Baby Doe and too many Rosary beads…..

 I was so lucky today. I was scheduled for three classes in the Falcon Room which is here in the hotel ! No breakfast before God, no long transport or fear of getting lost, and no packed lunch ! This is a triple win and gave me such a warm and pleasant glow when I set my alarm (s) for a very civilised 8am. 

I ventured downstairs at 9am for a 9.30 start to be greeted by the most courtly and chivalrous assistant in existence, who was manning the doors and numbering the seats, a job which needs doing before each new class and involves much sticky tape and numbered labels. Woo Lau bowed and bowed and couldn’t have been more deferential and charming if he had been acting on stage. A man in his 70’s, he was so concerned if I was ‘ cool enough’, ‘warm enough’, ‘comfortable enough’ and if my back was fine in the chosen chair. I was brought a selection of back rests and cushions and generally treated like I was royalty.  There is no denying, it was very pleasing to be treated thus….so when I get back to choir ladies…….

Ha Ha !

I started with a large phalanx of  duettists, singing The Rosary by a composer not known for anything else except this faux religious little number, and who goes by the unimaginable name of Ethelbert Nevin. He was an American from Pennsylvania and clearly fond of the Edwardian Salon Musical Evenings so loved by those who sang The Lost Chord and ballads of that ilk ! Today, however this duet was to be sung by 39 pairs of under 14 girls. It slid  chromatically in heart rending thirds with sloppy words about kissing the cross and various other things which would have made the nuns I visit a little nauseous! These girls had to do with it what they could, and all power to their elbow, they made it suitably serious and sang it with dignity and feeling.

I have always noticed on every visit to this wonderful festival that duettists stand as far away from each other as they can get away with, so when they communicate they are almost putting hands to their foreheads and saying ‘I see no ships’ ! It was cat amongst pigeons day today and I said that in the UK we stood together at a slight angle so the projecting sound could meet in the middle. Open eyes and mouths were staring at me…..as if I were an alien. I got two girls up to demonstrate and it was as if I had split the atom right there in front of their bewildered eyes. I have no idea why standing as if they actually don’t like each other is the tradition, not a clue, except that old chestnut ‘ We have always stood apart’. I cannot say whether they will ever change in future years but hey ho, I tried!

A gorgeous team of two very beautiful voices and security of parts, the like of which comes only once a decade, won this class with 89 marks and thoroughly deserved it was too. I will not, however, be passing this cloying little gem on when I resume teaching.

My day was made with five young baritones from 16-20 years old. Oh what complete joy. What we lacked in number was more than made up for by quality in shed loads. These young men were in the Open Baritone class and the set piece was an aria from an American Opera called The Ballad of Baby Doe by Douglas Moore. It isn’t very well known but like The Crucible it is positively yummy and the aria was squelching with melody and gorgeous harmony. These young men got up one after the other and I could hardly write, they coaxed and flirted and made delicious sounds which melted my heart. I was totally won over ! Whilst adjudicating I decided to do a little masterclass with them. All that had been missing from their performances was abdominal breathing, so we all did the hands on the wall trick and I taught them how to use their abdominal wall muscle. They were like charming sponges and took it all in. I did have to choose placings, which seemed against the grain of the moment but has to be done, so a dark chocolatey voiced young man will sing to me again in the finals ! Not sure how he will be bettered by the other finalists……deep breath and small smile ! 

Lunch was all the better for hearing five charming, well dressed, booted and suited young chaps open to all input and help. What joy. ( ….and yes I am a sucker for a handsome young man with a velvety voice !)

Onwards and quite possibly downwards after todays’ vocal delights.

This is the banner which comes with first place, and is much coveted.

 Outside my window at lunchtime, see the old Sampan, such a lovely traditional meets modern moment.