More from Proms

Our blogger Katharine Emory shares this photo of her standing in front of Royal Albert Hall where she performed with the Handel and Haydn Society on Monday. And the reviews continue to come in...

"4 Stars ... Roger Norrington conducted his Boston-based Handel and Haydn Society ... in a dynamic performance."
-The Guardian

"There was a delectable lightness about the textures, much well-pointed atmospheric detail, and some excellent solo work."
-The Times

"The colouristic effects were in the best possible hands, with the Boston period band full of vim and vigour."
-The Independant

Performance and Party

From Katharine Emory, mezzo-soprano

Well, last night's concert was an amazing experience. We sang awfully well - especially given that we had had a full, 3-hour dress rehearsal that same morning! Royal Albert Hall is simply exquisite. The acoustics made it remarkably easy to sing the most intimate pianissimos and full-out fortes that reached to the back of the hall and then bounced right back.

The day was drizzly - the only less-than-beautiful day we've had. They were very strict with their security at the hall, checking everyone's performance pass prior to allowing us to get past the Stage Door. The chorus shared dressing rooms with the orchestra, something we're not used to, but had no problem with, by and large, as the rooms were of good size. We had to choreograph our entries and exits, given the logistical constraints of the hall. There were audience members behind us, as well as directly in front of the orchestra and soloists. It was more than a little stunning to see the folks in the center equivalent of what we call the "orchestra" section standing throughout the entire concert! Some brought folding or camping chairs; some actually sat or lay down to merely listen. But many stood for the duration of the concert, the lucky ones in front, leaning on a railing that barely separated them from the soloists and TV cameras.

TV? Yes! It turned out that not only was the BBC audiotaping the concert (you can stream it online until Sunday), but they filmed it for live television as well! If only we'd had TiVo in our hotel rooms!!! sigh. It was an odd sight indeed as the cameras moved about on tracks in front or were pointed at us by operators alongside the chorus. It added to the excitement level, if not adding an edge of danger in the process...

Sir Roger, having been very happy with the dress rehearsal, was strong and confident as he conducted the unfolding drama that opens with the orchestra, then adds soloists to the mix, and finally brings in the chorus with rich, robust color. Throughout the concert, with its array of creatures (fish, birds, frogs, etc.), romance (Hanne and Lukas), temperatures (from sultry heat to icy stillness), drinking and laboring - through it all, we held our own, loving the whole musical spectacle as it was happening. What a thrill!

The concert was over all too soon. As we exited the stage to get to the dressing rooms, we had to compete with patrons leaving from the same doorways. On our way down the stairs, Sir Roger congratulated us, looking happy but a tad weary. Laurence Cummings (who conducted last season's Messiah and Orfeo) was among the familiar faces congratulating us; he seemed most impressed and delighted with our performance. It was gratifying to get this kind of response from musicians who know our group.

Most of us scrambled to get all of our stuff together and find the way back to the buses for a rain-free ride to the hotel. Our wonderful new Executive Director exhorted us to come to the bar and PARTY in celebration of our achievements over the last few days. I first met up with my neighbors from New Jersey (who just happened to be in London at the "right time") and my husband. We went to The Queens Arms for my first indulgence of the trip - a pint of Guinness! I was ready - and it was perfect.

When we got kicked out of the pub, my neighbors went back to their daughter's home and Andy and I hopped in a taxi to join the party at the hotel. And WHAT a party! Handel and Haydn Society Board members joined in the celebration and we ate and drank and danced and talked very very late into the night. Well, actually, morning ... The general consensus was that this was an event we'd love to see repeated again and again. The camaraderie was tremendously strong among all the musicians, not just within the orchestra or chorus. This is a true ensemble that revels in making music together. Good music. Really good music! And why not bring that music to as many people as possible? Even if it means jumping continents?

Finally, the hotel bar did its best to close. It's hard to say that we were tired - performing like this is enlivening, even inspiring. But it had been a long day - and a short trip. It was hard to believe that things that happened the day before hadn't occurred a week before. Time had become elusive and our body clocks were no longer ticking. We divided up into little groups with long goodnights and lots of hugs. Some of us hung out in stairwells finishing conversations that didn't want to end. It was the very essence of afterglow.

