Enthralling Ellie - you made my day ..!

A few days ago, Eleanor (Hemmens) arrived here to pick up where we left off 'breathing', after a couple of months trekking about the Far East - intrepid explorer, brave lady.... One of her new aquisitions is a mini - mini Cannon camera, almost in the 'spy' tradition, with video facility - so we tried it during the session - and it's faaabulous ! Today, Ellie has sent a small clip of herself 'bobbin' up and down' in true Simsannabim style - and it's hysterical - I'm still giggling ...! Ellie is a natural English rose, with a voice to match. We met at Rosalind's (Plowright) Royal Academy of Music Master Classes in August 2007, and were very impressed by her potential - she was nicknamed 'The Baby' of the class, being several years junior to all the other participants, and the powers that be were not sure that she should be allowed to take part, being so young. However, Rosalind and I agreed that there was no reason why she shouldn't - and we were right ! Ellie's progress has been very exciting (still only a mere 21) and the future is very bright for her. Currently studying at The University of London, (not music) we meet as often as possible and just have a lot of fun. This week, we worked through a number from a modern musical which she's auditioning for - good luck with that one....If you want to see the clip, it's on - http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=Ps2461yko4I At first, it loads in slow motion, but eventually it plays through recognisably .......Fellow breathers will recognise the movement - feel free to join in.....You will have gathered by now that I did not win the £100 million on the lottery - but a clip like this is worth much more ......The international financial situation is dire, to say the least, just pray that common sense comes in to play soon, even intelligent thinking - where is all that money - it can't have disappeared - any ideas ....the prospects are enough to stop one breathing, but pleeease don't - it'll all come out in the wash - ooops ...'til then, keep bobbin' up and down - and you'll be happy to know that Remarkable Rosalind is very happily installed at Seattle Opera , where she will deliver her stunning 'Klytemnestra' , in Strauss' "Elektra", premiering on October 18th. 2008 and k..p b.......g breathing - lots o' love to you all....Simsibimsi ...

So I'm a 'hermit' ...tut tut!!!

Today I was listening to a radio programme and discoverd that a person living alone is classed as - yes, a HERMIT !!!! Tee heee heeeee! What a surprise.... To me a hermit has always conjured up pictures of hairy, bearded, ancient men, living in a cave, or grotto - how disappointing that civilisation (.. civil..what ..?) has brought us to this - so much for the welfare state - whose welfare is it actually concerned with...? Primarily it seems to be the Government and it's 'over the border' Cabinet Ministers - sad but very prosperous lot out of our taxation generosity... having no experiece of matters fiscal before taking power - and boy, do they enjoy their power over the general public who elected them to serve, not bully; 'tis the same as always after an election, whichever party, the priorities change and promises are empty words as soon as governing is granted by the electorate. At the Labour party conference this week, blackguard Brown 'Prime' (?) Minister - un-elected but installed after 'bully Blair' deserted the sinking ship - he scuppered it and now fancies himself as Pope - talk about delusions of grandeur....These two Scots, along with their Cabinet compatriots have, ostensibly, stifled the English way of life - dour Scots we do not need , but that's what we have --- Hadrian should have built the wall a lot higher !!! The most shriekworthy statement G.B made at his party rousing speech was how lucky we are to be pensioners under his regime - lying toad ('scuse me )!!! One of the first financial changes he made was to rob the Retirement Pensions Funds of billions of pounds, which has made most of us 'paupers' in our own country, after investing those billions for retirement security. The Government have provided themselves with massive annual pensions, of course, which no one can rescind....I must have a deep breath out in the garden before I explode with a feeling of despair. ..... Ah, that's better ...... Checking my chances of financial survival today at my bank, I was advised to sell the house and go abroad... nice one ! Question is - which country would welcome and old Hermit.... ?? I'm laughing aloud at the prospect of finding a cave or grotto on a friendly shore......At least the British Passport is still fairly well respected in the 'civilised' world - wherever that is........friends in Sweden have offered me a "Frigoboda" (spelling) in their garden - quite tempting.....and could be fun ......Maybe I'll win the Euro Lottery, for which I invested £1 pound today - my first 'go ' ...wish me luck, then we can aaaall have a great party and breathe, and dance and sing 'Land of Hope and Glory " - you gotta be jokin'...back to the beans on toast and kippers .....brain food don't ya know - if oooonly I still had one , brain I mean - working on automatic pilot these days....there is still much for me to accomplish on my mysterious compulsive mission - and I am winning ....... so have faith ...and k..p b.......g

So I'm a 'hermit' ...tut tut!!!

Feasting on figs ......

