Author Archives: vhk10
The Big Space
The Cathedral Chamber Choir spent Low Sunday weekend at a new venue for us, Liverpool Anglican Cathedral. I’d sung there once before, a huge combined NW choral societies’ performance of Gerontius. I remember two things from that: one was that … Continue reading
An unrepresentative audience for Berlioz
I went to Welsh National Opera’s production of Beatrice and Benedict at the Bristol Hippodrome. This was a sumptuous production, with lavish sets and costumes, and beautifully lit as the evening turned to moonlight in the first act. But if … Continue reading
Ambrosian rites
I spent much of Holy Week in Milan, and was able to get to Palm Sunday and Maundy Thursday services in the Cathedral. There is a tradition of elaborately choreographed liturgy there which I’ve experienced before – does it go … Continue reading
The Spirit of Schubert
The latest survey of a composer’s entire output on Radio 3 focused on Schubert. As I’ve said in my last posting, I was present at a live evening broadcast, but I also found time to listen to some of the … Continue reading
an invited audience
QCX8F7BA4GBJ EE5BNTGVNBT6 I attended a concert which was broadcast live as part of the BBC’s mammoth Schubertiad, Elisabeth Leonskaja playing the last two piano sonatas, D959 and D960, in the Assembly Rooms. The audience was not very large, and I … Continue reading
A citizenship ceremony
I have recently taken part in a ceremony to admit some 30 or so people to British citizenship. My role was to help lead in the singing of the National Anthem after they’d heard from one or two people from … Continue reading
an open letter to Alasdair Nicolson, future artistic director of the Bath Festival
Dear Alasdair, I await your arrival next year as new director of the Bath International Music Festival with interest. I know that you will have already started planning your first Festival, but as a Festival-goer of some fifteen years standing, … Continue reading
Eric Roseberry
I was sorry to hear today that Eric Roseberry had died after a very short illness. I sang for him only once, in a Marshfield Bach Singers Christmas concert. He had a deceptively mild and scholarly manner, and nevertheless coaxed … Continue reading
in the Pump Room
My husband and elder son went to a concert in the Pump Room, promoted by the Bath Recital Artists’ Trust. The performers were two school-age pianists from the RCM. The BRAT (if they will forgive my abbreviating it so) seem … Continue reading