The Connoisseur’s Diary

2nd October
New York: Opera
Verdi’s Aida opens at the Met, conducted by Daniele Gatti, former principal conductor of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. Lithuanian soprano Violeta Urmana sings the title role.

4th October
Paris: Racing
The Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe is a Group 1 flat race held at the Longchamp course and one of the most fashionable race meetings in the calendar. It is one of the four French Classics and has a prize of €4 million, the second biggest prize on the turf after the Japan Cup (on 29 November).

4th October
Japanese Grand Prix
This year’s race takes place at the Suzuka Circuit, the only figure-of-eight F1 track and one of the most challenging. The 2008 race was won by Spain’s Fernando Alonso for Renault.

9th October
Cheltenham: Literature Festival
This year marks the festival’s 60th anniversary. Guests include Sebastian Faulks, Hermione Lee, Jeremy Paxman, Judi Dench, Michael Palin, Stephen Fry, Sophie Dahl and the Man Booker Prize winner (to be announced on 6 October).