Safe and sound at home again, the garden is fairly jungle-like, and in the dense foliage I discovered a hoard of squidgy, succulent figs - ooooh, maybe that's what is missing from the "Samson and Delilah" production, currently being held together by Awesome Anna's (Larsson) sumptuous voice and magnetic personna - give 'em figs, not bombs.....After the years of honing 'Delilah' vocally, it was great to hear her 'for real' on stage - what an artist - congratulations, you thoroughly deserved the ovation at curtain call Anna - no one wanted to leave the theatre it was so exciting...here's to your every success with the rest of the run....The 'breathing thing' as my routine is referred to is really making a difference to the sound of singing in Sweden. It was good to see Anna a few days later on her "blogg", working with Anki Hognabber, after Anki and I had had some fun breathing in the studio - I then left to fly home... Anki and I met some years ago on Aland where I regularly gave Summer School Masterclasses - and thoroughly indulged in Abba repertoire ! At the time, one was aware of Anki's potential as an exciting, clean voiced soprano, but when funding dried up in Aland, we lost track of each other - until Anna L was giving Master Classes at Kulturama in Stockholm, and invited me to join her at a session - and there was Anki, bright as a button, but singing in a not too familiar mezzo-soprano voice. We soon sorted that out, and she's now back to her true rich soprano which will develop who knows how...? As usual I'm feeling somewhat brain-dead after the exertions of breathing with all my lovely 'converts' in Stockholm. 'Converted to what?' I hear you think ? " Breathers of course !!" It's all becoming so exciting with new singers joining in the fun. Won't tell you now who they are, I'll just wait for some of you to ask "Are you working with - so and - so ?" When I say "Yes" - "I thoooought so " is the usual reply. Good Luck to my Terrific Tenor - Goran (Eliasson) and his management company - how wonderful to have a manager who can sing brilliantly and understands the priorities of the artistes. Here's to a very happy and successful trip to Cape Town as 'The Poet' - toi toi toi ......And to Luscious Lisa Larsson in the Britten 'Les Illumination' in Zurich on Wednesday. You came through loud and clear, and beautifully, on Swedish Radio in their tribute to you last week. I was most impressed by the morning programme too, when I had the opportunity to hear you play the flute - is there no end to your talents - it would be a master stroke for you to play that lovely passage in 'The Elysian Fields' scene in "Orfee"... The marvels of modern science which allow one to hear the radio via the internet......please k..p b.......g all of you - and be joyful !

Back home, safe and sound.......aaah ....

Yes, I made it back to Berko, with just a little 'hiccup' at Heathrow Airport. Having gone through passport control quickly and without any fuss, I discovered some minutes later that my passport was nowhere to be found - panic ! Now I know how it feels to be a refugee - no status. By some strange quirk of fate the first official person who randomly appeared, and nowhere near their base area, was a very kind and calming member of S.A.S staff ! Having just flown with them from Stockholm, he was most concerned that I should not be upset, and that all would be well. He suggested I go back the way I had just come, to see if I could find the missing document. As it happened, I'd been to the Prayer Room - the first time I've ever done so - and I've no idea what prompted me to do that, I simply felt I needed to say a prayer to give thanks for a most successful Swedish visit, and the blessing of so many fine and inspiring singers . No sign of passport in the Prayer Room - so I said another prayer for its retrieval ! After fifteen minutes I met the S.A.S. rep. again and ,would you believe it, the passport had been handed in to Airport Security - I really do believe in the power of prayer...
On Saturday 13th. September 2008 I was privileged to attend the first performance of Anna (Larsson) in her brilliant portrayal of "Delilah" at the Royal Opera , Stockholm. Her premiere was the highlight of several years working the role 'into the system', and oh, how it was worth waiting for - breathtaking , overwhelmingly beautiful phrases and golden tones ..... For me it is all the more surprising with some of my 'breathers' in that, knowing them offstsage as busy, devoted Mums, they transform onstage into the most fascinating "Vocal Goddesses" , Anna L , Rosalind P, Hillevi M, Marianne E, Lisa L - I am sooo lucky. Whilst staying with Goran (Eliasson) and Anna , I had such a lot of fun with their two lively, spirited, boys, Axel 7 , and August 3 - the latter being my kindred spirit.... 'Rough and tumbling" is their favourite game with me at the moment . I stretch back on a vast couch in the playroom area, with a giant cushion on my tum - then they leap from an occasional table at me with peals of laughter as we all end up in a heap of giggles and cuddles - surely does keep one young and fit - 'tis also rather good for deep breathing !!! Shady, the Kiricat, was pleased to welcome me home, and we've been having a slightly less boisterous time playing with a catnip filled toy mouse - and now I will rest for a few days, breathing tomorrow with Rosalind P before she flies off to sing in Seattle - life is so full of variety and wonderful colleagues......so, dear readers - k..p b.......g ....

