Of Leeks and Dragons - Happy St David's Day!
Well, it's St David's Day so what better reason for a blog post, and what better way to start a blog post than with a photo of leeks and dragons? It's been a busy few days and on Saturday I was working with Wrexham Symphony Orchestra rehearsing and performing a concert of opera excerpts, including some Puccini (Butterfly, Boheme and Tosca). There were some exciting performances from the talented students of the North Wales Opera Studio, an exciting venture created by Anne Williams King and David Bartleet and the orchestra was on form. I have performed with WSO on several occasions and this concert was quite different with the orchestra being on the floor making way for the singers on stage. Add to that a few props and appropriate outfits, and along with the stand lights and a darkened hall, it made for a memorably theatrical experience!
The unique tile design in the foyer at Wrexham Glyndwr University
During the concert I received a call inviting me to replace a poorly harpist the following day at Huddersfield Town Hall for a midday rehearsal and afternoon concert. Luckily I knew the piece well (the gorgeous Sea Pictures by Elgar) and I accepted. I enjoy the occasional challenge - it keeps me on my toes - and all the way home from Wrexham I tried to remember any elements from the piece, how it sounded and how it looked on the page. I got my part out when I got home and listened to a bit of the first movement and felt reassured that it would be alright, and I got my 4 hour sleep!
Adrenaline is a funny thing and I recently went through a phase when, somewhat frustratingly, it felt like the performance was over in a millisecond, but lately it feels like slow motion which is much more enjoyable.
Huddersfield Town Hall cherubs
The spectacular Town Hall organ
One of the joys of being a freelance musician is, as the name suggests, the freedom that comes with this career, and it can be difficult to balance, especially when the diary looks empty and I feel I need a holiday and a staycation just won't do! However, as I look back over this blog I realise how lucky I have been recently to enjoy some very special moments filled with amazing music. Lately my head has been more full of music than it has for quite some time and I am loving that.
