We can only hope that the fact that ‘all ministerial and MPs’ inboxes are full of correspondence on this issue’ will allow common sense to prevail.

Hopefully, a pre-statement of the lifting of restrictions will be made on 12th July and we can prepare to return to singing as we did before March 2020. The resilience which you have all shown has been remarkable, but we will need to support each other on the road back to normality and there is bound to be some nervousness.

As a treat I went to the theatre last night (Saturday) to see Stephen Sondheim’s ‘A Little Night Music’, a collaboration between Opera North and Leeds Playhouse and what a completely uplifting experience it was. Whilst at the same time heart-breaking! An exceptional cast, singing of course, which included Dame Josephine Barstow, and an excellent orchestra bringing every nuance alive and all in front of a very well-behaved, masked, socially distant and small audience. The number of conversations I overheard which lamented the very sad comparison between live theatre and sport encapsulated everyone’s disbelief in this blatant inconsistency.

Yet, as we move a step closer to getting back together we need to be strong, resilient and supportive as a community. Hopefully, we will not have to wait too much longer. Last week I quoted some statistics which put things into context. In the light of increased numbers of cases, I thought these figures would be useful to consider.

Week ending 21 May 2021 – number of deaths in England 9,244 – 1.1% mentioned COVID-19

Week ending 28 May 2021 – number of deaths in England 9,006 – 1.0% mentioned COVID-19

Week ending 4 June 2021 – number of deaths in England 7,302 – 1.3% mentioned COVID-19

Week ending 11 June 2021 – number of deaths in England 9,554 – 0.9% mentioned COVID-19

Week ending 18 June 2021 – number of deaths in England 8,874 – 1.1% mentioned COVID-19

It is sad that as a musician I am concerned with such figures, but it is important that if decisions are being made based on data, then we should know what the data is saying. Clearly, I want us all to be safe and cautious and this is only one set of data, but nevertheless it does tell a story.

Changing the subject completely, is there anyone else out there who like me really enjoys the rain? In the interval of last night’s show, I went outside to get a bit of fresh air and there was the most impressive rainstorm and I have so enjoyed the rain today, it has the ability to keep me calm and centred! Have a good week everyone!