Andy and I got to sleep around 4am! We slept through our last free breakfast and didn't make it out of the hotel until 11am. We're staying in London, unlike most (but by no means all) of the performers. We have much still to see and do - and we have the luxury of knowing we'll get to do it. Still we all crammed a lot into this short gem of a tour. It will live on in our memories for story-telling long after this blogsite gets taken down.

I can't sign off without thanking the Handel and Haydn Society staff, some of whom came to London to help make everything run so smoothly. Marie-Hélène Bernard, our Executive Director, was at every rehearsal and looked out for our well-being in a professional and caring way. What a joy to be able to get to know her as a musician, administrator, and just plain fascinating person and then party with her post-concert! I think she is developing an excellent sense of what our potential is as a premiere music ensemble - and who we are personally. Then there's Personnel Manager Jesse Levine, whom so many know and love as a trumpet player (who gets to show off his chops every Messiah in "The Trumpet Shall Sound"). Jesse does so much for us performers when he's wearing his administrative "hat," it simply cannot be described or defined. Suffice it to say that we treasure him and his hard work is deeply appreciated by player and singer alike. We also had very helpful behind-the-scenes assistance from Artistic Services Manager Michael Jendrysik, whose cheery demeanor meant a lot. Of course, back in Boston, everyone at Handel and Haydn helped prepare for this huge undertaking. Director of Marketing and Public Relations Gregg Sorenson set up the PR and Associate Marketing Director Brian Stuart manned the "blogstation" 24/7 it seems! Never having blogged before, I know my entries were ridiculously long (but hopefully not tedious!). Still, there was much to cover for any of those interested in what a tour like this is like from a performer's point of view.

Thanks for reading. Thanks for being interested in Handel and Haydn. And thanks for coming to our concerts - whether in London or Boston or where the future may take us!!! See you on the concert stage.

The Reviews are coming in!

The first reviews are in from Handel and Haydn Society's Proms debut!

"Conductor Roger Norrington and the high calibre Handel and Haydn Society of Boston gave the work an outstanding Proms performance, with crisp period instrument ensemble and top soloists in Sally Matthews, James Gilchrist and Jonathan Lemalu. The chorus sounded fresh and well drilled."
-The Evening Standard

"Haydn’s ingenuity was matched by the way Norrington identified the detail and spurred the period Handel and Haydn Society orchestra to reproduce it."
-Daily Telegraph

Proms Online

Congratulations to the musicians of our Chorus and Period-Instrument Orchestra who performed at the BBC Proms earlier today. If you missed the live online broadcast, it is archived here for 7 days. Look for "Prom 14: Monday 23 July, 7.00pm" for the Handel and Haydn Society performance of Haydn's The Seasons.

Back from Dress!

From Katharine Emory, mezzo-soprano

Just back from the dress rehearsal in the hall. And what a hall it is!!! Royal Albert Hall is the quintessential old world European concert hall - red velvet trim, box seats, columns, and archways all around. A dream to sing in! Today we could all hear each other clearly and the acoustic was very friendly to the singers in particular. The BBC had cameras everywhere in preparation for filming the concert tonight. Their staff was incredibly friendly and treated us with respect and humor.

I think this is the best hall I've ever sung in - it seats an incredible 5000, yet feels more intimate by far than Symphony Hall in Boston. In fact, the feel is more like Jordan Hall. Apparently, there will be people standing as well as sitting for the concert tonight, as the cheap seats are actually standing room! The BBC rep told us that the standing room areas are actually the best places to experience the concert acoustically, too.

So now, we're on break until the bus leaves the hotel at 5.30 this evening. Time to find some food and then relax before the concert!

A superb rehearsal

From Katharine Emory, mezzo-soprano

Well, no entry yesterday as the hotel ran out of internet access cards! We had a superb rehearsal at the Royal College of Music just behind the Royal Albert Hall. Acoustically things were a bit difficult - it felt muddy and we had trouble hearing. Still, everyone - orchestra and chorus - was on their game. Sir Roger seemed in a good mood indeed.

