve been sketching the musicians I’ve also been talking to conductor Robin Browning. And after years of relentless hint-dropping he has agreed to perform a piece of music that is especially dear to me. The clue is in the books.
It’s going to be an incredible concert. But I’ll say no more just now. Soon, all will be fully revealed. And it’s going to be very special.
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