|
|
Post by Ross on Aug 8, 2008 5:27:18 GMT
|
|
Dave
Administrator
HWI Admin
Posts: 7,700
|
Post by Dave on Aug 8, 2008 6:03:13 GMT
Hi everyone, First let me reiterate what Roger and Mark have said, this was one fabulous concert, one of the best concerts I have ever attended and yes, it was special for all the reasons Roger mentioned... including the excellent Christchurch Cathedral Choir - but I don't think anyone has yet mentioned the highlight of the evening. Well it was for me, anyway! Both Will Martin and Hayley had sung as usual with a microphone but after Hayley sung her solo songs, she moved the microphone and stand off the stage. Well I think it was Hayley who did it, because I wasn't paying attention at first  Next, Dame Malvina returned to the stage (having sung earlier) to loud applause and the two of them proceeded to sing Barcarolle... without microphones! Well this is par for the course for the noble Dame... but Hayley too? Yes! And what a great job she did - in what I think was either the first or second time she has ever sung at a public concert without a microphone. For me, that was tremendously exciting and I just sat there, transfixed. I will remember this day for a long time!  Hayley then left the stage to thunderous applause from the audience and Dame Malvina continued with a few solo numbers of popular classics... one that I recall was O Mio Babbino Caro but I didn't take notes and I haven't had much sleep! Beautifully done too - she is still a very good opera singer indeed - but then, the Dame invited Hayley back on stage for that wonderful duet, with piano accompaniment, of Hine e Hine... and again, no microphones! I was seated right at the back of the church on the rear balcony and I heard every word Hayley sang as clear as a bell, excellent. Dame Malvina was careful to ensure that their voices balanced well and the overall effect was simply beautiful. At the end of it, the applause was again thunderous, great stuff! I'll post a few photos in a minute but before I finish, I should mention that I spoke to Dame Malvina after the concert and said how much I enjoyed her performance and especially the duets; she was very complimentary about Hayley and went on to say "Hayley could have done it all without a microphone". So perhaps, at suitable venues, we may in future see and hear Hayley once again singing a song or two like that. Well I hope so! Cheers, Dave |
|
Dave
Administrator
HWI Admin
Posts: 7,700
|
Post by Dave on Aug 8, 2008 6:24:03 GMT
Hi everyone, it's me again! While we wait for better photos which will come from Steve and perhaps one or two others who were downstairs and nearer the stage than me, I'll post a handful that I took. I was a long way from the stage and I had to use a very high ISO setting (1600) *and* underexpose the shots to avoid camera shake in the low light, so they are much lower quality than most i've posted in the past (the colours are a bit odd among other things) but they'll have to do for the time being.  That's all from me for now... I'm off to grab a few more hours sleep I think! Dave  |
|
|
|
Post by natalie on Aug 8, 2008 8:45:04 GMT
Beautiful photos lovely reviews thanks
|
|
|
|
Post by Richard on Aug 8, 2008 9:00:31 GMT
Thanks to Mark, Roger and Dave for your speedy reports!  I arrived very early at about 2:15 and immediately met Hayley in the church entrance, so we had a nice little chat before the choir arrived. I then went inside and met Mary and her friend Trudi, and we spent a very pleasant afternoon watching the rehearsal. Hayley was singing without a microphone, and I agree with Dame Malvina's comment that she didn't really need to use one during the concert. Roger has already given a detailed account of the concert, but I did recognise Will Martin's last song. It was 'Don't Dream It's Over', which was sung as a duet by Hayley and Dave Dobbyn at the Shepherds Bush Empire last year. I was also very impressed by Will's voice and his sense of humour. Hayley was magnificent as usual, and I really liked Dame Malvina Major too. The two duets were the real highlights of the show for me, and I was amazed at how well their voices blended together. I also had a chat with Dame Malvina after the show, and she was as friendly as Hayley. Belinda and Stephany, I passed on your greetings to Hayley and Will, and they both send their love in return. I believe there will be some more reports and photographs soon, so watch this space. Richard  |
|
|
|
Post by comet on Aug 8, 2008 9:14:30 GMT
