New Zealand Folk Song has a Q&A feature.
What happens when a singer is booked to perform while in the grip of a nasty cold?
On this page
the saga is told
of Micheal's cold
and Tony's tonsil tips
for coping with
da dose an da throat ond a really off day.
Provides a check list for how to know if you can perform, and survival techniques for both cancelling or proceeding as planned.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
A Card from the Queen
I am delighted to send you my warmcongratulations on your One Hundredth birthday,
together with my very best wishes for an
enjoyable celebration.
Elizabeth R.
I have seen the famous telegram sent to centarian citizens of the former British Empire! These days, it comes in the form of a large card with a photograph of the Queen on the cover, a classy gold tassle down the spine, the royal crest inside, and the Queen's autograph.No, I was not the recipient. Today Elaine and I had the privilege of being part of Kathleen Maloney's 100th Birthday celebration, providing the musical entertainment.
Elaine wore green for the Maloney clan and I wore pink because I always think of Kathleen Maloney as a rosy little lady. (See Rosy 99.)We had a 50 minute wait before we performed due to the venue being so crowded there wasn't room for the piano, let alone musicians. When the guests had been fed,the staff suggested they transit to the lounge at the other end of Eileen Mary Retirement Home where the piano waited.
I put together a smiley Irish program for this sweet lady whom I've never seen without a smile on her dial. We gave her:
Carolina in the Morning
Side by Side
Sunshine of Your Smile
I'll Take You Home Again, Kathleen (1 verse & chorus)
Irish Eyes are Smiling (1 verse & chorus)
An Irish Lullaby
Peggy O'Neill
I'm Looking Over a Four-Leaf Clover
and closed with her special request, the Crimond 23rd Psalm. It brought tears to her eyes. Seeing how much it meant to her, I had to cover a choky throat myself.
Kathleen's last task of the day was to let off 100 balloons, which she did with difficulty -- I've never seen balloons so reluctant to fly! The day was bright and sunny, but even the central courtyard wasn't protected from a playful breeze that proved anything but buoyant. Perhaps to mark her 101st birthday we should try getting high on helium?
Work completed, I scooted off to the tearoom to browse the after-feast. I gathered up a few souvenirs, including a collection of mini cream puffs, chocolate eclairs, and a luscious slice of chocolate cake. Okay, so I normally refrain from that much dairy, but I've certainly sung for my supper this week. I felt a treat was in order.
Tired but HappyThis week was the first time I've attempted bookings on consecutive days (yesterday was a full-on afternoon's entertainment at the Elske Centre). I managed both with aplomb, all praise to the Lord. Now for a few days rest!
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Opera in the Park 2009
Outdoor Music-Making -- Summer's Bliss
My list of fun things to do this summer looked like this:
My parents and I went on our bush walk and picnic, I found a marvellous swing that endowed me with proprietory rights for 9 days, and to my astonishment, I was blessed with attending 3 concerts, 2 of which were outdoor events.
Nephews and I playing shady characters on the swing. Yes, a bowl of cherries was involved. Swingsational.
Dad and I went to Nelson's Opera in the Park, a type of show I've been waiting half my life to attend. We arrived at the venue to the lively sounds of a terrific Nelson brass ensemble. I'll never forget the welcome of that as we proceeded from our car through the park grounds, in the venue gates, and across the field to our seats.
The official program was a classy New Zealand showcase (apart from the M.C. radio hostess trying too hard and the strange antics of mezzo soprano Helen Medlyn), with superb vocals from internationally acclaimed soprano Anna Leese (whose big sister and I once shared a bowl of birthday cake icing), a girl whose serene presence on stage is an experience indeed. I would have liked to hear more from Georgia Jamieson-Emms, winner of last year's Sealord Aria, off to seek a singer's fortune in Europe the day after this concert. She sang just one item, "Caro Nome" from Rigoletto.
Tenors Simon O'Neill and Ben Makisi got together for the first time since their 1st and 2nd placings at the Nelson Aria in 1994, and offered magnificent vocals along with amusing memories of emergency shoe-swapping. Their "Au Font du Temple Saint" moved me to tears. I'm a sucker for that melody...
Dad and I held Gold Patron tickets, with all the luxuries laid on. Dad even waved to himself on the big screen (I'd gone walkabout to experience the backbenches). It was a night to remember.
Arriving hatless, our neighbours found that desperation under the evening sun made them creative.
Last weekend, my parents and I took our deck chairs north to Central Hawkes Bay's prestigious back of beyond, the historic homestead of Oruawharo. The Lions fundraiser event has been running for three years. I attended the first one at the time I started voice lessons with Ileana Otto-Johansen, who is the musical director and featured soprano.
I stood in the shade of a mighty tree while people were arriving, and a man passed by whom I haven't seen in a while. I once sang in his garden. He waved at me in my heirloom skirt and white linen hat sporting feathers and flowers. "Are you performing this year?" he said.
