Today was the first of the two competitions that I participated in at this year’s International Eisteddfod in Llangollen.  The music festival has taken place every summer since 1947 and gathers entrants from all over the world to take part in a variety of traditional dance, choral and solo voice competitions.

This morning was the vocal solo over 18’s category and I was on first thing. I took to the stage about 9;15 am and the competition ran until about 12:00 noon.

The two songs that I performed were “Scotsong” by James MacMillan which is a beautiful contemporary song and “Quando M’en Vo” which is Musetta’s aria from the opera La Bohème by Giacomo Puccini. I think this is a cheeky little number which she directs at Marcello, in front of her bohemian friends, in order to make him feel jealous.

Unfortunately I did not get through to the final where they film the contestants so instead I thought I would share the recording of “Quando M’en Vo” from my recent recital in Rochdale accompanied by Russell Lomas.

Here is the recording of my performance of the “Scotsong” from the Kathleen Ferrier Society competition last year.

Tomorrow  I will be performing in the category “The Voice Of The Future” with another early start 🙂

42 thoughts on “Quando M’en Vo”

      1. Yes it is a big word.
        But superstition says that want “good luck” is bad luck, because it is causing Madam luck and take the risk that she would go ……… then it has become tradition say “Merde. …” an artist before a performance. 😉

  4. Lovely and I enjoyed seeing some movement in the Quando M’en Vo (though I think Musetta would have leant back and spread arms along the piano). Best of luck in the ‘Future’ category – whatever happens there, you are the future.

    Reply

    1. I agree Hilary, I’m always thinking about movement in recitals and it’s something I’m definitely working on. Did you get chance to hear the professional recording that I posted last night? I hope you enjoy my four songs.
      Best wishes
      Charlotte

      Reply

  11. These are both beautifully and expertly done, Charlotte. What I love about your voice is your timber is lovely and true at both ends of the the register. Brava! I could listen to you all day :-).

    Reply

    1. Thank you very much Beth that’s a lovely compliment, I hope you get a chance to listen to the professional recording I posted yesterday evening, it is 15 minutes but the recording equipment is so much better than our home camcorder.
      Best wishes
      Charlotte

      Reply

  12. Both pieces were wonderful, thank you for sharing. I truly appreciate the tone, texture and character of your voice and vocal stylings and I mention that Quando M’en vo is a personal favorite… you ARE the future indeed and I send many blessings your way for a happy and hearty performance on the ‘morrow!

    Reply

    1. Thanks Annette, I love Quando M’en Vo too, it’s a new piece for me, my Mum said when I registered it in March for the competition that I should stick to well practised safe repertoire but I like the challenge and it helps me to focus on perfecting pieces in a time bound way.
      Best wishes
      Charlotte

      Reply

    1. I did go for it and was rewarded with third place very happy, hope you get the opportunity to see my latest blog post for the recording of the final.
      Best wishes
      Charlotte

      Reply

      1. That’s great news, Charlotte! Congratulations! I will check your posting. 🙂 Best wishes!!! Fabio

  15. Hi. I like the second song much better than the first. “Scotsong” fits my own taste better, so it’s simply a personal preference. By the way, I realized today that you’re eight hours ahead of me. Yikes! I was inspired to get a online world clock to look up the times in different parts of the world. Coolness.

    Reply

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