Dear friends and supporters,

I hope you are keeping well and looking forward to being able to hug people once again. With just two weeks to go until the long-postponed first performances of the 'Immortal' Concert of the Novel, it is looking as if it really will happen this time (she said, crossing fingers madly). Viv McLean and I can't wait to be reunited for the first time in over a year. Pictured above: a snap from a gig we had at the Wigmore Hall a few years back.

Tickets for the two Barnes Festival performances on 26 May are going fast and can be booked here: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/barnesmusicfestival

I'd like, nevertheless, to highlight a very special evening on 24 May, which will actually be the world premiere. It takes place at Music at 22 Mansfield Street, the wonderful salon of Bob and Elisabeth Boas in their beautiful Georgian house close to Oxford Circus. Viv, David le Page and I have enjoyed many fabulous evenings here thanks to the truly remarkable kindness and generosity of Bob and Elisabeth, and all proceeds benefit the Nicholas Boas Charitable Trust. Bob has been able to stage events with social distancing involving 'bubbles' and sensibly spaced chairs, so the evening begins with drinks and canapes at tables, at 7pm, and the music begins about 7.45pm.

Our performance - in which I will read 'in character' as Therese - lasts about 70-75 mins. Text and music alternate. Viv will play the following pieces of Beethoven:

Bagatelle Op. 126 No. 3; Sonata Op. 81a 'Das Lebewohl, first movement; part of the Andante Favori; Sonata Op. 57 'Appassionata' first movement; Sonata Op. 78 'A Therese', first movement; Sonata Op. 110, arioso and fugue.

Tickets are £30 and can be booked by emailing Bob Boas at boasb1@outlook.com. Space is strictly limited, and as this is our first time back performing in absolutely ages, please do come along to help us celebrate. Hope to see you there.

Love and best wishes,

Jessica x