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
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