Restrictions are starting to ease and the light of the horizon is shining brighter every day. I had my first Covid-19 vaccination this month and I am keeping my fingers crossed that I can squeeze in my second one around my work schedule, which I am so glad to be getting back to, and our wedding. London is starting to get its bustling energy back, as bars, cafes, and restaurants are now welcoming small groups indoors and outdoors. The energy in social areas is buzzing and very positive, you can feel how happy everyone is to be seeing friends and family again. As with nature, sometimes the balance cannot always be maintained, but I think that as a larger community, people on the whole, are trying to be more thoughtful with their social interactions.
George and I had our first professional concert together as a duo last weekend, 12th June 2021. We had the pleasure of performing at a Garden Party in Buckinghamshire. Our wonderful hosts Brian and Alison had bid for the chance of having an opera singer perform at their home after participating in the Waterperry Opera Festival’s Fundraising Gala. What Fun! It was a delight to be involved and together George and I performed a mixed program of Operatic Arias and international art songs with interwoven spoken introductions. We were lucky to have fantastic weather and wonderful company. Our audience was made up of two families and their local neighbours, who were keen opera lovers and excited to learn about the stories, plot twists, characters, the translations, and our lives as musicians. We plan to keep in touch and I hope that we share musical conversations and songs together in the future.
Returning to the idea of balance, I was booked to perform in Devon with Prajna Indrawati at the start of July, just before leaving to join Scottish Opera’s Pop-Up Opera tour. Sadly, the planned events in Devon have been cancelled due to an outbreak of Covid19 at the school, where we were to perform and lead some performance masterclasses. I hope that the students recover soon and that they are able to return to school happy and healthy. I want to say a big thank you to the organisers for keeping us appraised as the situation developed and to Prajna for her time and dedication to learning the program as George was unable to play for me due to a prior engagement. I do hope that Prajna and I will get to perform together in our sparkly evening gowns again soon.
How are you keeping balance in your life at the moment? What changes are you expecting in the coming weeks and what are you looking forward to? I’d like to take this moment to check in with you all and send a huge virtual hug. I am always thankful for your support along my musical journey through life, and I hope that I can return the generosity of good spirit to others, that you extend to me week in and week out. Thank you.
I would like to wish you a Happy Father’s Day to those who celebrate it today. I along with my brothers we want to send a huge thank you to our amazing Dad, who really is one in a million. He goes above and beyond to support each of us with our individual passions and is only ever a phone call away if we need comforting from a dangerous spider in the bathroom or one of his famous superhero power-inducing pep talks. Facetime does not quite do justice to how tightly I would like to squeeze you in a hug, but the time will come! Thanks for all that you do Dad.
So you went to a garden party to perform a few songs! Do you remember the song Garden Party by Ricky Nelson? That’s great life is unlocking in London. It’s also exciting that you might just pull of your wedding you have had to put off for what a year now? Happy Father’s Day to your wonderful dad.
It was such a relief to be live singing again. Beautiful weather too which can be touch and go in England. No I don’t know Ricky Nelson. I’m desperately trying to get my second jab before I go away on tour but I’m having no luck. I’m trying to get excited about the wedding date again now but having cancelled three other dates I’m still concerned.
Best wishes
Charlotte
The one jab gives you really good coverage. You should be good for your tour. Three cancellations does not give one confidence for setting a new date.
You look so lovely, Charlotte! Things have reopened over here and it’s wonderful! It’s nice to not wear a mask again. Be well, be safe! 🇬🇧
Thank you John, it was nice to get dressed up. I’m happy that you’re getting a taste of freedom too. Fingers crossed things continue to improve.
Best wishes
Charlotte
“keeping my fingers crossed that I can squeeze in my second one around my work schedule” – Happy to hear that you are getting back to work! I’m sure you’ll be able to squeeze that shot in since it is so important. The garden party photos are nice and the weather looks perfect. Have a wonderful week 🙂
I’m working in Scotland so I’m hoping they can facilitate my second jab up there, otherwise its a ten hour round trip. I’ve got a big project on the go at the moment I’ll tell you all about it soon but I haven’t had a moment to take a breath for about two weeks.
Best wishes
Charlotte
The garden party looks like a wonderful event. Sorry about your plans getting canceled. I’m sure as things open up there will be less and less of that. Best wishes.
Thank you John, yes I was sad because I’d enjoyed practicing with Prajna again. I’m hoping the vaccines do their protection job so we don’t have to be locked down again. I hope you’re doing well too.
Best wishes
Charlotte
Very well. Thank you.
we areall well. Thank you, Charlotte
So happy to see you performing again, and I’m so looking forward to your wedding. Hopefully we can all start going forward again and have life return to a more normal state. Me and Terry are fully vaccinated now and looking forward to getting out and about again. Keep up the good work and stay positive! 🥰🤗😘
We had a lovely day Gill, I’m looking forward to the wedding too, lets hope it’s fourth time lucky I’m going to stay positive this time even if we have to have reduced numbers we’re going ahead. I’m glad you’re all vaccinated stay safe.
