The most inspirational person in my life, without a doubt, has been my mother who has been my rock all my life and is sadly now in her twilight years.
My favourite space in my house is my sitting room, in which I keep the best of my own collections of Chinese porcelain, silver and paintings along with heirlooms pertaining to both my father's and my mother's families. It is the room in which I feel most secure and symbolises where I came from, what I am and makes me speculate on what may yet be. Despite what it sounds like, it is a very comfortable room in which it is very pleasant to work and listen to my beloved baroque music - with my cat Felic for company.
Kenneth’s beloved mother when she was young
The last thing I added to my wardrobe is another bow tie.
The best gift I have received recently is a Lucian Freud on Paper - a fascinating tome showing how distinctively versatile this uncompromising but fascinating artist can be.
The last song I listened to was Richard Strauss's Caecilie sung by the incomparable Jonas Kaufmann.
The book I am reading is Poland by James A Michener which, again, I feel is his best-researched novel. Written and published in the 1980s in the controversial and troubled Solidarność (Solidarity) period, this book brought a very tortured and complex history to life according to the Michener formula of tracing the parallel history of different but interconnected families from prehistoric times up to the present day.
My most recent find is a pair of Chinese Imari baluster vases that were mounted with ormolu candelabra and which look absolutely splendiferous on grandmother's secretaire abbatant: just as if they were always meant to be there.
The website I will often browse is EBay - very periculous!
The objects I would never part with are my books.
An indulgence I would never give up - there are too many indulgences, however, if I had to give up any of them it wouldn't bother me unduly as being a diabetic one becomes philosophical about what one can do and what one cannot do. I don't think I could ever give up smoked salmon, though. Timpana on very special occasions is allowed. It is a family favourite that I will never give up completely!
The most unforgettable place I visited is the Indian city of Udaipur - I just fell hook, line and sinker for it as soon as I laid eyes on it. It's a magical conglomeration of domes, towers and 'chattris': a gigantic Chambord set on a shimmering lake in the middle of Rajasthan.
Kenneth is on the Board of Directors of REMA Réseau Européen de Musique Ancienne (the European Early Music Network), is Artistic Director of the Manoel Theatre, a board member of Perspectiv: the Association of Historic Theatres in Europe, and founder president of the Friends of the National Museum of Fine Arts, now known as 'MUZA'.