June 4, 2019

The Midlands, England

This week we are having some time at home in advance of our next album recording which starts on Monday. Since joining The King’s Singers in January, this is the first time I have properly rested, as Easter was busy with lots of music learning; inevitably my adrenaline levels have plummeted and I have never been more tired in my life!

That said, it has been a wonderful week.  I have spent time with my loved ones, helped my Mum choose a new puppy, and been to a sumptuous BBQ at Bru’s.  As expected, the BBQ had two downpours of rain, such is the English weather.  

I have also been rehearsing for a recital that I am giving in Warwick School Chapel on Thursday. The recital is raising money for a charity that is very close to my heart, Rufus’ Friends’ Fund. The charity provides grants to low-income families in Warwickshire who have a member with learning difficulties, allowing them to benefit from a much-needed break, holiday or trip, and giving families and carers some respite. The fund started its life nearly 30 years ago after my uncle, Rufus, who had severe learning disabilities, died. I work with my mum, grandparents, sister and uncle to raise money in my spare time to shine some light into the lives of our beneficiaries, many of whom face numerous difficulties.

I have really enjoyed coming up with a programme which I hope will be varied and interesting.  I am certainly employing some of the things about programming that I have learned from my colleagues in The King’s Singers. A sneak preview of the programme is here:

Qui sedes ad dexteram - The GloriaAntonio Lucio Vivaldi Esurientes implevit bonis - The Magnificat in D Major Johann Sebastian BachWer sollte sich demnach - Vergnügte Ruh, beliebte Seelenlust (BWV 170)Johann Sebastian BachMir ekelt mehr zu leben - Vergnügte Ruh, beliebte Seelenlust (BWV 170)Johann Sebastian Bach**HeidenrösleinFranz Peter SchubertThe Roadside Fire - Songs of TravelRalph Vaughan WilliamsCome again: Sweet love doth now inviteJohn DowlandHymen, haste! thy torce prepare - SemeleGeorge Frideric HandelTrue ColoursBilly Steinberg & Tom Kelly arr. Tom Odell**He was despised - MessiahGeorge Frideric HandelOh God who from the suckling's mouth - The Foundling Hospital AnthemGeorge Frideric HandelThe LadybirdJohannes BrahmsQuae moerebat et dolebat - Stabat MaterGiovanni Battista PergolesiCastle on a Cloud - Les MisérablesClaude-Michel Schönberg


I am looking forward to performing in the place where my love of music began, and where 20 years ago, I could only have dreamed that I would one day be a King's Singer. I am also being accompanied by my first ever singing teacher which is very special for me.

When I return to school I'd like to try to find my old cassock, which had to be specially ordered for seven-year-old me as the school did not have one small enough! I believe it still exists and is only a little larger than a postage stamp!

See you soon,

Eddie

Instagram: @edwardbutton1