The program runs for 4 hours, with 3 satisfying brackets of mixed opera and musical theatre songs, the first two separated by a 15 minute interval, and the second and third by an hour for tea. Those who paid $50 entrance were classed as prestige-ticket holders and enjoyed a restaurant meal cooked in the homestead kitchen and served under the trees at linen-draped tables. Those who paid $40 received a plastic-wrapped plate of salad, meat, and bread bun. We were quite happy with our personally serviced picnic hamper.
650 concert-goers mean a lot of cars, and the homestead grounds were well organized for coping with this influx. The wooden swing hanging from a very tall elm that I'd been looking forward to sampling was pre-booked --- gowned in white linen, clearly the sole property of the bouquet of pink roses resting among the folds. I found the intervals tedious, it being necessary for me to walk (deckchair malaise) rather than stand around talking, but I filled in some time with my own vocals down the far end of the paddock. As folk regathered for Session 3, a man maneuvering down the row behind mine said he'd enjoyed my music. He must have been socializing with the cars to have heard that, but it was nice to know I'd entertained more than myself.
Ileana's performances were wonderful, and so were her gowns -- 8 of the former, 3 of the latter. I was totally blown away by tenor Jason Parker, a 17-year-old with not much training (yet) but an incredible power and richness to his voice that I eagerly anticipate hearing again. I took quiet pleasure in listening to soprano Janet Smith and studying her demeanor. Having in recent months become happily acquainted with Andre' Rieu's relaxed, joyful style of classical music, followed by the bantering featured in Nelson, I felt a slight culture shock in the seriousness of the Oruawharo singers' presentations. The only time I saw Ileana smile on stage was before her last solo, the second to last item on the program. Janet had a sparkle that made her a pleasure to watch as well as a pleasure to listen to, a distinction that reminds me of the difference between my demeanor at my Town Hall debut and the way I handle gigs now after a year of working with Elaine Swanney. Ileana is a trained, experienced performer and a woman of strong character, so I figure she just sees opera as very serious business.
Ileana Otto-Johansen with guest artist Patrick Power (local tenor of international renown)
Summer's passive entertainment becomes a warm and pleasant memory as the year's program takes over. A sudden, unexpected improvement in my health has allowed me to dig into music preparations with enthusiasm, and bookings are beginning to dot my calendar. So then, on with the dance! May the melody of love be woven in the fabric of your days.
My list of fun things to do this summer looked like this:
My parents and I went on our bush walk and picnic, I found a marvellous swing that endowed me with proprietory rights for 9 days, and to my astonishment, I was blessed with attending 3 concerts, 2 of which were outdoor events.
Nephews and I playing shady characters on the swing. Yes, a bowl of cherries was involved. Swingsational.Dad and I went to Nelson's Opera in the Park, a type of show I've been waiting half my life to attend. We arrived at the venue to the lively sounds of a terrific Nelson brass ensemble. I'll never forget the welcome of that as we proceeded from our car through the park grounds, in the venue gates, and across the field to our seats.
The official program was a classy New Zealand showcase (apart from the M.C. radio hostess trying too hard and the strange antics of mezzo soprano Helen Medlyn), with superb vocals from internationally acclaimed soprano Anna Leese (whose big sister and I once shared a bowl of birthday cake icing), a girl whose serene presence on stage is an experience indeed. I would have liked to hear more from Georgia Jamieson-Emms, winner of last year's Sealord Aria, off to seek a singer's fortune in Europe the day after this concert. She sang just one item, "Caro Nome" from Rigoletto.
Tenors Simon O'Neill and Ben Makisi got together for the first time since their 1st and 2nd placings at the Nelson Aria in 1994, and offered magnificent vocals along with amusing memories of emergency shoe-swapping. Their "Au Font du Temple Saint" moved me to tears. I'm a sucker for that melody...Dad and I held Gold Patron tickets, with all the luxuries laid on. Dad even waved to himself on the big screen (I'd gone walkabout to experience the backbenches). It was a night to remember.
Arriving hatless, our neighbours found that desperation under the evening sun made them creative.Last weekend, my parents and I took our deck chairs north to Central Hawkes Bay's prestigious back of beyond, the historic homestead of Oruawharo. The Lions fundraiser event has been running for three years. I attended the first one at the time I started voice lessons with Ileana Otto-Johansen, who is the musical director and featured soprano.
I stood in the shade of a mighty tree while people were arriving, and a man passed by whom I haven't seen in a while. I once sang in his garden. He waved at me in my heirloom skirt and white linen hat sporting feathers and flowers. "Are you performing this year?" he said.
