Last night

Nearing the end of my first year, and I think I finally understand what cultural overload might be!

Last night we had the preview drinks for the Royal Watercolour Society exhibition in the Michael West Gallery at Quay Arts. For all sorts of good reasons we chose the same night to put on the Robert Mitchell and Omar Puente gig in the theatre.

Quite a few people turning up for the Robert Mitchell and Omar Puente gig were drawn unexpectedly into the exhibition preview. And these poor souls, having already succumbed to the visual feast on display, then went into a gig in which the term "virtuoso" was really put to the test.

For those who caught the Jhelisa gigs and were blown away by the fireworks wrought by her pianist (one Robert Mitchell) this was still a revelation. He had a soul mate, an alter ego in Cuban violinist Omar Puente, a musician who could match him stroke for stroke and idea for idea in a duo built on challenge, inspiration and glorious entertainment.

Needless to say, long before the end of the gig the audience was on their feet (and by the end, almost on their knees) with the joyousness of their virtuosity. I, myself, was often caught between "I'm in heaven!" and "make it stop!"

Deservedly, the duo was held to two encores and a standing ovation. I was left just feeling glad (and slightly smug) that this kind of cultural overload could be had, on (as Omar was at pains to point out "Friday night, Isle of Wight". Long may they reign! (Mick)