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The Goose is Getting Fat
1 Hour Ago

Yesterday was the first day of Advent. Today we had our first frost. And tomorrow is the first day of Winter in the UK. So I really must think about buying a few Christmas presents.

This evening we have our final rehearsal for Messiah, which we perform in aid of charity every year in St Patrick's Cathedral. The performances are on Wednesday and Thursday.

It's always a lovely occasion, but having sung it 43 times before, I'm beginning to get a bit tired of it.

(2 replies, Latest reply: 53 Minutes Ago)

Yes Indeed
3 Days Ago

Just back from seeing classic prog rock band "Yes" in concert. Chris Squire, the bass player was in fine form, but the years have not been kind to Steve Howe, the guitarist. He looks about 80, although he is only 62. He's still one of the best guitarists in the world though.

Great stuff!

(3 replies, Latest reply: 3 Days Ago)

Breaking Bows
4 Days Ago

A traumatic day for daughter El. On Monday, she dropped her cello bow, 350 euros worth, and it broke in half. It can't be fixed. Apparently this is almost unheard of in the world of cellos. But it was a good few years old, so it's not under guarantee or anything. I may be able to claim on instrument insurance.

Today we went out to the cello shop, and she got to borrow three new bows, to try them out: a not too expensive one, an expensive one and a carbon fibre one. She brought the three of them to her cello class so that her teacher could look at them. Two minutes into playing with the less expensive bow (250 euros worth), it snapped in two in her hand.

She was in floods of tears from the shock.

(7 replies, Latest reply: 3 Days Ago)

Busy Weekend
Last Week

I'm heading off in about 45 minutes to drive to Roscommon, (about 2 hours drive) where we will be singing Messiah tonight. (Sacred Heart Church, Abbey St, 7.30 pm).

There's been a lot of flooding in Ireland. Cork is closed (that's a city of about 120,000 people!) due to flooding, and there are reports from the west as well, but I've heard nothing about flooding in Roscommon. We'll hope for the best.

Tomorrow night will be more relaxing - we're going to see Bill Bailey in the O2 (Ireland's biggest indoor venue).

Then on Sunday night, my other choir, the Gaudete Singers, are singing in St Patrick's Cathedral, a lovely programme of a capella numbers on the theme of "Vespers". This will include the World Premiere of Lucis Creator Optime by Andrew Cooke, who sings in the choir. We'll also perform Stanford's Magnificat, a wonderful 8-part piece.

(9 replies, Latest reply: Last Week)

Not Well
2 Weeks Ago

I've been feeling unwell since Thursday morning, when I got a Migraine, which is very unusual for me. I don't remember getting one in the last 15 years or so. This came out of the blue with no explanation. As a result my brain has been acting up, not doing things the way it is supposed to. I can't think clearly or concentrate on anything. Hopefully I'll be OK in another day or two, as we have a lot happening next weekend:

Thursday - rehearsal
Friday - drive to Roscommon (2 hrs), performance of Messiah, drive home
Saturday - Bill Bailey in the O2 (Dublin's biggest indoor venue)
Sunday - performance of Vesper music, including Stanford's 8-part Magnificat, in St Patrick's Cathedral.

(19 replies, Latest reply: Last Week)