Last month I spent a week in Volgograd (formerly Stalingrad). I went to a performance of Tosca at the Volgograd Opera House, a concert given by an orchestra of traditional folk instruments (and believe me, you haven't lived unless you have heard 40 balalaikas played together), and another concert of classical music; orchestra, Mozart pianist, and a joint choir of Russians and Welsh singers premiering Karl Jenkins' "Stabat Mater". The latter performed in the Volgograd Philharmonia Concert Hall, a huge modern building alongside an almost frozen Volga river.
What connected the three evenings? Sold out performances with audiences of all ages, unlike in this country where the majority of the audience is over 60. Complete attention from the audience; no sweet paper rustling, no mobile phones ringing, no shuffling, coughing or loud whispers. And at the end, people rushing on stage with bouquets for their favourite performer.
And this in temperatures of minus 28c, struggling through deep snow, braving icy roads and steps. Heartwarming.
You wouldn't see that here even if the audience was baying at Simon Cowell.
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