Southbank Centre Archive

urn:iso:std:iso:639:ed-3:eng

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I watched with fascination and awe as a steeplejack put the final piece on the Skylon, which became a symbol of the Festival of Britain. For me, the other and more important iconic structure was the Royal Festival Hall, with its glass façade facing the river and its main function being music, was incredibly exciting. I worked nearby in a publishing office so was within easy reach of the box office of the Festival Hall. I remember booking for two piano recitals, one given by Claudio Arau [Arrau] and the other Arthur [Artur] Rubinstein. Instead the hall the light and spaciousness of the foyers lifted the spirits and made me feel in a receptive mood for what was to come. The acoustic seemed great even in the cheaper seats you could hear every soft note and the seats were incredibly comfortable. I was only twenty three at the time and enthusiastic about everything as you are at that age.

excerpt from 'Southbank Centre Archive' (160 words)

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