The
final concert was to be a historical one for the Russian Embassy when,
at the invitation of Lygia O’Riordan, the Irish Prime minister Bertie
Ahern arrived for the exhibition of Natalia Vyatkina and Ensemble XXI
Moscow’s performance. It
seems that it had been almost two decades since an Irish Prime minister
had been in the Russian Embassy so the vodka flowed. Vyatkina’s work
also met with a very enthusiastic reception. Pia was delighted when one
of the artist’s sculptures was purchased by a certain lady. Pia, not
one to believe in promises of money being delivered after many unsavoury
incidents over the years, bluntly asked the purchaser how she could
receive the money for Vjatkina. “Well I could pay by credit card right
now if you like”. “Sorry we can’t take credit cards” “Oh,
well, I’ll post you a cheque tomorrow.” “Actually I’d prefer
cash right now please”. Said lady looked extremely taken aback. Pia,
then continued: “Well I would be happy to come to your office tomorrow
morning if you tell me where you work”. At this point Lygia and her
barrister brother both butted in “Pia that won’t be a problem. We’ll
give you the address tomorrow first thing” as they distracted her with
the passing wine tray. “Bit like paying the window cleaner or the lawn
mowing man isn’t it” quipped the lady, a Supreme Court Judge. |