Halfway through "A Pretty Girl is Like a Melody", a concertina-player and a fellow with a banjo happened by and joined our little ensemble. It is easily one of the best impromptu performances I've ever had the pleasure of giving! When the song concludes, applause errupts from the Semiramis patrons and diners who have gathered in the arbor café. Many of them are shouting Encore. I cannot disappoint. I rise, bow, and mouth an inaudible "thank you". As my gaze pans over the crowd, I am amazed to spot Cezare and Chiara Cicero, two of La Scala's most celebrated artistes! They appear to have enjoyed my little low-brow entertainment, though I am a little embarrassed. I have written more legitimate works, some of which I would be honored to have them perform one day! Aha, now there's a thought.

Once the applause dies down, I put my thoughts to action. "Thank you, once again, ladies and gentlemen. You have very good taste." There are chuckles from those out there with a sense of humour. "At this time I would very much like to recognize two very distinguished performers who have graced the operatic stages from Milan to the Met." I gesture to the Ciceros. "Perhaps we may convince them to grace us this evening with "Pardieu! J'etais bien sur de te trouver ici!" from Offenbach's Le Contes d'Hoffmann. The audience's applause surges once again, and I take my seat at the piano, directing my motley band of key and tempos. I coax the couple playfully with a tremolo soprano on the keys.