Best wishes
Charlotte
A really optimistic post! Thank you for such an uptempo one!!! 🙂 How cool is that to have an opera sing with accompaniment in your own garden???? Well, its obviously no big deal to you but to the rest of us it is pretty darned cool haha 🙂 Stay well!
Thank you. I love garden parties I always try to make them a memorable event. You stay well too.
Best wishes
Charlotte
When I win the lottery – expect my call hehe 😉
Good luck hehe 🍀
I’ll tear you both away for one eve from Covent Garden and La Scala haha 😉
Freedom to enjoy the world on whim! What a concept. The fact that you enjoy your life is one of the reasons I admire you so. Happy Father’s Day to your Dad! (and all the dads out there) Here’s to your upcoming wedding and all the joy that will bring!
I had a problem tonight sorting my e-mails into folders and ticking off everything to make sure I’ve answered them all and my apple and mac decided to dump all my files, I was straight on the phone to Dad and he helped me to fix it. I’m staying optimistic that this wedding will go ahead as planned but guests have had to pull out through long distance travel which is sad.
Best wishes
Charlotte
Lovely post Charlotte.
I’m glad you both enjoyed your garden party, great photos there too,I loved your dress..
So pleased to hear about your pop up opera again as well.
Super excited your wedding is going ahead, fingers and toes crossed this time.
Lovely photo with your Dad, and the boys.xxx🥰
Thank you 😊. It is one of my favourite dresses. I can’t wait to get into rehearsals now. We had a lovely meal tasting event I’ll tell you all about it soon.
Best wishes always
Charlotte
So glad to see the situation is going in a good direction, well, in a lot of countries. 71% of the adults got at least one shot in this part of the world.
Glad to see your future looks bright, for your work and especially your wedding!
That is good news about your vaccine program, I think most people that wanted a jab over 30 will have their second jab by mid August and we’re down to 18 year olds now with first jabs which is good because I read it was mainly the younger unvaccinated groups that were still catching the virus.
I can’t wait to see what the future brings, fingers crossed this vaccine program works.
Best wishes
Charlotte
Wonderful news and very touching sentiments, Charlotte.
In some places, these new restrictions (or lack thereof) are a welcomed sight for sore eyes. Sort of like renewed gardens as they bloom in Spring.
Thank you GP. I’ve learnt not to get to excited about events this past eighteen months until they’ve started. I’ve started an exciting big project with lots of training involved I’ll tell you all about it soon.
Best wishes
Charlotte
Happy to hear! After all this time in the pandemic, you deserve something big and exciting!!
Wow, beautiful share, nice pict Thanks !!!!
Thanks for all the energies you give around you !!!!
Wish you the best for You and George and Famillies !!! xx
Thank you Pascal. I was so excited to be performing. All our best to you and your family too.
Best wishes
Charlotte
So wonderful to see you both, and performing again. Thanks for the positive, upbeat post. Wishing only good things in the coming months for you two.
Lovely to hear from you Cheryl I hope that you are well. Thank you very much.
Best wishes
Charlotte x
Great to hear you and George are performing in front of audiences again.
Please do everything you can to get your second shot. Stay Safe.
Trying to get the shot on tour is a worry but if necessary I will have to return to London on a day off and then travel back.
Best wishes
Charlotte
Congratulations to you and George performing out! I hope things continue to go as well as possible on the covid front and that the lockdown continues to lift. Wishing you and George all the good things in the world. Stay safe and well!
We lost our little cat Hope to cancer on May 21st. She had given it a good fight, but she was no longer comfortable, and we allowed her to go in the peace and calmness of her favorite vet’s office. The first half of this year has been rough, but things are looking better.
Thank you Lavinia, I was so sorry to read about Hope its always so sad to lose a well loved pet. I’m happy things are looking up for you both, good luck this season I hope it is good for you.
All my best wishes
Charlotte
What a great way to spend the afternoon with friends. And so unusual for you, too. Just wonderful.
I’ve had so much work cancel that it was nice we were allowed to go ahead with this lovely family. We had a wonderful day.
Best wishes
Charlotte
Your dress looks so pretty and summary . Enjoyed your post 😊👍🏻
Thank you it’s one of my favourite dresses, nice to have a reason to dress up.
Best wishes
Charlotte
A wonderful update, Charlotte! Looks like great fun. Not a lot of balance here. Still looking for an agent for my picaresque novel, a co-author for my psychology paper. and hoping to put together a couple of short films later this summer. Drafted another book cover (#8). Preparing to upload my 140,000 word novel to Vella this month.
Good luck finding an agent and co-author. You sound good and busy what will your films be about?
All my best wishes
Charlotte
So wonderful to see are getting out there again, Charlotte and sharing your beautiful voice to appreciative audiences.I hope to get to one of your concerts again sometime in the future but until then, I will continue to enjoy your cds & videos! 🙂🎶🙏❤
Thank you Michael. I do miss my live performing life but it has been a very rewarding time in many ways.
