Books
WHAT’S IN A NAME?
The poetic name of a Sidmouth woman has been chosen to appear in the next novel by author and Newsnight presenter Kirsty Wark. Rosabelle MacQueen entered the ‘Name In A Novel’ competition in aid of Budleigh Salterton & District Hospiscare at this year’s Budleigh Salterton Literary Festival, and her name was picked from over 200 entries. “‘I think Rosabelle MacQueen will do perfectly for a young Edwardian woman in Glasgow, intent on a life in medicine,” said the author. Malcolm Elliott, Budleigh Salterton Literary Festival chairman says: “We are delighted by the response and so pleased that our two charities working together in our community has had such a positive outcome.” For more: www.budlitfest.org.uk
Kirsty Wark at this year’s Budleigh Lit Fest
SEVEN DEADLY SINS In our regular mini Q&A with visiting and local performers, cellist Kristiana Ignatjeva, soloist for Exeter Symphony Orchestra’s Winter Concert, bares her wicked soul LUST: Who or what do you find yourself lusting after today? I lust after my old cello that I had the pleasure playing on for the last five years. It became a good friend of mine and its sound was very powerful and melancholy at the same time. Not only did it sound good but it also gave me inspiration to look for different colours and timbres.
GREED: What should you be cutting down on (non-food and drink!)
Online shopping – I am always looking for the best deals and I get very excited about new technologies and clothing. My mum would say that I have three wardrobes – one in Latvia, one in London and now one in the United States.
GLUTTONY: What one thing could you happily eat or drink until you burst?
My mum’s apple cake because it is the most delicious dessert and it brings me many happy
memories of spending time with my family. However, it can only be baked by my mum because when I attempt baking the cake, it never tastes the same.
SLOTH: What should you be really putting your back into right now?
Bach cello suites. I have been putting off learning them because I always felt that I was not ready, but it is time to finally get myself to learn them and accept where I am right now and not expect a perfect result because there is no such thing in music anyway.
WRATH: What/who makes you angry?
The American professional basketball team Dallas Mavericks losing makes me crazily angry. If I did not play music, I am certain that I would be an ice hockey player.
ENVY: Who are you jealous of ?
People who lived in the 19th century, because I have always found myself relating to the Romantic era very vividly.
PRIDE: What’s your proudest achievement?
Moving to England at age of 16 to study with an incredible cellist, Robert Cohen. My mum was there with me in my first lesson with him and she still remembers how I was in the clouds after my
lesson because I was so amazed by the things I learnt and by his personality and playing. I was incredibly lucky to then continue my studies with him for two years at the Purcell School of Music.
Exeter Symphony Orchestra’s Winter Concert – with cellist Kristiana Ignatjeva performing Elgar’s Cello Concerto – is at United Reform Church, Southernhay on Saturday 30 November www.exetersymphonyorchestra.co.uk
www.mediaclash.co.uk I EXETER LIVING I 9