How lucky can you get ! Hine e Hine unplugged by two of New Zealands finest singers, this must have been an exceptional experience, How I wish I had been in the front row of seats for that one, or any row of seats for that matter. I have always found Hine e Hine to be a hauntingly moving and beautiful song. Just sends shivers down my spine even from the Cd.. Thanks for the descriptions Dave and Roger, Was Drew there by any chance ? The cover of the programme is really good, Looks like a reflection in a brass plate, It is amazing how far print quality has come in such a short time. |
|
Martin
Global Moderator
HWI Management Team
Posts: 3,339
|
Post by Martin on Aug 8, 2008 9:40:41 GMT
How I wish I had been in the front row of seats for that one, or any row of seats for that matter. Thanks for the descriptions Dave and Roger, Was Drew there by any chance ? Hi Comet You wouldn't have been in the front row as the first five were reserved for sponsors and friends. Us mortals who had queued for 60 mins were relegated to the rows behind.  Yes, Drew was there perched up in the balcony so I suspect there might be a video or two in the making. Martin |
|
|
|
Post by Mark on Aug 8, 2008 9:53:54 GMT
Hi everyone Thanks to Roger, Dave & Richard for your reports and for the photo's. Roger, for someone who said to me only last night before the show " I don't write reports anymore, I leave that to other people now", you did a stunningly (if thats a word) good job Like you, I'm not a great fan of choir's or opera but I found myself totally absorbed by both performances. The superb arrangements performed by the choir and the harmonization were fantastic and perfectly executed. Dame Malvina's voice is just breathtaking and so controlled. I too found myself feeling quite emotional when Hayley & Dame Malvina were duetting, particularly Hine e Hine. How far Hayley has come since taking those lessons with Dame Malvina and what it must have meant for both to be sharing the stage together with Hayley now being an international star. Not long after taking our seats, we spotted Fiona and Ian who, after a little encouragement from Peter, came across to sit with us. We chatted about Fiona's forthcoming NZ tour and her new album, which, by the way, was the reason they had to leave after the first half I must say it was somewhat unusual to be sitting WITH Ian & Fiona in the audience, rather than watching them on stage i.postimg.cc/9fYxy370/smilie-big-grin.gifI would guess that there were around 300 or so people in the audience, quite a good number of who it seemed were either connected to the choir/performers or who were New Zealanders. Certainly, it was apparent that Ian & Fiona knew one or two people and so did Hayley. The atmosphere was very relaxed before, during and after the performance with Dame Malvina, Will & Hayley all mingling with those of us who had stayed around afterwards. Eventually though, Hayley had to leave along with the others to attend a reception at the NZ embassy. I managed to give her a bar of mint Green & Blacks before she left which she seemed pleased to receive as she jokingly went to hide it in her bag as if to say - mine all mine !! So much was happening last night, I know that I will have to write a follow up report as things come back to me. Thats all for now though, except to say, that this was without doubt a very special evening and one that I will never forget. Best wishes Mark PS Roger wrote Oh well, I tried, but its not easy reporting on a tiny keyboard on a moving train after midnight. In which case, I officially award the first report to Roger i.postimg.cc/9fYxy370/smilie-big-grin.gif |
|
|
|
Post by Stephany on Aug 8, 2008 10:14:56 GMT
Hi everyone Many thanks for sharing with us the lovely stories, reviews and pictures. It sounds like this was a very special event. 18£ was certainly a real bargain for this! I am so glad to hear that you all liked Will Martin's voice. Like Roger said, he has a clear and beautiful voice - not necessarily very powerful - but a gorgeous one. Richard, thank you very much for sending our greetings to Will and Hayley. I'm sad I missed this concert but I hope this wont be the last event featuring Dame Malvina Major, Hayley and Will. Dave, thanks for the microphone story and the lovely pictures. I especially like the one with Hayley, Will and the flowers It doesnt really matter anymore but I was wondering if you guys had any particular problems with the tickets collection before the concert. I know it was a matter of concern for all of you so I hope all went well. Lots of love from NYC, Stephany xxx |
|
|
|
