Last night, Mark and I went to Birmingham Symphony Hall to hear the CBSO. Their conductor for the evening was Gustavo Dudamel, a wonderful young Venezuelan whose spirited performance left the audience (and the orchestra, it seemed) enchanted. Only when reading the programme did we note his age - 24.

Later on, whilst we were enjoying a late supper in Bank, he arrived with his wife and various members of what looked like the orchestra management team, to sit at the next table to us. Now, dressed casually in jeans and a sweatshirt, he looked every inch the youngster that he is.

What magic white tie and tails does for a chap!