It's "D day" = Delila day - at laaaaaaast.....

Yes, this evening we shall be able to enjoy the result of some years preparing for "Awesome Anna's Delila" at the Royal Opera, Stockholm - Anna Larsson that is - as if you didn't know whom I mean !!! With her delicious, breathtakingly beautiful contralto voice, in who knows how many pure octaves (!) I defy anyone not to be seduced by it....The variety of colours and dynamics is almost inhuman, and that is intended as the finest compliment. How can a mere mortal conjure up such inspiring sounds? Because Anna is not a mere mortal, of course, but a most gifted artist.... At the last rehearsal there was the most wonderful silence from the audience whenever she sang - no coughing, fidgeting or moving about. It was as though time stood still, with everyone rapt in wonder at this life enhancing experience. (The last time I recall it happening was when Kiri (te K) took the opera world by storm with her 'Contessa' in 'Le Nozze di Figaro' at the Royal Opera, London in 1974) - it doesn't happen very often, which makes it the more memorable. No one dared make a sound to disturb the magical flowing sensual vocal waves of pure sonority - indescibable actually.... There's not a lot of scope for the usual steamy, sensual romping about in this production, almost no physical contact - well, Delila does despise Samson after all - so the sheer dynamism of her voice is even more vital. "Printemp qui commence" , ooooh, it flows out like pure gold, and all her arias likewise.... who could resist her? Apart from the voice, this devious Palestinian seductress is as statuesque and beautiful as I've ever seen - it isn't a case of 'the show's not over until the fat lady sings' .....So, Dear Anna - toi,toi,toi, it's been a fascinating journey and I've loved every privileged minute of it .... Don't forget to have a hanky ready folks if you're a sensitive soul, this portrayal will bring tears to your eyes for its sheer beauty....and please k..p b.......g after the arias.....!!

My 'Seventh Heaven'......

So where is this ideal place ? Right here in Stockholm ! I'm surrounded by 'Breathing Devotees' and it's bliiiiss ! Of course I'm grinning all over my face because it must sound really wierd to the uninitiated that breathing can 'turn me on' - cheap thrills as we say back home ..!! No, they're not actually cheap 'timewise'. Anyone who knows about the breathing routine, and the time it takes for the body and brain to absorb the necessary sensations and synchronise them, knows that it is a lifetime study, it doesn't happen in one session and goes on developing with experience....Something has definitely occurred here since my last visit - after a longer break than usual. There is a more marked difference with many singers, maybe it was the lovely summer vacation - that's more likely. Whatever, I am thrilled at the progress everyone is making , and we are almost at the culmination of the most fascinating journey with 'Awesome Anna' - yes, the Larsson one ! Her 'Delilah' is about to 'come out' and stun us all.....Even in the last few days we've found new vocal colours and phrasing - woooow - I do hope you've booked in now, because I think it will be something to remember in the archives of exceptional performances by a singer fully connected with their air and talent. The production does not lend itself to the usual 'steamy' seduction routines - but she gets her man triumphantly in the end, one way or another......It was odd for me that the first on stage dress rehearsal with orchestra was not conducted by the principal conducter (and he's replaced the original who withdrew, I understand), so the tempi and dynamics came as a bit of a surprise to the entire cast and technicians - straaaaaaaaange ..... Never mind, they coped with their usual professionalism and , with any luck, they will find out at the dress rehearsal on Thursday, what to expect at the first night......hmmmmm.....It's O.K., I am as usual sitting here, tongue in cheek, grinning......the 'it'll be alright on the night' philosophy will come into play...... Another treat - tonight you have the opportunity to hear Lisa Larsson, the gorgeous 'Euridice' to Anna Larsson's 'Orfeo' ealier this year, glide mellifluosly through some lovely works at The Royal Palace here at 8.30 p.m. -and I'm gonna miss it because I'm booked to breathe with an interesting choir in Solna......should be fun...so GOOD LUCK LISA.....from us all.....we'll 'be with you' .....toi toi toi ... and don't forget everyone ...k..p b.......g.....X

It's all a question of stamina.....

