On Saturday the 24th May, I had the pleasure to attend ‘A Night at the Opera’ featuring Sophie Kochanowska (Soprano), Christian Schneeberger (Tenor), Kamilla Dunstan (Mezzo Soprano), accompanied by Liam Lees and Zosia Mazurkiewicz. The concert took place at St Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral on Great Western Road at 19:30. The evening’s sky was a softly lit navy blue and the relaxing atmosphere was extended into the idyllic fairy-light lit interior of the church. Jessica Hurst and Lynn Bellamy sat alongside me and I thoroughly enjoyed their company all evening.
The concert began with the performers entering the space with an enchanting charisma. Everyone was beautifully presented, from sweetheart red satin dresses to terrifically tailored suits. I was eager to immerse myself in the beautiful music and Christian opened the program with a beautiful rendition of “Vi Ricorda O Boschi Ombrosi” from Monterverdi’s L’Orfeo. The concert included 15 pieces ranging from Mozart to Moore, providing a contrasting and an exciting program.
This fabulous event had been organised by Sophie Kochanowska and it ran so smoothly and professionally that it made for a very enjoyable evening. Sophie is currently fundraising to help finance a trip to Germany to further her studies and I wish her every success.
Apart from the lovely singing it was great to see Christian and Kamilla in action. As a second year studying music at the RCS I understand that I am training towards a future where I will be constantly learning and I am only on the first leg of the journey. So it is refreshing to escape from the practice room and see students from the Masters course take to the stage. One of the areas of my singing I have been working on this term is my character representation. Having this in mind I was watching how the artists used gestures and facial expressions when trying to depict different emotions.
It was interesting to note that for different songs and genres they used different levels of acting in their performances. For example, Kamilla sang “Mon Coeur S’Ouvre A Ta Voix” from Samson et Dalila by Saint-Saens and she performed it with a sense of power behind her stillness that captured and held your attention, then contrastingly she took to the stage later in the concert with Ben Moore’s “I Can Be A Sexy Lady’. Where she employed large gestures and exaggerated facial expressions that exploited the comedic genius of the text.
From this I now feel that I have to let the piece lead me to the correct level of acting required, utilizing the drama provided in the text and the music to provide the inspiration for my performance.
So sad that I can’t see the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland’s MMus Opera Scenes this week due to rehearsals. The first year masters students perform a varied mixture of opera repertoire, piano accompanied and simply staged. The performance is open to the public in the Alexander Gibson Opera Studio. Great for newcomers to opera.
Let the music and the images it inspires you invade you. The expression and gestures come all alone…..
All the best for you
Bonsoir Pascal 🙂 I did lots of inspiration, it was great getting a night out with friends too.
Best wishes
Charlotte
Pleasure is one of the key artistic expression 😉
Just wanted to let you know that I’ve been reading your posts as they pop up on my email, but rarely get time to open up your site to give you the “likes” you deserve. Today’s an exception.
A question, “Where do you find time to do all you do and write?” You must have tremendous energy.
Hi Al, Good organisation 🙂 Actually I’ve been advised to learn how to meditate, I use yoga and swimming and I’ve even started jogging a bit to wind down.
I have to do things in order to write so it’s a catalyst and a motivation to work, watch and play.
When I’m very busy the one area that falls down is visiting my favourite blogs, then when I’m on long journeys, waiting around in rehearsal rooms etc. I try to catch up because I get so much inspiration for my writing, art, music from reading and looking.
Best wishes
Charlotte
Very interesting observations! I never thought about different levels of intensity in the acting aspect of performing a song, but it does make sense.
This is something I’m experimenting with at the moment, I have my end of second year singing exams on Thursday so I’ve been in front of the mirror practising. Languages next before lunch.
Is it a holiday for you this week? If so have a super break.
Best wishes
Charlotte
Thanks again for letting me share a moment of time with you. Already looking forward to our next one!
Thank you, it’s nice to support other students when they put on these concerts and recitals, I’ve been watching some recitals at the RCS today.
Best wishes
Charlotte
I’m glad you had fun. Reminds me of French Gothic architecture. It also looks like the spaces in the ceiling were painted blue with white stars. 🙂
These buildings are quite beautiful aren’t they Eric, my favourite has to be the added fairy lights though, oh and the stained glass windows I can look at stained glass art for hours, fabulous artistry.
Best wishes
Charlotte
Sounds like you had a great time Charlotte, lovely photo (looking good) 😉 xx
Thanks Gill, a new hair cut should be easier to manage through the summer.
Best wishes
Charlotte
It sounds like a lovely experience! xx
Thanks Elizabeth it was lovely. I hope you’re well and looking forward to the summer.
All the best
Charlotte
Your energy is infectious. The love you have for the music is so wonderful to see. You devoted to your work and it will definitely pay your dividends throughout your life. Learning never ends. We have to improve ourself each day. 🙂 😀
Hi Gaurab, I’ve got to learn how to enjoy time alone and learn how to mediate perhaps, I’m always persuading friends to one thing or another, I’ve not much time for tv, so I fill the time each day with activities instead.
Best wishes
Charlotte
Best of luck with your finals! Sing your heart out! The rest will show in your face and gestures as you sing the words and feel the music.
Thanks Janice, I just got my review back and I’m pleased it went well. I was very grateful to my pianist Julia for stepping in for me at short notice, she was wonderful. That’s all the exams over now, so I can get my head down on my next projects 🙂
Best wishes
Charlotte
I’m not that much of a online reader to be honest but your sites really nice, keep it
up! I’ll go ahead and bookmark your website to come back
in the future. Many thanks