Improvising with a random stranger

19 August 2024

I tend to take a violin with me wherever I go, much the same way some people take an umbrella. I’ll probably end up not using it, but I know I’ll regret it if I leave it at home.

Holidays are no different. When I was lucky enough to travel to Australia and New Zealand, more than 10 years ago now, I decided to leave my phone in Europe – but not the violin I played.

My last holiday took me less far from home – Avignon. When waiting for a connecting train at the station of Lyon, I heard somebody having a lot of virtuoso fun on a piano. I never learned his name, but I am grateful he let me join in.

There must have been well over 50 people applauding when we finished. A friendly man offered to buy us a coffee but my train was about to depart in 5 minutes, so I thanked him and hurried off. I’d love to play in France again though!