The soloists are incredible. Sally Matthews (Hanne) has a remarkably dark, sometimes dusky timbre to her voice. Yet it can soar and move with a sparkling agility when the music calls for it. Tenor James Gilchrist (Lukas) is a gift to the world of oratorio. (I hope that Handel and Haydn audiences remember his brilliant performance in the St. Matthew Passion a couple of years ago.) I am in awe of his ease with all aspects of the music and with his complete lack of pretension in everything that he does. His intelligence comes out through his musicality and the result brings the listener in - from intimately nuanced pianissimo to dramatic forte. And his wonderful rapport with Ms. Matthews makes their duets a charming treat. The bass, Jonathan Lemalu, has a deep, rich timbre that is perfect for the role of Simon.

After rehearsal, we had the rest of the day to play! Many did the sights; I went to Sadlers Wells with 3 other choristers to see Matthew Bourne's "The Car Man" a ballet based on Carmen set in an auto body shop! It was marvelous. Post-play, we walked through all sorts of London districts, vaguely setting our sights on heading back to the hotel. We walked through the theatre district and many fancy shops, Trafalgar Square, Buckingham Palace, Picadilly Circus, Knightsbridge, and eventually back to Kensington. Had to be at least 6-8 miles. It was exhausting and wonderful. The weather all day was perfect - sunny and clear. A tourist's dream!

Back at the hotel with my "take-away" from a little hole in the wall called Luscious Organic, I couldn't wait to shake off my shoes and watch some TV before going to sleep.

Message from CEO- The Chorus is here!

They arrived last night around 10PM

We had an impressive gathering of musicians at the hotel bar by 11PM!!!

I am sure most of us did not get enough sleep but we are rehearsing now, and the chorus is in fine form! A few musicians landed this morning but I can say we have almost everyone on hotel now!

Off to Glyndebourne for Bach's St Matthew Passion later today...

-Marie-Hélène

Heathrow, Hiltons, and Rehearsals

From John Grimes, timpani

It seems that this Hilton hotel is not always on the ball. They ran out of PC Internet use cards and no one could access their e-mails for one whole day. I posted my first blog and then went mysteriously silent. Part of the reason was that once we were committed to rehearsals, it seems our concentration was totally focused on that aspect of things. Not until we emerged at the end of the day did our thoughts turn to blogging or drinking, whichever was of first priority. You can guess which that would be.

But, let's take a step backwards to the day of the orchestra's scheduled arrival at Heathrow. I was asked to perform the task of taking an afternoon train to the airport, connecting with the bus company representative and meeting the musicians as they emerged from Customs inspection in order to guide them toward the awaiting bus. Sounds very simple, right? Well, nothing was going to be very simple on that day. A tremendous flash flood occurred throughout London and apparently in many parts of southern England that morning. I was standing in the Hilton lobby chatting up an English couple about my age who had traveled to the city to take in the theater. They went to about 3 plays in two days and managed to attend a son's wedding on the 2nd day as well. The husband had driven his car into the city and was complaining about a 100£ ticket he got for going overtime at a nearby meter. i sucked in a deep breath and thought, he doesn't understand that i already feel i live in a third world country. My cup of espresso cost $6.00 and i thought Starbucks in Newtonville was pricey!

Well, arriving at Heathrow, one emerges from customs to be greeted by a wall of family members of all nationalities, limo drivers with signs, bus drivers and tour company reps all vying for an empty space in order to be seen. That afternoon, the sudden rains had caused extensive flash flooding which incapacitated the small branch line that stops at Olympia station on the Underground, so i had to take a bus up Kensington High Street to Hammersmith in order to catch the Picaddilly line to the airport. Well, that took a bit longer than I had anticipated. But, i made it on time.

To my shock, the flight was scheduled to land at 8.20PM but had in fact made great time and landed at 7.49PM. The good news was that they hadn't been offloaded as yet. In fact, it took a good hour and a half after arrival before they actually received their luggage.

When I first arrived at the airport, there must have been 2,000 greeters out there. It looked like a great confabulation of the United Nations, hardly an Anglo Saxon in sight. What a contrast to 30 years ago when I first saw London.

