I'm off on my first trip to see my eldest son at the University of Birmingham. I think it's the first time I'm going to Birmingham, where a trip to Villa Park or Edgbaston Cricket Ground isn't on the agenda.

At RFH for a first half of Schumann that includes the Manfred Overture and Cello Concerto. That's followed by Bruckner 4. Karina Canellakis conducts the London Philharmonic Orchestra

I only found out today that this was RCA's first ever stereo recording. Yet, it still sounds as fresh as a daisy. music.amazon.co.uk/albums/B00AJKR…

I'm quite enjoying The Day of the Jackal reboot on Sky.

At ROH for...

I'm at ROH for Jenůfa, conducted by Jakub Hrůša. The last time I saw Hrůša conducted Czech rep was Rusalka with Glyndebourne on Tour at the New Wimbledon Theatre. That feels like a long time ago.

A wonderfully powerful and moving Jenůfa at ROH tonight.

Wonderful Elgar Violin Concerto tonight with Frank Peter Zimmerman and the Berlin Philharmonic.

I'm at the Staatsoper Berlin for Der Rosenkavalier. The last time I saw this work was in Munich in 2017. We had Harteros come in as a sub to sing the Marschallin. That was a stroke of luck.

Musically gorgeous Der Rosenkavalier at the Berlin Staatsoper tonight.

Diana Damrau was absolutely superb as the Marschallin.

I'm at the Deutsche Oper Berlin for Die Frau ohne Schatten. I've been looking forward to this for some time.

Musically wonderful Die Frau ohne Schatten at the Deutsche Oper. The production certainly had some moments and particularly in Act 2.

I was privileged to know Gene Hackman because he played tennis with another Gene—Gene Wilder. And that Gene told him about a little role called The Blind Hermit in our movie YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN. He said, “Do you think Mel would let me play it? I’ve always wanted to do a comedy.”

A very enjoyable but imperfect performance of the Verdi Requiem conducted by Riccardo Muti.

First visit to La Scala for Siegfried. David McVicar's production, which is conducted by Simone Young.

Musically splendid Siegfried tonight at La Scala.

I have only just heard of the passing of Willie Young. The Hadjuk Split game is one of my earliest Arsenal memories. RIP

What a superb Tristan und Isolde at the Deutsche Oper tonight.

Very enjoyable Tannhäuser tonight Deutsche Oper Berlin Camilla Nylund was superb as both Venus and Elisabeth. I also really enjoyed KFV's interpretation of Tannhäuser.