It’s been a while since I’ve written a post and the reason for that is I’ve actually been busy living. After continuous lockdowns for 10 months, I got used to my own little world. I enjoyed a self regulated schedule of singing practice, playing piano, studying, teaching, cooking and learning new things. With no timely plans the next day, I could stay up until all hours of the night chatting with loved ones. Since “Freedom Day” I’ve had some amazing experiences and was even able to travel a little bit. Despite being completely back to normal, there have been many things holding me back, mainly the fact that the virus has not gone away, and the “pingdemic” is now a very real problem. There was certainly no “burn the bra” (or mask) moment… Ok. Lets face it, no one’s been wearing a bra during this pandemic – ha ha!
Towards the beginning of June things started to eventuate for me. I got some work with Buxton International Festival as a Young Artist. This had me singing as a Liebeslieder in “A Little Night Music” by Sondheim as well singing in the Gala concert, the Young Artist concert and the “Songs at Six” in the beautiful Buxton gardens. We had prime location too, with all rehearsals taking place in the dreamy Buxton Opera House. Seriously, check it out below!! GOOSEBUMPS.
Each day, we would have to take a Covid test before arriving at the opera house, have our temperature checked upon arrival and get masked and gloved – with lots of sanitizer in between. We were each allocated a “home” chair during rehearsals and that was our seated location when we were not rehearsing. Below is a shot of star tenor Joseph Doody and I laughing as we came off stage after completely screwing up the waltz. “That was a disaster” he laughed after we nearly fell over each other’s feet. That insanely talented, wonderful human had me in tears of laughter every rehearsal. In the end, we were actually quite good – practice makes perfect!!
The first rehearsal call was a real “pinch myself moment” as I was finally getting to do what I’d dreamt of all these years. There was a real energy in the room that day, and emotions were high – everyone was back and we were re-opening the opera house after 18 long months of closure. I was a part of history!
Our rehearsals were always lots of fun, but with a high intensity and very strict Covid rules. We flew through the scenes by the end of the first week and then we were onto choreography calls. Not having had a choreography call before, I was certainly a little nervous, but eventually the wonderful David Needham managed to have me dancing like a star. I remember one particularly hot day, in an old theatre (built in 1903) without air conditioning, we all suffered under our masks with a 6 hour dance call: the sweat literally dripping from our gloved hands, trying to waltz and sing. “Hi-ho the glamorous life”.
Buxton is about an hour out of Manchester by train, and all I can say is that it is a must on the travel list. The beautiful architecture of The Crescent Hotel, the Dome, a lovely high street, great restaurants (Simply Thai is a favourite of mine. A well known fact for anyone that I talk to), a wonderful cocktail bar (Monk!), the best kept gardens, and of course Buxton Opera House. Even the pub across the road is cute! During tech week and double show days, I opted to stay in Buxton with some hosts, and it certainly allowed me to enjoy the beauty of Buxton and get enough sleep between shows and rehearsals. It was also incredibly lovely to see them in the audience at all my performances across the festival.
We had some incredible reviews from platforms such as the Times and the Telegraph, which were very exciting to be a part of. However, The real highlight was the unmatched talent of my cast. Not only that, they were also some of the loveliest people I’ve worked with. Never in my life have I received so many cards and gifts: from every cast member, conductor, choreographer, the company and orchestra. I think the shared experience of welcoming audiences back into the theatre made us a very tight group.
Prior to each show day, we would meet on stage for a physical and vocal warm up. On the first show day, when I lead the warm up, I decided to sing a little tune I learnt from Deborah Cheetham in Woiwurrung language of the Wurundjeri people, “Wominjeka” which means “welcome” (for two reasons, it was the day Ash Barty won Wimbledon and to symbolise the opening of the theatre again and the welcoming of audiences). On our final night, post Freedom Day, we enjoyed a full-house standing ovation that left each of us in tears and hugs once the curtain went down. I will never forget this amazing experience.
Since coming back from Buxton I’ve had my head in the scores preparing for the next thing. I was supposed to be singing in Edinburgh, however, restrictions in Scotland forced a cancellation. I decided to just explore Edinburgh as a holiday instead, and it was gorgeous!! I also managed a little weekend away to Scarborough beach as I was having some serious withdrawals from large bodies of water!! Have a flick through the slideshow below to see some photos from my travels. Anyone heading to Edinburgh – be sure to comment below, I have a wonderful tip for a 6 course Scottish food menu you must try!
I am currently writing this on the train on the way to London after having spent the weekend in Oxford. What a gorgeous city, with so many Harry Potter set locations too!!! In fact, we even had breakfast in the Great Hall each day!
Whilst I was in Oxford I enjoyed the beautiful program at Waterperry Opera company, supporting my dear friends that are performing there this weekend. I love the culture of opera festivals here! Last night, we had tickets to see “Elixir of Love” (a fantastic translation by ENO). The setting was the stunning Waterperry House, golden hour and the immaculate gardens. During the intermission, the cast and audience have a 90 minute dinner break, where all the beautifully dressed, fully frocked or suited people moved towards the gardens with their Whicker baskets full of food and champagne. I can get used to this! The night ended with a bang, literally – fireworks and high notes, just as it should. For me, it ended with a backpack full of garlic olive oil from the mozzarella and tomato mix I bought. Any tips for getting it out of a woollen jumper, please comment below!!!! I currently smell like a walking garlic clove – but maybe that’s a good thing, it’s supposed to stop you getting sick, right? Perhaps and old wives tale.
I decided to write this letter now, because as I left my good friend in Oxford to continue down to London, I had a sudden sickness in my stomach. The same I had when staying in Buxton some nights. I was home sick. I realised that whilst my little apartment in Manchester has become my home, it is still very much a “home away from home”. I realise now that I am busy and travelling more, that I don’t get to speak with those at home as much. The umbilical cord is truly cut. I don’t think the looming Covid-19 has helped with this unease. However, I have some Sydney friends in London that I am really looking forward to seeing – they will be my first in-person contact with anyone from home in a year.
I’m in London this week staying in a hotel (with no mini-fridge!!!! There goes my cheap meal plans) as I’ll be involved in the British Youth Opera workshop. This will involve working on repertoire in a focused manner with industry professionals and participating in mock auditions. The repertoire I picked includes music I will be singing in an international competition in October, with the hopes that I’ll iron out any issues.
On return from London, I’ll need to put all my focus into working on the Queen of the Night and Zerbinetta as I have my debut in these roles later this year. Exciting times ahead everyone!!!!
Now back to reading my book “The Librarian of Auschwitz” and protecting myself with two masks to make up for the lack of masked people surrounding me!!
Until next time!
All my love,
SP Xx
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