As we mark the eleventh anniversary of my blog, it’s a moment to pause and reflect on a journey that has been as varied and vibrant as the repertoire I’ve had the privilege to explore. From the first post I shared on March 7, 2013, as a budding music student at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, to the present day, this platform has been a diary of dreams, challenges, and triumphs.
The blog began as a way to document my experiences and learnings in the world of opera and classical music. It quickly evolved into a space where I could share not just my professional journey, but also the personal moments that music has illuminated. Over the years, I’ve shared insights into the mechanics of vocal techniques, the thrill of performances, the nuances of different roles, and the sheer joy of collaborating with talented artists across the globe.
The journey of this blog has also been one of learning and growth, not just for me but for my readers as well. From sharing vocal warm-up exercises that are essential for every performance, to diving deep into the creative processes behind iconic roles and performances, every post has been a step in a shared journey of musical discovery.
As I look back on the last eleven years, I am filled with gratitude for the experiences shared and the connections made. This blog has been a constant companion through the highs and lows of an artistic journey, a place where every post is a note in the symphony of a dream pursued with passion and perseverance.
In commemorating this anniversary, it’s crucial to acknowledge the community that has grown around this blog. Your comments, shares, and interactions have transformed this space from a personal diary into a shared canvas, where stories, lessons, and inspirations are woven together in the beautiful tapestry of music.
Looking forward, I am excited for the future chapters that we will write together in this space. Music is an ever-evolving art form, and I am eager to continue exploring its depths, sharing insights, and celebrating the beauty of opera with each of you.
Thank you for being part of this journey. Here’s to the music that binds us, the stories yet to be told, and the journey that continues to unfold.
Here are a selection of videos of some of my musical memories from the last eleven years.
Thanks for journey. Anita
Thank you for coming along Anita.
All my best wishes
Charlotte
To have been a tiny part of this has been a great joy.
You have been a constant source of encouragement Martin, I’m hoping to be performing in Poynton in April so that will be a blast from the past.
Best wishes
Charlotte
Congratulations, Charlotte. Like the old Virginia Slims ad, “You’ve come a long way, baby!”
Cheers Timothy, it was interesting finding old videos as I’m putting a concert together for my male voice choir chums and they’ve asked for a couple of favourites I’ve not sung in a while, then my WordPress anniversary notification came through so it seems the perfect time to put some of these links together.
Best wishes
Charlotte
words seem hardly adequate here… thank YOU for sharing YOU with us, all these years! I know my life is richer for the experiences. xx
Thank you my friend. It is great to have your support all these years. I’ve been inspired by George’s trio to learn the violin at a higher level as my New Year’s resolution and pick up my piano training so that I can accompany myself better and it takes a little practice each evening.
Best wishes
Charlotte
What an epic journey! But wait, there’s more… 😊
Thank you Chuckster I’ve had a great time.
Best wishes
Charlotte
It has been a pleasure to share your professional and personal development, Charlotte. Your accomplishments are so many – be proud of yourself and keep blogging!
I hope to, at the moment I’m learning to play the violin and working on my British Sign Language course grade 3, and I’ve starting re practising my piano although George is quite a hard taskmaster. I’ve also been working on an opera for children about Aliens created by Scottish Opera which has been fun.
Best wishes
Charlotte
Congratulations on 11 years, Charlotte! Such a great achievement and post. I have enjoyed following you for a long time now, Charlotte! ❤️☺️🇬🇧
Thank you John, it’s lovely to know you and I appreciate your time and attention.
All my very best wishes
Charlotte
Thanks, Charlotte, you two be well! ❤️🇬🇧❤️
Congratulations on ‘Eleven Years of Blogging’, Charlotte! It’s always a pleasure and fun discovering your musical adventures over all these years. You can count me in for the next 11 years…
Aww thank you, I am hoping to do more recording this summer fingers crossed I can get the recording studio the last couple of times I tried they were fully booked.
Best wishes
Charlotte
Wow, time flies dear Charlotte . Congratulations on everything you have accomplished and best wishes for everything you are going to accomplish Miss Rainbow voice!!!!
Kisses and love my friend !
Time does fly by. Can you remember coming to Glasgow to watch my first Scottish Opera performance as Eve in The Walk from the Garden it seems so long ago and yet also fresh in my mind. I was looking at some of your beautiful photographs when going back through my blog archive, one of my favourites, as well as the album covers was the one with the Dome I think it was from Venice.
Best wishes to you
Charlotte 😊
Yes, of course I remember, I saw 2 performances! and had a great day with your family and your nanny and we even had lunch together You, George and me…..
Yes, Dome from Venise….
Best toughts for you
Pascal
Those designs were some of your most beautiful work, I loved the colours in them.
Charlotte,
We met WAY back when we both began our internet journeys. As I enjoy this Anniversary post of yours, I am just so amazed and thrilled at how your life and career have developed. You have and are still living your dreams and goals. Your hard work, dedication and devotion to those goals continues to take you to new and wonderful heights. I’m so glad we met WAY back then, and very honored to know you.
I remember your art blog Cheryl, it’s lovely to hear from you. Thank you for your lovely message. I’m preparing a concert for my male voice choir friends from a long time ago, they’ve asked for a couple of favourites I’ve got to refresh, so as i was searching back through old videos I got my anniversary reminder from WordPress and thought I’d repost a few.
Best wishes
Charlotte x
A beautiful journey. Thanks for sharing this summary.
Thank you John, it was difficult to pick a few for the post I got lost in time going back through the archive.
