Aalia Lanius, novelist and entrepreneur, has been working while playing in London with her husband, Executive Producer and Hollywood film attorney, Joseph Lanius. Lanius is in the middle of writing her sophomore novel that is partly set in London, 1937 and came to the great city in order to do some firsthand research about the true history that will be weaved into her fiction novel.

While doing her research, which includes the infamous Royal Albert Hall, she and her husband inadvertently had the unique pleasure of attending the rehearsal of one of the boldest, most exhilarating new voices in classical music, Greek-Russian conductor Teodor Currentzis, and his period-instrument ensemble MusicAeterna for BBC Proms that was held on that evening of July 28th. Lanius and her husband were fortunate enough to sit and hear the thrilling, award-winning vivacious and provocative performance, from the box next to the Queen’s, no less.

“It’s wonderful to be in a city with so much history. I feel a sense of pride even being here and feel a huge responsibility to properly represent London as an important piece of my story at a very important time in history,” she says, referring to the project which includes true events just prior to World War II. “I was brought to tears during the performance. In my mind, I couldn’t stop thinking about how this is not an accident; this is a serendipitous encounter. I came with the intention of seeing the building with my eyes and using that to create an experience, instead I end up having the unbelievable pleasure of hearing the power of this building and what it might have felt like to attended an event here in 1937. It caused an emotional response that I wasn’t prepared for, but I’m truly appreciative that I got to experience.”

In addition to some meet up with other film executives, their trip included a day to trip to Paris and lunch with up and coming French/Algerian couture designer, Eddine Behmaldi, who is based in Paris. Aalia has been sharing her adventures via her Instagram page with photos, stories and live streams! When asked about sharing moments like heading to be a podcast guest and personal romantic moments with her husband, she responded, “I’ve many friends who for either physical, financial, or both, cannot travel the way that I do. I try to use my platform so they can feel they are living vicariously through me. I used to feel guilty, to be honest, I don’t want to come off as bragging, because that is not what I’m about, but I think that my friends on social media know that’s not me. This trip has been amazing and I’m excited to head back to Los Angeles and finish this book with a bang!”

On a side note, the couple celebrate their two year wedding anniversary on August 8th. If you spotted a crown on her head, you are correct and it is the crown she last wore on their wedding day. A sweet gesture that Joseph was totally surprised by.