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