Well, an hour and a half later the crowd was down about 1,000 and you could actually see some empty space in between people. I managed to locate the bus, the bus rep, a couple of choristers found me and eventually a few bewildered instrumentalists came through the exit doors. Soon we were whisked back to West London, but suddenly the driver pulled up to a different Hilton. As I looked out the window, I instinctively popped up out of my seat and said, "no, its a different Hilton". Soon, after consulting his satellite finding device, we were on our way around the neighborhood and pulling up to our target domicile.

Everyone soon discovered the bar on the second floor. This was to become our watering hole and general community center. Very comfortable, open space, friendly foreign summer student type waiters and bartenders and dear prices...natch! if you like Boddington's and other flat tasting British ales, this was the shop for it. I tend to prefer the Czech and German pilsners so i had to settle for the Stella Artois instead just to feel a little bit of raspiness going down the gullet with each swallow.

The first day of rehearsals was scheduled to be a marathon. We were bussed to the Royal Academy of Music which is on the street behind and just below Royal Albert Hall. The rehearsal space was a small concert hall. It had good acoustics, attractive, old and charming. Ben Hoffnung, yes, the son of the well known musical racconteur and cartoonist Gerald Hoffnung, is the timpanist of the London Mozart players. He has worked with Sir Roger Norrington on many occasions and was scheduled to play tambourine in the fall scene of the Seasons with us. He too, had agreed to provide me with kettledrums for the affair. As I alighted from the bus, i saw him schlepping the drums out of his auto, so I ran over to lend a hand. We hit it off nicely. He walked me through the necessaries concerning how to handle his instruments, etc. and we were soon off and running.

The rehearsal scheme for the day was to proceed as follows: First, 2 hours followed by lunch; then 2 more hours followed by dinner, and then 3 hours, followed by pub time (that was, of course, unscheduled but essential to every musician alive).

As the Brits might say, we were quite nackered by the end of the day. Rehearsals went well. Norrington showed great pleasure throughout the rehearsal period. You couldn't do wrong by the soloists conscripted for the event ... they were terrific, particularly the soprano and tenor. The Brit extra musicians had played much with Norrington in the London Clasical Players and the concertmistress was top shelf. She knows the piece really well, gets a big generous sound out of her instrument, leads well and very musically. Norrington, one could ascertain, felt very comfortable with her at the helm. The orchestra sounded strong.

That evening while we were in the bar, the busload of singers arrived from Boston and their customs and Heathrow experience in general was even less strenuous than that which greeted the band the evening before. We all breathed a sigh of relief. Soon, they too joined us in the bar and we steeled ourselves for the first joint rehearsal the following morning.

So, we proceeded to day two. Everyone was amazed at how things were seeming to work out quite well.

Message from the CEO: First Rehearsal!

Our first rehearsal (orchestra only) is going magnificently well. It is good to see Artistic Advisor Roger Norrington work with the ensemble again.

We will be rehearsing all day today until 9PM!!! The chorus joins is tomorrow.

Message from CEO: We have Arrived!

We landed early last night but had to wait for well over one hour on the runway waiting for a gate. There was serious flooding in England yesterday that put any activity at heathrow airport to a complete stop. We finally made it out to the hotel and had checked in by 11PM!!!!

First rehearsal this morning. The energy is good....

Written on a plane

From Katharine Emory, mezzo-soprano

Oh the excitement of travel! For me, it starts out with the unlikely aspect of a complete lack of appetite. My stomach so perfectly expresses what my mind cannot fathom: the anxiety that comes from anticipation of the unknown. Andy makes me breakfast but I can barely eat. Coffee, on the other hand, I can drink forever...(with soy milk to avoid the phlegm-production that lactose-laden products like milk create - it's a singer thing). I wonder how easy it is to get soy milk for coffee in the U.K.?

The day is spent in packing and crossing off items on lists. I also spend extra time with the cats, knowing that they already sense something is going on; routines are not being observed!

The ultimate shock comes when Andy and I both realize that we're ready early. EARLY! He's gotten permission to miss "light check" at Mamma Mia! in order to take me to the airport himself before heading to Broadway. I'm eternally grateful for the extra time together.

We go to a local diner for a late lunch before heading off to Newark. (Most of the chorus is leaving the next morning from Logan Airport.) I confess that, even though we're going to see each other in a couple of days, we take our goodbyes seriously - either that or he humors me!

