Music was in the air this weekend in Menston as we visited our good friends Val and Mike to perform a relaxed recital in their family home. We collaborated with Mezzo Soprano Jessica Ouston to perform a selection of songs, arias and duets.
A particular highlight for me was singing the Presentation of the Rose, an operatic scene from Richard Strauss’s Der Rosenkavalier where Octavian (Jess) presents Sophie (Me) with an ornate silver rose as a gesture of engagement. Previously I had not had the opportunity to sing this as a duet so it was wonderful to experience this alongside Jess as we could both let rip and enjoy the luscious harmonies.
I also enjoyed the opportunity to recharge in the north of England. Val and Mike suggested that we took a group walk in the Moors. It was very atmospheric as we climbed above the mist. George and I couldn’t resist recreating the “Wanderer above the Sea and Fog” Pose.
A lovely way to spend the time. Thanks for sharing.
Beautiful photos, Charlotte! In the last photos, you guys are really high up! Have a great new week! 👍🏻🇬🇧
I can well imagine the beautiful energy shared by all! Thank you, for sharing with us.
We can always use Moor Music. Excellent photos of you two wandering about wondering above the sea fog.
A relaxed recital in the home of friends sounds wonderful! The moors have a stark, ageless beauty about them.
Very nice moment and pictures. Great share, thankx a lot Charlotte xx
Sounds like you both had a fabulous time Charlotte. Brilliant photos 🥰😘
Thank you Gill, it was all very Heathcliffe and Cathy.
Best wishes
Charlotte
What a fabulous time the two of you had. Love the idea of music on the moors! Great photos Charlotte. My hubby and I had hoped to get to the UK this year but might be next year now! Take care. Lynn xx
I hope that you do make it over Lynn, which season are you hoping to visit? London in Spring is beautiful with the cherry blossom 🌸 or the start of summer.
Best wishes
Charlotte
We have family near Windsor, so London is close by. It doesn’t look like we will get there this year for various reasons, so our sights are set on 2024. Lynn
My goodness. What a privilege for both the musicians and the homeowners. And what a delightful home it looks. xx
Absolutely beautiful place, it makes a fantastic change from London.
Best wishes always,
Charlotte
A welcome weekend
Oh yes, it was a lovely weekend.
Best wishes
Charlotte
Looks like a wonderful weekend! Happy for you!
Thank you Sheila, I hope you are keeping well, and all your lovely family.
Best wishes
Charlotte
Wandering above the sea and fog looks absolutely wonderous!
Thank you Bruce, it was a lovely weekend and walk!
Best wishes
Charlotte
Sounds like a great recharge Charlotte!
I must say, you look marvellous.
Sending best wishes to you & George!
Ps. I answered your mail. Everything is going well here, re: the gown!
Come April I will have time to start to catch up all my blog friends and projects, I can’t wait to see your gown. Wouldn’t it be fabulous in a grand concert or competition (just putting that out there in the ether).
Best wishes
Charlotte
I’m thrilled you are busy!
Things are going well with the gown. I will send a catch up email when I get to the end of the bodice. I had to reshape the main darts, but that is done now.
I’m still taking time thinking between steps, as it’s easy to make a fitting mistake.
Also, like I said, I’m trouble shooting any possible adjustments that might have to be made when you finally put it on, to make it easy to alter.
I’m trying hard to make it as perfect as possible.
Once I finish this bodice…… I’ll be on fire for the tail. It doesn’t have to fit, so I’ll be flying! I got this great idea.
Oh, I do hope it all works out & you do wear it for a concert!
I have a chat with the “Arts and Culture”editor of “Toronto Life” magazine tomorrow. It’s about my Art Gowns. They called me.
Getting a highlight in there would be HUGE!
It could help me get one of the gowns on a star at the “Toronto International Film Festival”.
I totally plan on mentioning I’m currently building an Art Gown for Charlotte Hoather, one of the top upcoming young Opera Sopranos based in the UK.
Cheers!! x
Brilliant! 😘 You are too kind. I’m so pleased that Toronto Life caught up with you. It’s not before time. I will have everything crossed for you to have a fab highlight feature all about YOU and your gorgeous gowns and fabulous blog. You deserve it.
I read an article a friend shared in The Times from a famous young male opera singer this week saying chances are slim for us emerging opera artists in the UK and we should leave the UK or just have music as a hobby!
I’m trying to bring opera to more people, audiences they don’t usually touch. I haven’t a clue where to start on PR so rather than just blow the small budget I have for marketing and awareness and only trying to boost social media I have paid a marketing company, serendipitously called Cheshire Cat Marketing to give me a hand over the next six weeks. So I totally get why you are so excited about Toronto Life. You Go Girl!
Haha! What an interesting homage to the artist Friedrich with your rendition of Wandering the Sea of Fog! Love these photos. Thanks for sharing. 🙂
Thank you Arti. Thank you for visiting me, especially when I’m so remiss at the moment.
Best wishes
Charlotte