Best wishes
Charlotte
I’m pleased you were able to enjoy that delightful day. You look beautifully animated
Thank you Derrick they got a full acting and singing show hehe. Just relieved to be out and about.
Best wishes
Charlotte
Such a wonderful feeling. Glad you can get back to doing what you love.
Thank you Jovina. I’m glad too.
Best wishes
Charlotte
I’m so happy to hear things are opening up again!!!
We are opening up here in Indiana (usa) as well. It’s wonderful to go out to eat again!
Thank you Michael. How is everyone in Indiana are you able to eat normally or on limited numbers and distance? Hope your summer is going well.
Best wishes
Charlotte
Pretty much all restrictions are lifted! We’re back to full capacity and eating like normal. It’s awesome!
Book 3 is going well. Still don’t have a name for it yet. I’ve written 230K+ words and still going. There isn’t a good stopping point so I’ll just keep going until it’s done.
I’ve been reading the chapters on youtube. Just search for Michael Taggart Fledgling God if you want a break. I’ve been amazing at just how many people actually listen.
Wonderful news that you and George are beginning to experience the lessening of the Covid restrictions across the Pond as we are in the Colonies. We attended a fundraiser last week and were able to see friends we hadn’t seen in more than a year!
So sorry about your folks in Devon – hope they fully recover soon.
That is music to my ears Sheila that fundraisers have started up again and people are willing to attend. I’m sad about Devon too I’d planned a big program 90 minutes but hopefully we’ll get the opportunity again.
Best wishes
Charlotte
Wow, what a nice intimate little concert. It’s nice you will keep in touch too. Fine weather, fine audience and fine duo with you and George. What more can a garden party ask for. Well done.
I was very pleased to get the booking. Absolutely lovely people.
Best wishes
Charlotte
Very envious of those who attended your concert! Good luck with any more upcoming engagements and hoping for no more cancellations. A big hug from us.
Thank you for your hugs and good wishes. We’re both keeping very busy and I hope that your summer has started well too. Give my best wishes to Edwin and all the family.
Charlotte 🙂
Congrats on reopening… 👏🏻
Thank you. Hope you are doing well and getting back to some normality too,
Best wishes
Charlotte
Like everyone else I am so pleased you have been able to perform again and in such a lovely location with a really appreciative audience. I hope that you and George are able to perform again in the not-too-distant future. I am sorry the performance in Devon had to be cancelled.
I am pleased you’ve been able to get your first vaccine injection. My elder daughter has had both her injections and my younger daughter has just made two appointments for hers. Life, for so many of us has begun to be less constrained and people around us are all looking a little more relaxed. I am so pleased your wedding is imminent and hope it all goes well.
With very best wishes to you and George xx
Thank you Clare. The vaccine program has been quite successful, our vaccination day went very smoothly. The roads are getting busy again. I just hope that everyone stays just a little cautious so we can stay open this time.
Best wishes
Charlotte
Oh, yes! Just a little caution for a short while longer is all we need! xx
Dear Charlotte,
I thank the Lord the pandemic is almost over too and we can go to church and weddings again. May the Lord bless you and George very good in your marriage.
Feeling rather overwhelmed and exhausted with life at the moment. Glad 30 Days Wild for June will end soon. It’s been difficult blogging everyday. I have a few worries at home but hopefully things will get better. You’re concert in the garden looked fun 🙂 x
I’m sorry to read that Christine I hope that you manage to get a handle on everything but if you need someone to reach out to please feel free to e-mail me privately. I don’t know how you managed to blog each day for a whole month but sometimes it is good to have a target and focus to take your mind off everything else for a short while. I will keep my fingers and toes crossed for you that things get better soon.
It was just a relief to sing live to an audience after so long.
Best wishes to you
Charlotte
Resa, commenting from Toronto, the lockdown capital of N. America…. possibly the world they say.
Things are opening very slowly here.
Nonetheless, I am fully vaccinated. YAY!!!
I’ve been a bit winded, living in the ongoing construction zone. We don’t have a sidewalk, now. We have a ditch, with planks for drawbridges.
We can get no deliveries, at this point. It took us 3 hours to pick up our mail at a sorting station at the other side of the city.
LOL, I only mention all of this, because you are kind enough to ask.
Sewing my next Art Gown has been my saviour, and I’m drawing, again.
Speaking of gowns; you look simply marvellous in your outdoor performance gown!
Congratulations on winning the performance with George. You must be so happy these days with venues opening up for you to sing at.
More will open up! Next thing will be your wedding.
I’m thrilled for you!!!
Cheers,
Resa
Oh boy Resa, all that noise and disruption, when are you hoping they’ll be finished?
I’m glad you’ve got your art to console you.
I love that dress the embroidery on it is amazing and it was a great offer in a Monsoon sale years ago. I’m on my way up to Scotland tomorrow into rehearsal on Monday I feel well prepared and excited although I’ll miss George.
Best wishes
Charlotte