Getting through security was a breeze. Hallelujah. I can't imagine what the orchestra must go through with their instruments. It's been ages since anyone's even asked me to explain the strange round metal object I carry in my purse (pitchpipe). Sigh. I remember joking about its doubling as a pizza cutter in the old days; we don't joke about anything at airports anymore.

I wait for my flight to board - it feels like an eternity, so I fill the time with studying my music. Because I live in NJ, I was allowed to miss the brush-up rehearsal Wednesday night. Still, I don't want to let down our chorus master, John Finney, nor embarrass myself at the Sunday morning rehearsal in London. I mouth the German text in rhythm to re-familiarize myself with the piece, wrapping my mouth around the complex consonants as silently as I can so as not to disturb the man reading next to me. His book is about arrows and archery!

Finally! I'm on the plane and we're taking off. New York at night is a glorious sight and my view is particularly spectacular and meaningful. The air is crystal clear so I can easily see the distinctive lights of the Chrysler and Empire State buildings. Even Times Square is easily distinguished from my window seat. How amazing to think that my husband might see the lights of my plane were he to be outside right now...

Soon I arrange my neck pillow and attempt sleep. It's important to get on London time as soon as possible to get my voice in its best shape for Sunday's rehearsal. I'm drinking lots of water on the plane as dryness is a singer's nemesis. It's inevitable on long flights, but we do what we can to stave it off or minimize it at least. Alas, alcohol dries the throat even more, so - for me - my first Guinness will come after the concert Monday night!

But first things first - reset the watch for England time and drift off... When I wake, it will be in another country!

Under way!

From John Grimes, timpani

How often is it that one learns of a colleague being scheduled to fly out of the country from the same terminal, but on a different airline at the same time as one? It turned out Heinrich Christensen, sometime organist with Handel and Haydn these past two seasons (remember our Holiday Sings at Symphony Hall) and Music Director at King's Chapel who succeeded the late Dr. Daniel Pinkham was scheduled to fly on Icelandic Air to Denmark to play a series of organ recitals. So, we met at the airport and partook of a sumptuous salmon and potatoes dinner. I remarked on the noticeable lack of greens and wondered if this was supposed to be purposeful on the part of the dieticians ensuring there be a paucity of roughage intake prior to these transcontinental flights.

Heinrich remarked he had never seen someone eat as many potatoes in a single meal since he left Denmark ages ago. It was a hefty portion. I neglected to remember that i would be fed dinner and breakfast on the flight in a compressed succession of just over 5 hours, but heck.

I flew on British Air. The 777 was spacious and seats looked comfy until about mid-flight when suddenly i tried to get up to go to the restroom and felt as if I had been a sardine confined to a tin can and needed a fork to lift me out of my seat. Still, the service was gentle and the sound system quite good.

Which leads me back to the beginning of the flight. It was characterized by a somber start. I plugged in the headset and immediately heard something I did not recognize but which was totally engaging. It was the filler material passages in between the important tunes in Candide, so for a few moments there all i could remark upon were the clarity of the voices, English diction, etc. and wonder if it was one of the lesser known Gilbert & Sullivan operettas or a broadway show with which i was unfamiliar.

Well, i started thumbing through the book to find the station and the work. I thought it nice that the last passenger was also listening to classical music and was assured not all hope is lost for mankind. Still, as I perused the book I then heard the beginning of "We'll make our Garden Grow" and was very moved. When I finally looked at the entry, it was the "definitive" recording with Leonard Bernstein, himself, conducting June Anderson and Jerry Hadley! I thought, "my god, this man has just taken his own life."

As I listened to the whole work on its replay, I was greatly saddened to hear such a gorgeous tenor voice, beautiful diction and overall artistry. Bernstein had a way of discovering and giving a chance to young musicians. It was a great lesson to all of us, something we should strive to emulate in our lives.
Hadley had a wonderful career and was part of a very meaningful place in America's 20th century musical heritage. It is so sad, he saw his life at this recent juncture as having been other than that. One is left with many questions and cannot help but draw parallels to one's own life and career as a free-lance musician. This is not an easy life for many. It requires strength and soldiering on through tough times.