Best wishes
Charlotte 😊
Not sure when I joined you on your journey but it has been a wonderful trip. Congratulations on the eleven years. 🤗
John, I’m not sure when but I’ve loved having you along for the journey,
Best wishes
Charlotte
😊
Congratulations on an amazing 11 years! I started 10 years ago last November and yours was on of the first blogs I found. It has been great seeing a little bit of were you’ve been these last 10 years. I don’t think I knew you did any Sweeny Todd numbers, but I guess it makes scene. I’m also not sure if I saw that TV interview about your Down the Rabbit Hole project – it was great 🙂 I am sure your journey will continue to great places in the next 11 years and hope you continue to share it with us 🙂
Thank you Trent, its been fantastic getting to know you, you are so positive and I love your smile prompts, also many congratulations on your award it sounds like our royal awards and shows how much you are respected at work which doesn’t surprise me at all. I love Sweeny Todd I used to watch the video and just sing along with the whole production.
Best wishes
Charlotte
Thanks, Charlotte. I have two videos of Sweeny Todd – the Hollywood version, but also a stage version with Angela Lansbury. I haven’t watched either in years, but it is a lot of dark fun.
Yes I have seen the version with Jonny Depp and Helen Bonham Carter, its great. I have also seen it on stage in London. I auditioned a long time ago when I was in college for Joanna.
What a pleasure to see this reflection back on your progress and experiences! Blogs are a wonderful place to collect and share memories. <3 🌷
Thank you Layla I have always thought of it as my diary and I’m so pleased I kept it going, although my time is getting more restricted now I have more permanent structure in my life.
Best wishes
Charlotte
P
Ahh, congratulations Charlotte!
It’s been fabulous sharing your journey.
I’m listening to your beautiful voice sing “Green Finch And Linnet Bird “.
Tuesday is a sewing on my new Art Gown day. I plan to listen to all of these while I work. What a joy!
Sending all my best!
Resa ❦❦❦
Thank you Resa, the Greenfinch video is a very old one I think maybe from ten years ago. I’m relearning it this April for a concert. Thanks for listening I hope you enjoyed them. I plan to share some more videos this year so watch this space.
Best wishes
Charlotte
Yahoo! I’ll be there!
Cheers – Resa ❦
Congratulations on your 11 years! Your journey is a shared one, and our cyberspace is the better for it!
Persistence + Perseverance + Talent = Progress which is what you have made in your career as a musical artist and writer.
Onward.
Thank you Sheila, it’s been so special getting to know you in this space. My career is taking directions I never planned but I feel totally fulfilled through it.
Best wishes
Charlotte
We have been blogging around the same length of time. I don’t comment much these days but I have been following your journey from the beginning. I always had faith you would have the strength of purpose to follow your passion and work hard to achieve all you have. Congratulations.
Thank you it’s been lovely getting to know you and read your fantastic life stories. I’d love to meet you in person and feel I know you anyway.
Best wishes
Charlotte
That’s so lovely of you to say. Whenever I am next prepared to come to UK/Europe I must put out a general bulletin, and see how many of my virtual friends I can finally meet.
warm wishes, Gwen
It has been a pleasure following you these past 11 years. Thank you for your wonderful posts and sharing your journey.
Warm regards and best wishes for the next 11 and beyond.
jack d
Thank you Jack 🙂 it’s been lovely getting to know you and learning of your story and art. I appreciate you keeping in touch with me.
Best wishes
Charlotte
Beautifully written and illustrated. Congratulations on the journey. (I also remember that talent show when you amazed the presenter 🙂 )
Congratulations!
Congrats, Charlotte!!
Congratulations, Charlotte! Your fantastic talent will move your position in the journey ever higher.
Congratulations, Charlotte! It’s been a fabulous journey! ❤️
Charlotte: It has been a pleasure to follow your journey. You and I started blogging about the same time, and you were one of my very first followers. I still have and enjoy your CD with Grieg songs, and I look forward to hearing more as your career continues to blossom.
Congratulations Charlotte, here’s to the next 11 and more.
Wow! 11 years, every minute at every competition, concert and then the operas, were thoroughly enjoyed by me and Terry. Travelling around with you to many lovely venues was a joy. Looking back and watching your videos brings back many fabulous memories. You continue to be an absolute joy to listen to and your blog is always lovely to read with such interesting facts about your world. Thank you for sharing. Sending you lots of love 🥰😘
Many happy returns of the day, and congratulations on who you are… 👏🏻🌹
What a great milestone, Charlotte. Thanks for all the photos and videos. Happy Blog-aversary!
Thank you.
Charlotte, I spend a very happy evening following your youtube videos and watching your balcony evenings all over again. Well done for all the milestones you have passed and all that you have achieved over these years.
Thank you Hilary. I am hoping to record some more music this Easter break, George is quite busy though he has a solo concert in Romania and a concert with his trio so fingers crossed we can find the time. I hope Edwin and all your family are well. I will be going up North to celebrate my Grandads 80th birthday at the end of the month.
Best wishes
Charlotte
A great way to capture a blogging milestone, Charlotte. It’s always nice for all of us to slow down, pause, and truly embrace what we’ve accomplished. Well done!
Congratulations on your WP milestone Charlotte, 👏
I learned of you through Clare Pooley’s blog, and have enjoyed watching your journey over the years, Charlotte. Thank you for the time and effort you have made making opera fun and accessible to people along the way! You are a very special, talented and good-hearted person. May all the best in life come your way.
Thank you for your lovely message Lavinia. I went to see the opera this week at Opera Holland Park great fun the Barber of Seville. I’ve been busy on a new adventure this year a change of direction but very fulfilling. I’m hoping to get back in the recording studio this summer.
Best wishes
Charlotte