I haven't written a blog on a train, before now. As first experiences go I'll admit that it's not the most momentous, but perhaps worth marking.Yesterday we visited the Royal Northern College of Music, in Manchester, and were treated to a masterclass from some of the college's finest singers. It's always interesting to note how difficult singers find it to work together in an ensemble, no matter how talented they are as individuals, and yesterday was no exception. We managed to instil in them some basic appreciation of balance and blend, and the importance of listening to make a top performance. No matter how high you set your sights in terms of a solo or operatic career, if you can't make music in conjunction with those around you you're lost. Many of the top British opera singers of the day made their mark in the choral world first, and that's always worth bearing in mind.Today was the opposite end of the spectrum. Instead of coaching eager young things who wish to embark on a professional career, we had the delight of working with The Cowley Singers, an amateur women's choir formed in St Helen's over 20 years ago. We certainly had no need to encourage their commitment or enthusiasm, and they charmed the whole group with their love of music and cheerful teamwork as we put them through their paces.Two contrasting types of ensemble, two vastly differing experiences, but united in the love of choral music and the power of singing. A good two days!Now off home for a week with family before our US tour, for which we leave on 1 December. We celebrate Thanksgiving in our house, as my wife Stephanie is American and we're bringing our two girls up to appreciate both sides of their heritage, so next week promises to be an important week of fellowship and rest. There's a lot for which I am thankful, and I hope that all of you (wherever you are) are able to enjoy a period of positive reflection both over Thanksgiving and throughout the upcoming Christmas season!
I haven't written a blog on a train, before now. As first experiences go I'll admit that it's not the most momentous, but perhaps worth marking.Yesterday we visited the Royal Northern College of Music, in Manchester, and were treated to a masterclass from some of the college's finest singers. It's always interesting to note how difficult singers find it to work together in an ensemble, no matter how talented they are as individuals, and yesterday was no exception. We managed to instil in them some basic appreciation of balance and blend, and the importance of listening to make a top performance. No matter how high you set your sights in terms of a solo or operatic career, if you can't make music in conjunction with those around you you're lost. Many of the top British opera singers of the day made their mark in the choral world first, and that's always worth bearing in mind.Today was the opposite end of the spectrum. Instead of coaching eager young things who wish to embark on a professional career, we had the delight of working with The Cowley Singers, an amateur women's choir formed in St Helen's over 20 years ago. We certainly had no need to encourage their commitment or enthusiasm, and they charmed the whole group with their love of music and cheerful teamwork as we put them through their paces.Two contrasting types of ensemble, two vastly differing experiences, but united in the love of choral music and the power of singing. A good two days!Now off home for a week with family before our US tour, for which we leave on 1 December. We celebrate Thanksgiving in our house, as my wife Stephanie is American and we're bringing our two girls up to appreciate both sides of their heritage, so next week promises to be an important week of fellowship and rest. There's a lot for which I am thankful, and I hope that all of you (wherever you are) are able to enjoy a period of positive reflection both over Thanksgiving and throughout the upcoming Christmas season!
I haven't written a blog on a train, before now. As first experiences go I'll admit that it's not the most momentous, but perhaps worth marking.Yesterday we visited the Royal Northern College of Music, in Manchester, and were treated to a masterclass from some of the college's finest singers. It's always interesting to note how difficult singers find it to work together in an ensemble, no matter how talented they are as individuals, and yesterday was no exception. We managed to instil in them some basic appreciation of balance and blend, and the importance of listening to make a top performance. No matter how high you set your sights in terms of a solo or operatic career, if you can't make music in conjunction with those around you you're lost. Many of the top British opera singers of the day made their mark in the choral world first, and that's always worth bearing in mind.Today was the opposite end of the spectrum. Instead of coaching eager young things who wish to embark on a professional career, we had the delight of working with The Cowley Singers, an amateur women's choir formed in St Helen's over 20 years ago. We certainly had no need to encourage their commitment or enthusiasm, and they charmed the whole group with their love of music and cheerful teamwork as we put them through their paces.Two contrasting types of ensemble, two vastly differing experiences, but united in the love of choral music and the power of singing. A good two days!Now off home for a week with family before our US tour, for which we leave on 1 December. We celebrate Thanksgiving in our house, as my wife Stephanie is American and we're bringing our two girls up to appreciate both sides of their heritage, so next week promises to be an important week of fellowship and rest. There's a lot for which I am thankful, and I hope that all of you (wherever you are) are able to enjoy a period of positive reflection both over Thanksgiving and throughout the upcoming Christmas season!
