Author Archives: simonhj
Practice Terminal
After a period of intensive work involving other people, every moment of violin practice becomes a delicious treat. So does the pleasure of being alone. And of being in a strange place. Or a beautiful space. All of these things … Continue reading
So, I started a Violin School…
It was one of those dream-like thoughts that flit through your mind in a utopian stupor whilst daydreaming on the train. “Wouldn’t it be nice to have a place in Central London where I could teach!” Most people sensibly let … Continue reading
‘Olympic Harmony’ – A chat with Wenlock, the Olympics Mascot!
I recently had the great pleasure of playing on a recording session for Thomas Hewitt Jones, to record music written especially for the 2012 Olympics. He has created a fantastic soundtrack for the ‘Olympics Mascots’ films, which you can hear being … Continue reading
Malcolm Gladwell: Network vs Hierarchy
My group Fifth Quadrant performed at the opening of a conference the other day, where no less a speaker than Malcolm Gladwell was giving a keynote. He had some fascinating insights about how global society is changing (which I think … Continue reading
What Half a PhD Looks Like
This… My plan to ‘blog’ my 3 year RAM research project hasn’t really worked out with the regularity I was planning – ‘events dear boy, events’ – but the research is ploughing on as ever, and I think I’m getting … Continue reading
Fifth Quadrant plays Piazzolla – Live Webcast Tonight
Live Video streaming by Ustream The 5th Quadrant is at Classical Revolution in London tonight – the 3rd CR show in London! The screen on this page will be live from 7.30pm UK time. We’re on second – full details … Continue reading
Fifth Quadrant (5Q) Spring Tour – Tickets Now On Sale
Two weeks from today, I’ll be Piazzoll-ing and Vivald-ing about London with Fifth Quadrant, for my first ‘minitour’ – a set of concerts that will in due course become a twice-annual tour. For now, it’s confined to London, but you … Continue reading
London Violin Studio becomes a School in Westminster
1 May, 1 May… ah yes! 1st May 2005. That was the date that, as a naive undergraduate, I officially incorporated my own music company, funded with a prize from Deutsche Bank. First as Court Lane, now as a semi-nameless … Continue reading