Sorry if this gives you nightmares, or spoils your Christmas dinner, but here’s a photo of me taken today by my friend Richard Landau. It’s all his fault!

Dec 23, 2023 | Uncategorized, Unexpected | 21 comments

It’s a pinned post as well, for a little while! Unpinned Dec 31.

21 Comments

Eric Kisch on December 23, 2023 at 3:43 pm

Never blame the messenger. Be thankful for every day you are vertical. And DO have a Merry Christmas. Will send you some appropriate cheer.
All good wishes for a better 2024!
Reply
- Mark Valencia on December 23, 2023 at 4:14 pm
  
  I can match you gnarl for wrinkle, dear Colin. You are looking good – as, so I like to kid myself, am I as my 70s unfold. Fogies to the last!
  
  Happy Christmas, dear old friend. Mark
  Reply
- Rob Cowan on December 23, 2023 at 6:00 pm
  
  Nothing nightmarish about the photo – on the contrary, it’s warm and inviting. Have a peaceful and carefree Christmas Col and keep listening 🎶
  Reply
Rory on December 23, 2023 at 3:49 pm

May you always be surrounded by music that brings you joy, and friends that support you and enjoy being with you.

Seasons greetings and many more reviews in the New Year.
Reply
- Edward Clark on December 23, 2023 at 6:26 pm
  
  You are looking contented Col and that’s all that matters. Have a calm festive season and make plans for the New Year.
  I applaud you and send best wishes.
  Happy Christmas.
  Edward
  Reply
Guy Holloway on December 23, 2023 at 5:36 pm

Wishing you a happy Christmas, dear Col, and thank you for all the gems and knowledge you have shared with us this past year…
Reply
Monica McCabe on December 23, 2023 at 6:38 pm

Good to beard you in your den, dear Colin. (If I may put it that way…) And all looks as it should be – cultured, cheerful and content. Happy Christmas, and a happy, healthy New Year.
Reply
- Peter on December 24, 2023 at 12:23 pm
  
  That’s cheered me up, Colin. With best wishes for a happy Christmas and high hopes for 2024. Greetings from Suffolk, Peter
  Reply
Tully Potter on December 23, 2023 at 7:25 pm

It’s a fine picture, Colin. Have a good Christmas and a great 2024.
Reply
Tony Pappano on December 23, 2023 at 7:55 pm

It’s a very nice pic!
Warmest wishes for a lovely, serene Xmas and only good things for the New Year.
Reply
Peter Ronald Duff on December 24, 2023 at 7:52 am

You look good Col. Quite young. And with a bottle of “just for men” you could take another 20 minutes off !

Have a good christmas
Reply
pjl on December 24, 2023 at 10:22 am

Best wishes for a better 2024; thank you for the best site on the web.
Reply
Alan on December 24, 2023 at 10:31 am

Glad to see you smiling Colin. Stay warm and enjoy yourChristmas
Reply
- canderson on December 24, 2023 at 11:15 am
  
  It’s a smile of surprise!
  Reply
canderson on December 24, 2023 at 11:21 am

Thanks everyone for your comments, above, and via email. Colin
Reply
Ian Bailey on December 25, 2023 at 8:59 am

Happy Christmas Colin ….looking very well and hearty ….and long may it continue !!

Thanks so much for all the ‘hints’, ’nudges’ and ‘pointers’ throughout the year toward musical events and performances (past and present) that otherwise would have been overlooked.

The latest proved to be Strauss’ “Die Frau ohne Schatten” from the Berlin Philharmonie – an odd choice for Xmas perhaps – but utterly glorious.

Keep up the good work, and best wishes for 2024.
Reply
Barry Joyce on December 28, 2023 at 3:06 pm

I seem to have stumbled into some “Love Colin” form of social media.

No matter. I remember that quizzical look very well and it doesn’t frighten me. You look just as I thought you would some 30 years on.

I thought of you the other day. We were watching the film “Maestro” on Netflix. I don’t know if you’ve seen it but you must asap. Bradley Cooper wrote, stars in and directs a real tour de force. Towards the end, he has the downright nerve to act as Bernstein conducting Mahler 9, but it works and reduced me to tears. Tell me how it was for you.
Reply
- canderson on December 29, 2023 at 11:33 am
  
  Hi Barry, I have not seen Maestro, but from what I know it may in fact be Mahler 2 (Resurrection) replicating Bernstein conducting it in Ely Cathedral, as seen on TV many years ago. Colin
  Reply
  - pjl on December 30, 2023 at 12:03 pm
    
    It is indeed the Mahler 2 and Mr Cooper actually conducted this section after hours of coaching. I had not been to a cinema to see a film for 34 years but was deeply moved by this complex and profound love story; it deserves several Oscars etc
    Reply
  - Barry Joyce on December 31, 2023 at 10:34 am
    
    Yes, Colin, it was indeed Mahler 2. My aged brail was confused remembering I had watched Bernstein conducting Beethoven 9 at the Festival Hall. See it…
    Reply
Andrew Keener on December 28, 2023 at 7:27 pm

Saw this only now, Col. I see nothing nightmarish! Only a personable chap surrounded by things which mean much to him. And to me. I will phone-pester you soon. A x
Reply