Author Archives: vhk10

Sequins, meat-hooks and umbrellas

Posted on March 2, 2013 by vhk10

#wnolulu WNO didn’t make it to Bristol with their new production of Lulu, so I had to go to Cardiff. Judging by what I heard around me, quite a few others had crossed the Severn for the opening night. (I … Continue reading →

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Rubbing shoulders with Vivienne Westwood

Posted on February 14, 2013 by vhk10

My husband ended a working day in London with a recital of Brahms’ works for violin and piano by Christian Tetzlaff and Lars Vogt, at the Wigmore Hall. These performances brought out a profound quality in the music which one … Continue reading →

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Epiphany at Partis and a naval funeral

Posted on February 8, 2013 by vhk10

For Epiphany we paid a visit to Partis College, a charity which provides homes for women of professional status, all arranged around a large, elegant central court. Being private, and on the outskirts of the city, it’s one of Bath’s … Continue reading →

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The Wexford Carol at last

Posted on February 7, 2013 by vhk10

Our Christmas carol service brought my first chance to sing what I think is one of the most beautiful carols of all: the Wexford Carol. This gorgeous Irish melody doesn’t really need all the oooh-ing and aah-ing that John Rutter … Continue reading →

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counting lengths by compositions

Posted on February 7, 2013 by vhk10

I go swimming most weeks at a local pool, doing 20 laps up and down in my lunch break. Sometimes I get so relaxed doing this that I lose count of how many laps I’ve done. Recently it occurred to … Continue reading →

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singing Messiah to 3,000

Posted on January 16, 2013 by vhk10

Strictly speaking, I didn’t do this, because the audience was split between the ‘mini-Messiah‘ in the afternoon and a full performance (with a few cuts) in the evening. But singing to a nearly-full Colston Hall was a change from the … Continue reading →

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Advent at Christ Church Bath

Posted on January 14, 2013 by vhk10

We held over our Advent carol service till the second Sunday of Advent, in order not to clash with similar services at Bath Abbey and elsewhere. There was a piece (and composer) new to me: Come, thou long-expected Jesus by … Continue reading →

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a Bohème that will run and run

Posted on January 13, 2013 by vhk10

We went to see Welsh National Opera’s La bohème in Bristol, the first time I’d had this standard operatic experience. The production was new this year, and I predict that it will be returning more than once, as it suits … Continue reading →

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The muscle-memory Messiah

Posted on December 19, 2012 by vhk10

#MemorisedMessiah Even up North they don’t do this – sing the Messiah from memory. The Bristol Choral Society do it every year, and although newcomers are offered a rather gentler way in I have decided to do it the hard … Continue reading →

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A service with 12 anthems

Posted on December 19, 2012 by vhk10

I moonlighted (is that the correct past tense?) on Advent Sunday by singing an Advent carol service at another local church whose organist is leaving at the end of the month. The choir was expanded with several singers who’ve joined … Continue reading →

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seasonal music at the ballet

Posted on December 13, 2012 by vhk10

Thanks to my bank, my daughter and I enjoyed a night out at the Northern Ballet Theatre’s production of Beauty and the Beast. It was the first time I’d been to the ballet for many years, and rather than one … Continue reading →

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Mozartfest 2012 (3): what others in the family heard

Posted on December 13, 2012 by vhk10

Here’s a quick run-down of what other family members went to in the Bath Mozartfest 2012. My husband went to a lunchtime recital by Gautier Capuçon (cello) and Gabriela Montero. As well as works by Beethoven and Schumann, this included … Continue reading →

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