Precocious

Like most women, I get the odd bout of youth envy, but never because of looks. Not even when I was dumped for a leggy, 18 year old busty blonde (that little back-stabbing skank will soon enough be facing her own battle against gravity). Child prodigies, on the other hand, really unnerve me.

Part of me wants to admire these gifted youngsters, but mostly I'm enraged with jealousy that these kids - some young enough to proffer me their seat on the metro - have more talent than I'll ever have, especially when it's in something that I'm supposed to be good at.

I possess enough reason, however, to know that music - unlike Googling or Facebooking - never has and never will be among my fortes. I've learnt to apply full make-up on Aragó between Sant Joan and Balmes in rush hour, yet me holding a four-beat seems less likely than Queen Sofia blessing a gay marriage. But it also means that I can actually enjoy talented young musicians.

And for a mere six euros, you can currently see the world's best young pianists tickle the ivories in the yearly Maria Canals competition at Palau de la Música. And if you sit far enough back, you won't even notice how taut their skin is.

55 Concurs Internacional de Música Maria Canals
Palau de la Musica, Sant Pere Més Alt. EUR 6-15.
Preliminary rounds until March 20, Semi March 22, Final March 25

by SNo