Classical Music in Poland and the Europe of Chopin - From the Reviewer's Notebook

   T he great throng of adoring well-wishers along the Mall pictured from the Victoria Memorial. If you can spot me I shall buy you a glass of the best champagne ! The Colour (regimental banner) that was trooped on June 2nd on Horse Guards Parade was that of the 1st Battalion Irish Guards. Hence the interesting presence of the battalion mascot, an Irish Wolf Hound at the head of this procession, the largest breed of dog.  Also the Irish Guards Pipe Band is playing the march  This celebration was the reason I have been unable to cover the magnificent Moniuszko vocal competition as a music critic this year. There were many expressively exciting voices in this relatively young competition! I have mentioned before the remarkable and inspiring Polish musical renaissance now in progress in the country. I was in London until Thursday paying homage to the uniquely long reign of ‘my’ miraculous Queen Elizabeth II. I watched live much of the spectacular and moving Platinum Jubilee celebrati