"[This painting was] made when I was Artist in Residence at Opera Holland Park in London twenty-one years ago, of Puccini’s opera La Rondine (The Swallow). However I just framed it in this rather splendid vintage cassetta frame of black lacquer with thin cream pinstripes which I thought suited it perfectly, so it was time to show the final effect. Anyone who pays attention will know that performance is one of the main themes of my work, and I loved my season working with eight different operas, following from rehearsals to final performances. This painting depicts a courtesan, Magda, who has been living with a young suitor until the couple receive a letter from the young man’s mother, shown here, saying that the older lady will accept her son’s dalliance if the girl is pure. Magda realises that her lifestyle will not allow this and flies back to her former patron like a swallow." Binnie 2023