Arriving in London, of course it was a major schlep on the Piccadilly line from Heathrow to the hotel and I took at least one wrong train when O switched over to the District line, but then who doesn't. That afternoon, I left the hotel and attended the musical Billy Elliot at the Victoria Theater.

What an incredible show! One gets a glimpse of how Brits now view Margaret Thatcher. Most of us have seen the movie, but the musical is actually quite faithful and very creatively presented. Elton John outdoes himself with the music. The kids acting and dancing are terrific, especially the Billy I saw in this matinee production, a young lad of 14 from Manchester. If he is any indication of the talent today being sown in England, all hope is not lost in our culture. Go see it!

Packing for Proms

From Katharine Emory, mezzo-soprano

It's 6.30pm and I've done all the packing I can stand for the day, knowing that tomorrow will be filled with last-minute checking of toiletries, reading material, electronic updates, etc. Of course, the cats have both enjoyed the process, setting their soft little bodies down inside the suitcase ("Take me! Take me!"). It's good that they're so cute, given that they've shed contrasting fur all over my Handel and Haydn black velvet performance gown... Yes, add the lint brush to the toiletries list!

Weather in London looks to be sadly wet and chilly, but that won't stop me from exploring as much as I can during our free time. I've already purchased tickets with some of my colleagues to see "The Car Man" by Matthew Bourne. A matinee was chosen in anticipation of jet lag and the need for an early bedtime Sunday night. Sigh. I wish I didn't need sleep at all! There's so much to see and do in our few precious hours of non-rehearsal or performance!

One unexpected delight is that my neighbors Chuck and Lu are going to be visiting their daughter and grandchildren in London while I'm there. I convinced them to buy tickets to our concert! I think we'll be getting together afterwards for a drink, which should be lovely. It's such a pleasure being able to share what I do with my neighbors! Some are able to come to my performances in the New York area, but few are even aware of the Handel and Haydn Society, so I am going to enjoy introducing them to this ensemble that has been an important part of my musical life for so very long. It's a great way to show off! Maybe they'll buy some CDs?

That's it for now. My neighbor Laura is making me dinner so that I don't have to create a mess in my kitchen tonight. Plus there's almost no food left anyway! Andy (my husband) comes home from his job around midnight tonight (he's the moving light technician for the show Mamma Mia! on Broadway). He's been an enormous help with all the technological aspects of this trip (downloading software onto the GPS to include the U.K., backing up my computer in case of disaster while we're gone, etc.). He's a veteran packer, too, having toured with shows, opera companies, ballets, and the like for years. So he'll help me decide if I should bring the bathing suit or that extra pair of whatever. I'm so happy that he's joining me, though it won't be until later (he arrives Monday morning).

There's something SOOO hard about anticipating a trip, even when you know how wonderful it will be! I just look forward to getting to the airport; that should make it all real enough! Ah, I wonder how the hotel will handle so many singers singing scales and arpeggios in their rooms to warm up before 9am Sunday morning?!? Should prove entertaining at least!

-Katharine

Message from CEO: Last Minute Preparations

The Handel and Haydn Society is taking off early to London tomorrow for our appearance at the BBC Proms. We are frantically making last minute preparations. I just ran to Barney’s to get a dressy outfit for one outing to the Glyndebourne Festival this Sunday. Quite an event!

Personnel manager Jesse Levine has been planning this enormous undertaking like a master. Crisis has not been avoided and one musician finally received his new passport today. We are very excited to be making our London debut this Monday! We all hope that you can tune in online to the BBC website to listen to the live broadcast at 2pm on Monday July 23 (7pm London time). Until then, download our first podcast with John Finney, our chorusmaster, and Susan Trout, one of our fine chorus members, discussing the trip to Proms. Its available as an MP3, too. Just right click the link (Control-click on a Mac) to save it to your computer.

-Marie-Hélène

Welcome

This is the future home of UNrehearsed, a blog from the Handel and Haydn Society. Offering our audience a peak behind the scenes of one of America's leading period-instrument orchestras, UNrehearsed will feature posts from Handel and Haydn staff and musicians. Watch for posts this coming week as the Handel and Haydn Society makes its London debut at the BBC Proms Festival at Royal Albert Hall.