I haven't written a blog on a train, before now. As first experiences go I'll admit that it's not the most momentous, but perhaps worth marking.Yesterday we visited the Royal Northern College of Music, in Manchester, and were treated to a masterclass from some of the college's finest singers. It's always interesting to note how difficult singers find it to work together in an ensemble, no matter how talented they are as individuals, and yesterday was no exception. We managed to instil in them some basic appreciation of balance and blend, and the importance of listening to make a top performance. No matter how high you set your sights in terms of a solo or operatic career, if you can't make music in conjunction with those around you you're lost. Many of the top British opera singers of the day made their mark in the choral world first, and that's always worth bearing in mind.Today was the opposite end of the spectrum. Instead of coaching eager young things who wish to embark on a professional career, we had the delight of working with The Cowley Singers, an amateur women's choir formed in St Helen's over 20 years ago. We certainly had no need to encourage their commitment or enthusiasm, and they charmed the whole group with their love of music and cheerful teamwork as we put them through their paces.Two contrasting types of ensemble, two vastly differing experiences, but united in the love of choral music and the power of singing. A good two days!Now off home for a week with family before our US tour, for which we leave on 1 December. We celebrate Thanksgiving in our house, as my wife Stephanie is American and we're bringing our two girls up to appreciate both sides of their heritage, so next week promises to be an important week of fellowship and rest. There's a lot for which I am thankful, and I hope that all of you (wherever you are) are able to enjoy a period of positive reflection both over Thanksgiving and throughout the upcoming Christmas season!
I haven't written a blog on a train, before now. As first experiences go I'll admit that it's not the most momentous, but perhaps worth marking.Yesterday we visited the Royal Northern College of Music, in Manchester, and were treated to a masterclass from some of the college's finest singers. It's always interesting to note how difficult singers find it to work together in an ensemble, no matter how talented they are as individuals, and yesterday was no exception. We managed to instil in them some basic appreciation of balance and blend, and the importance of listening to make a top performance. No matter how high you set your sights in terms of a solo or operatic career, if you can't make music in conjunction with those around you you're lost. Many of the top British opera singers of the day made their mark in the choral world first, and that's always worth bearing in mind.Today was the opposite end of the spectrum. Instead of coaching eager young things who wish to embark on a professional career, we had the delight of working with The Cowley Singers, an amateur women's choir formed in St Helen's over 20 years ago. We certainly had no need to encourage their commitment or enthusiasm, and they charmed the whole group with their love of music and cheerful teamwork as we put them through their paces.Two contrasting types of ensemble, two vastly differing experiences, but united in the love of choral music and the power of singing. A good two days!Now off home for a week with family before our US tour, for which we leave on 1 December. We celebrate Thanksgiving in our house, as my wife Stephanie is American and we're bringing our two girls up to appreciate both sides of their heritage, so next week promises to be an important week of fellowship and rest. There's a lot for which I am thankful, and I hope that all of you (wherever you are) are able to enjoy a period of positive reflection both over Thanksgiving and throughout the upcoming Christmas season!
I haven't written a blog on a train, before now. As first experiences go I'll admit that it's not the most momentous, but perhaps worth marking.Yesterday we visited the Royal Northern College of Music, in Manchester, and were treated to a masterclass from some of the college's finest singers. It's always interesting to note how difficult singers find it to work together in an ensemble, no matter how talented they are as individuals, and yesterday was no exception. We managed to instil in them some basic appreciation of balance and blend, and the importance of listening to make a top performance. No matter how high you set your sights in terms of a solo or operatic career, if you can't make music in conjunction with those around you you're lost. Many of the top British opera singers of the day made their mark in the choral world first, and that's always worth bearing in mind.Today was the opposite end of the spectrum. Instead of coaching eager young things who wish to embark on a professional career, we had the delight of working with The Cowley Singers, an amateur women's choir formed in St Helen's over 20 years ago. We certainly had no need to encourage their commitment or enthusiasm, and they charmed the whole group with their love of music and cheerful teamwork as we put them through their paces.Two contrasting types of ensemble, two vastly differing experiences, but united in the love of choral music and the power of singing. A good two days!Now off home for a week with family before our US tour, for which we leave on 1 December. We celebrate Thanksgiving in our house, as my wife Stephanie is American and we're bringing our two girls up to appreciate both sides of their heritage, so next week promises to be an important week of fellowship and rest. There's a lot for which I am thankful, and I hope that all of you (wherever you are) are able to enjoy a period of positive reflection both over Thanksgiving and throughout the upcoming Christmas season!
I haven't written a blog on a train, before now. As first experiences go I'll admit that it's not the most momentous, but perhaps worth marking.Yesterday we visited the Royal Northern College of Music, in Manchester, and were treated to a masterclass from some of the college's finest singers. It's always interesting to note how difficult singers find it to work together in an ensemble, no matter how talented they are as individuals, and yesterday was no exception. We managed to instil in them some basic appreciation of balance and blend, and the importance of listening to make a top performance. No matter how high you set your sights in terms of a solo or operatic career, if you can't make music in conjunction with those around you you're lost. Many of the top British opera singers of the day made their mark in the choral world first, and that's always worth bearing in mind.Today was the opposite end of the spectrum. Instead of coaching eager young things who wish to embark on a professional career, we had the delight of working with The Cowley Singers, an amateur women's choir formed in St Helen's over 20 years ago. We certainly had no need to encourage their commitment or enthusiasm, and they charmed the whole group with their love of music and cheerful teamwork as we put them through their paces.Two contrasting types of ensemble, two vastly differing experiences, but united in the love of choral music and the power of singing. A good two days!Now off home for a week with family before our US tour, for which we leave on 1 December. We celebrate Thanksgiving in our house, as my wife Stephanie is American and we're bringing our two girls up to appreciate both sides of their heritage, so next week promises to be an important week of fellowship and rest. There's a lot for which I am thankful, and I hope that all of you (wherever you are) are able to enjoy a period of positive reflection both over Thanksgiving and throughout the upcoming Christmas season!
