A Stroll Through 2023: My Year of Musical and Personal Enrichment

As the year draws to its end, I find myself reminiscing about the mosaic of experiences that have adorned my 2023. It began with the familiar anticipation of a new beginning, where the recital in Menston in January set a resonant tone for the year’s musical escapades. I loved performing alongside George (Todică) and Jess Ouston.

February’s planning of “Down the Rabbit Hole” saw dreams etching into plans, and March witnessed these dreams leaping to the stage, a culmination of collective passion and effort. I cannot thank the cast, creative & production team, costume students and volunteers enough for their dedication to this enchanting project, which culminated in a stunning production. April was graced with a five-star review from Fiona Maddocks, illuminating the success of “Down the Rabbit Hole” and reinforcing our creative voyage together.

May’s respite in Rome, was special because it provided an opportunity for rejuvenation amidst the city’s ancient grandeur and serenity. This was followed by the musical embrace of a Schubertiade alongside George in London, and an operatic escapade with the Waterperry Opera Festival, where “Mansfield Park” allowed me to revisit Maria Bertram and work alongside the talented ensemble that made it all possible.

The trip to Salzburg in July was a harmonious blend of exploration and expression, with special thanks to Naturshofgut Hotel and the Salzburg Tourist Office for their invaluable contributions to my travel blog adventure.

August’s delve into all things “Brontë”, under the creative guidance of Lisa Logan, allowed me to inhabit the roles of Cathy and offstage the voice of Bertha. This was particularly memorable due to the layered emotional depth and vocal challenges these characters presented. Cathy’s raw and unbound spirit juxtaposed with Bertha’s haunting presence offered a rich, dramatic contrast to explore as a singing actress.

The Chloe Festival, a celebration of music and connection, was incredibly special, as it marked the trio’s inaugural festival and an opportunity to perform alongside George, Jobine and Maria. I hope we can collaborate again in the future.

As the year winds down, I am filled with gratitude for my family. The precious time spent with them for my 30th birthday celebrations, and the opportunity to connect with my Romanian family before Christmas.

I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to all my wonderful blog friends for joining me on this incredible journey in 2023, and I eagerly look forward to sharing more stories, music, and experiences with you in the coming year. Here’s to a prosperous and joy-filled 2024 for each and every one of you!

59 thoughts on “A Stroll Through 2023: My Year of Musical and Personal Enrichment”

    1. Thank you Ashley, I’ve promised myself that I will read more this year and George and I have started walking every day after spending a week with my parents who do this.

      Best wishes
      Charlotte

      Reply

    1. 2023 was a tough year for freelance music artists, paid opportunities were limited to apply for, I was very disheartened when told I didn’t need to be seen as they knew what I sounded like following one application for audition! Fortunately, I found alternative work that I am very happy with and is giving me a lot of reward and satisfaction from and I’m learning new music skills.

      Best wishes
      Charlotte

      Reply

    1. Thank you Lavinia, I have been working with some great people for the past six months. I hope that you have a super 2024.

      Best wishes
      Charlotte

      Reply

  4. Wishing you, George and your family a wonderful start in 2024. I’m sure you will have another great year filled with a lot of musical surprises and happiness.

    Reply

    1. Thank you my friend, I hope you have a super 2024. Here is to new adventures.

      Best wishes
      Charlotte

      Reply

    1. Much love back to you both, I hope 2024 is a happy new year for you.

      Best wishes
      Charlotte

      Reply

    1. I love Rome, I visited family in Romania just before Christmas it is lovely to get away and catch up with everyone. George’s Mum speaks Italian, so we muddle through.

      Best wishes
      Charlotte

      Reply

    1. Happy New Year John ❤️. Wishing you lots of good luck, health & happiness for 2024.

      Best wishes
      Charlotte

      Reply

    1. Happy New Year Cindy, I love that typography! ⁺˚*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙ wishing you lots of happy travels this year.

      Best wishes
      Charlotte

      Reply

  11. It looks like you had a wonderful 2023! You went down the rabbit hole and visited some wonderful places and created a lot of beautiful music with some very talented people. I hope you have a a magical 2024 🙂

    Reply

    1. I really did go down the Rabbit Hole, lots of different adventures. I hope that you have a magical, adventurous 2024 too Trent.

      Best wishes
      Charlotte

      Reply

    1. Lovely, I enjoyed your gif, we usually enjoy the London fireworks on my brothers balcony but he was at a party this year so we just heard the bangs hehe.

      Best wishes
      Charlotte

      Reply

  13. How wonderful, the memories you have created, and how wonderful that you have chosen to share them with us. Your joy is inspiring and encouraging for so many, including me. May love prevail in your lives throughout 2024 xx

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    1. Thank you Annette for your lovely wish for us. You always uplift and support me along my adventures. I wish you joy, health and happiness for 2024.

      Best wishes
      Charlotte

      Reply

    1. I’m pleased that you enjoyed reading about some of my adventures Derrick. Wishing you a healthy, happy 2024 with continued blogging stories for us to enjoy.

      Best wishes
      Charlotte

      Reply

    1. Merci beaucoup mon ami. I wondered if you still had all the lovely pictures you did of the Haugtussa series I was thinking of updating them with new photos if you would allow me to use them on Insta as many people didn’t see them before. If you have them would you allow me to put a more updated photo on them?

      Best wishes
      Charlotte

      Reply

    1. Happy New Year 2024. Wishing you much happiness and good health.

      Best wishes
      Charlotte

      Reply

  19. You had a fabulous year, Charlotte, and here’s my wish that you and George have a happy, healthy and magical 2024. With admiration and love!

    Reply

    1. Thank you Noelle ⁺˚*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙ a magical new year back to you and all your family. Good health is so important it is something not to take for granted, I wish you a healthy, happy time.

      Best wishes
      Charlotte

      Reply

    1. Thank you very much Tim, I hope that you also have much success, health and happiness in 2024.

      Best wishes
      Charlotte

      Reply

    1. Thank you, Mart, hopefully we’d like to release another album this year and we have lots of new challenges. We’re looking forward to this year. George is busy practising for a concert in the Netherlands with his Chloe trio on 6th and 7th January.

      Best wishes
      Charlotte

      Reply

    1. Thank you Clare. I hope that you and all your lovely family are doing well.

      Best wishes for 2024,
      Charlotte

      Reply

  24. Happy New Year Charlotte! Please extend my heartfelt wishes to George!
    You had a a great year, and there’s more to come.

    I look forward to your upcoming posts in the Year Of The Dragon.
    Cheers and Best Wishes,
    Resa ❦❦❦

    Reply

    1. Thank you Resa, I hadn’t realised it was the Year of the Dragon, that’s exciting it is supposed to bring good luck, power and success. It is also believed to be a good time for new projects or businesses, as well as for making important decisions; so here’s to 2024 for all of us!

      Best wishes
      Charlotte
      Ps George and I are both Chinese Water Roosters. Lucky numbers 4 and 9 and lucky colours gold, white

      Reply

      1. Dear Charlotte,

        I finally found your email in over 300 emails I got over New Years.
        WOW!!!

        You (and the dress) look amazing.
        I am speechless, thrilled!
        Ask anything you want! I’ll be sure to comb my emails. I’m down to 100 now.
        WOW!!!
        Resa

  26. Hi Charlotte, lovely to catch up again… my very best and God’s blessings this year and always. Happy 2024! ❤️🥂

    Reply

  28. The photographs of you in costume in all the wonderful ensembles is a treasure. What a wonderful summary, and such an accomplished year. Cheers!

    Reply

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