The program runs for 4 hours, with 3 satisfying brackets of mixed opera and musical theatre songs, the first two separated by a 15 minute interval, and the second and third by an hour for tea. Those who paid $50 entrance were classed as prestige-ticket holders and enjoyed a restaurant meal cooked in the homestead kitchen and served under the trees at linen-draped tables. Those who paid $40 received a plastic-wrapped plate of salad, meat, and bread bun. We were quite happy with our personally serviced picnic hamper.
650 concert-goers mean a lot of cars, and the homestead grounds were well organized for coping with this influx. The wooden swing hanging from a very tall elm that I'd been looking forward to sampling was pre-booked --- gowned in white linen, clearly the sole property of the bouquet of pink roses resting among the folds. I found the intervals tedious, it being necessary for me to walk (deckchair malaise) rather than stand around talking, but I filled in some time with my own vocals down the far end of the paddock. As folk regathered for Session 3, a man maneuvering down the row behind mine said he'd enjoyed my music. He must have been socializing with the cars to have heard that, but it was nice to know I'd entertained more than myself.
Ileana's performances were wonderful, and so were her gowns -- 8 of the former, 3 of the latter. I was totally blown away by tenor Jason Parker, a 17-year-old with not much training (yet) but an incredible power and richness to his voice that I eagerly anticipate hearing again. I took quiet pleasure in listening to soprano Janet Smith and studying her demeanor. Having in recent months become happily acquainted with Andre' Rieu's relaxed, joyful style of classical music, followed by the bantering featured in Nelson, I felt a slight culture shock in the seriousness of the Oruawharo singers' presentations. The only time I saw Ileana smile on stage was before her last solo, the second to last item on the program. Janet had a sparkle that made her a pleasure to watch as well as a pleasure to listen to, a distinction that reminds me of the difference between my demeanor at my Town Hall debut and the way I handle gigs now after a year of working with Elaine Swanney. Ileana is a trained, experienced performer and a woman of strong character, so I figure she just sees opera as very serious business.
Ileana Otto-Johansen with guest artist Patrick Power (local tenor of international renown)Summer's passive entertainment becomes a warm and pleasant memory as the year's program takes over. A sudden, unexpected improvement in my health has allowed me to dig into music preparations with enthusiasm, and bookings are beginning to dot my calendar. So then, on with the dance! May the melody of love be woven in the fabric of your days.
Friday, December 26, 2008
Musical Cheers
After 2 months' break due to exhaustion and voice trouble, it feels so wonderful to be making music again. My sister Sarah was home for a mere 29 hours, and the weather was cold, damp, and windy, but we managed to find a spot on Taradale to record two of our favourite ballads for our family and friends before she flew south again.
The Purple Hoods spy out the LandRoses Will Bloom Again
I find this song a great faith builder. When I'm hurting because my hopes have been dashed, or floundering because I've lost track of the vision for my life, it helps to remind myself, Only God knows how or when, but roses will bloom again. He has proved He's faithful. I can trust Him with my life and everything important to me.
The Northern Lights of Old Aberdeen
"Aberdeen" was unrehearsed and turned into a big joke as we tried to remember the harmonies. What the wind did to my hair I couldn't have done if I tried. We hope you have as much fun watching as we had singing.
You can also join us on a jaunt down the road to the strains of "How Marvellous".May you take the road to your own Aberdeen and find roses blooming there.
Best wishes, Narelle & Sarah
Friday, September 26, 2008
War Birds in Dannevirke
Elaine and Narelle warm up at Elaine's piano before flitting off for a show at Rahiri, another in The War Years series.Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Spring Calendar
SPRING PROGRAMSPahiatua
Combined Churches Service
Operation Christmas Child promotion
5:30pm
Sunday, August 31st
Elske Centre
1pm, Tuesday, September 9th
Eileen Mary
2pm, Friday, September 19th
Rahiri
2:30pm, Friday, September 26th
Autumn Lodge
2pm, Friday, October 3rd
Elske Centre
1pm, Monday, October 6th
CANCELLED due to funeral.
Eileen Mary
2pm, Friday, October 17th
POSTPONED. Narelle & Elaine taking a breather.
Autumn Lodge
2pm, Friday, October 24th
CANCELLED due to funeral.
Sacred Music at
The Edwardian House
8 Victoria Avenue, Dannevirke
2:30pm
Labour Day
Monday, October 27th
THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED.
Monday, August 25, 2008
TIP for purchasing Sheet Music
I use Musicnotes.com as my primary source of sheet music, but I discovered this week that buying from them is only good value (for folks outside of the USA) if it's digital sheet music for instant download.I wanted some music that isn't currently available in digital format, but was horrified when they slapped US$30 p&p on top of the book price.
A quick check with SheetMusicPlus.com located the same music with a much more comfortable shipping cost of US$4.49 (currently NZ$6.32).
I conclude that Musicnotes specializes in digital music, while SheetMusicPlus specializes in paper/books. I'll order my shopping accordingly in the future. = )
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