Having travelled with Anna (Larsson) on the "Samson and Delila" trail for some years, it's really exciting to be so close to making the staged performances. As Anna has been hyper-active for several months now, I was interested to see how one survives such a hectic schedule on so high a profile... Well, of course, it's a major miracle ! In Gothenburg we had the Wesendonck Lieder and Gustavo Dudemal, plus romance concerts with the delightful Matti Hirvonnen, and immediately after that in Stockholm; Erda' in Vienna and Aix-en-Provence, concerts in New York, The Polar Prize, etc., etc, - pheeeew - the Vikings are still conquering the world !! In England when such magnificent artistic results are achieved we say "It must be the water", so please can you ship us some of your magic water to Berkhamsted.....Teasing apart, at the end of an arduous day rehearsing at Kungliga Operan, Stockholm, this week, the French director of "S & D" cheekily looked at Anna's 'stunned rabbit' expression ( she was veeery tired) and said "Aaaanna - you look as though you have egg on your face - no, no, - it's a compleeeete omelette...!! " Which ended the day with much laughter and relaxation.... Now for a few days well earned rest, and then we're off on the rollercoaster again....On this visit, apart from catching up with Anna, I'm having a great time with all my 'breathers' - they must be on the magic Swedish water because they have achieved new vocal sensations and look as though they are really ENJOYING - singing ! WOOOOW ..! I jest and can't stop chuckling, it's so rewarding when a singer starts smiling instead of frowning when they try out a new idea I've suggested - and it WORKS !! The thing that amazes me is that my ancient brain has enough stamina to 'stay the course', no matter how long it takes to connect the voice and air for some.....for me it's a challenge. Next week I breathe with a very good choir in Solna, and have been assured that they will probably be a leeeetle bit stubborn in accepting my (odd) ideas about supported singing, 'and will be difficult'.... Greeeeat - there's nothing I like more than a challenge - I guess it's that awful thing called 'ego'...? Doesn't matter what you call it as long as, eventually it's successful.... Tomorrow I have a session with my 'junior' breathers - fascinating to find what is necessary as the catalyst for young singers to ignite the spark of vocal creativity...I just love it, and we all have a fun time in the process.. You'll be hearing some of them in a few years .... wish them luck...
Have a happy Sunday - 'byee ....k..p b.......g....X

Fresh and rarin' to goooo in Stockholm...

Having landed safe and sound, been whisked off to Nasby Park, a leafy green suburb, by Liz-Marie (Tammo) a cosmic coluratura soprano yet to be 'discovered' here - you should hear her "Natts Drottning" ('Queen of the Night')or "Zerbinetta" - mind blowing ! To many these roles are terrifying, but they just pour out of Liz- Marie like fresh spring water, clear and strong, none of the soubrette about this one, a full blooded female, rich, round sound ! Don't ask me how she does it, just natural ability....as with all 'my' fine breathers, I have the best of all purposes in life - being privileged and honoured to help guide them to greater heights than they, or I, ever imagined - it really is MAGIC all round. For me the pinnacle of achievement would be to have a wealthy philanthropist interested in forming a group, all using 'our' synchronised breathing technique, to demonstrate just how incredible perfect phonation can inspire the listener - and bring - harmony into everyday life ....Winners of the BBC "Last Choir Standing" competition were my choice all the way through - "Only Men Allowed", a Welsh choir - fabulous - they richly deserved to win - such harmony, and what a gooorgeous group of men ..WOW ...They can move and dance too....Having just steamed in the bastu (sauna to you non-Scandinavians) cleansed and refreshed, I'm ready to have lots of fun with my stimulating friends here, and catch up on all the news. 'nighty 'night - and don't forget to k..p b.......g

"Harmony" .....

Harmony, according to the Oxford English Dictionary = "Agreement, sweet or melodious sound".....Oh that there could be more harmony in the wide world, combined with kindness and compassion. There probably, hopefully is, more than we realise, since none of these elements rarely make the headlines.....Thankfully I am blessed with very special loving friends and family, always have been - what a gift.... The relevence of harmony was brought to mind succinctly by Mariella (Karle), a talented young Swedish soprano whom Anna L. and I are encouraging to develop her potential. In a e mail (and I have her permission to quote from it - such trust...!) she wrote " My Sister lives next door, and this weekend her parents-in-law are here to visit. I can hear them playing string quartets through the wall, what a nice thing to do on a Friday evening ! Not many people would do such a thing these days. Making music brings harmony , don't you think ?!" Yes, I do think so - Such wisdom in one so young... there's hope for 'civilisation' yet....Now to finish my packing - I'm almost ready to join in harmonious pastimes and performances with many of my beautiful breathers in Stockholm ... see you all sooooonn - as we say here "put the kettle on"...ooooh, my taste buds are tingling for my favourite fishy food favourites - bockling, lax fina, krafte, Liz-Marie's hand made tunn brod - and La La Larsson special kottbulle .. and so much more - mmmmmmmmm ! 'I want to teach the world to sing in perfect harmony' - let's do it soooooon....'til then, k..p b.......g