Post by Mark on Aug 8, 2008 10:31:48 GMT
Hi Stephany Thanks for asking about the tickets  It was all very relaxed in the end, in fact, they did not even appear to know anything about a reserved list of names, nevermind actually having a list. It would seem that anyone could have queued up and paid for a ticket on the door - very strange  Anyway, I was very impressed with Will, he has a lovely voice and stuck up a great rapport with the audience. We also saw quite a bit of him in the sound check. I thought of you, it was a real shame that you couldn't have been with us. Still, how did your evening go - did you have a good time ? Lots of love Mark x |
|
|
|
Post by James on Aug 8, 2008 10:37:41 GMT
Up to this point I wondered how Hayley's voice would sound in duet with Dame Malvina. Both are magnificent in their own right but would they really compliment one another? Within seconds, I knew the answer. They sang the 'Barcarolle' from The Tales of Hoffmann Far be it from me to contradict you Roger, but I thought it was Delibes "Flower Duet" rather than Barcarolle? I agree with all the reports so far - it was a great concert and I was blown away by Dame Malvina's vocal control - simply amazing (and I'll admit I would never consider myself an opera fan). Hine e Hine was simply a beautiful performance to witness. As for the choir, they sang an interesting mix of songs (see Roger's scan of the programme) and demonstrated a great sense of humour during "What a Wonderful World". Having sung the song in a choral style, one of the choir stepped out to the front with the soloist at the end of the song to deliver the final line in true Louis Armstrong growl. James |
|
|
|
Post by Mark on Aug 8, 2008 11:27:44 GMT
Hi everyone Just thought you might like to see the flyer that was available, along with a leaflet handed out by the choir, promoting thier tour.    Mark |
|
|
|
Post by roger on Aug 8, 2008 11:37:41 GMT
Up to this point I wondered how Hayley's voice would sound in duet with Dame Malvina. Both are magnificent in their own right but would they really compliment one another? Within seconds, I knew the answer. They sang the 'Barcarolle' from The Tales of Hoffmann Far be it from me to contradict you Roger, but I thought it was Delibes "Flower Duet" rather than Barcarolle? Hi James, Oh well, if you will sit in the cheap seats, what do you expect?  My money is still on the Barcarolle. Can anyone confirm or deny, please? Roger |
|
Martin
Global Moderator
HWI Management Team
Posts: 3,339
|
Post by Martin on Aug 8, 2008 12:55:54 GMT
Last night’s concert felt like an “intimate” musical evening in my living room (not that the choir would fit though). It was relaxed, pleasing on the eye and definitely pleasing on the ear. Here we had performers at the top of their game blending into an amazing and varied musical evening. Roger is not overstating the excellence of this evening and the feeling of great satisfaction we all left with when it had finished. Not only that, I was introduced to new musical experiences which will be with me forever. Without doubt Will’s new album will sell a few additional copies and Dame Malvina Major opened up for many of us an insight into the power and beauty of controlled operatic and classical singing. What impressed me about Dame Malvina in particular was that we experienced here a charming and personable lady who does not have to be a diva to express her personality. Very much like Hayley really (or should it be the other way round?). You would think that the acts last night had spent days if not weeks, rather than hours rehearsing as the entire concert (or “Show” as described by Hayley) flowed from performance to performance effortlessly and faultlessly. Other members have given the musical details but I do not apologise for waxing lyrically today since the experience has left me totally Hayley/Davina wowed. There are always enjoyable anecdotes when HWI gets together and last night was no exception. In particular: • On seeing the HWI photographers after the concert Hayley exclaimed “ The Paparazzi are here”! • Ian and Fiona asking us to pass on their best wishes to Hayley • Peter S persuading Dame Malvina to pose for a photo with Hayley • Hayley hiding her bar of chocolate in her trousers’ pocket and then realising that it would melt rather quickly • Steve getting “killer” stares from the lady in front because of a very noisy and annoying camera when in fact the camera in question was owned by the member of public sat next to me on my left (Steve was on my right) • Having to queue up for the gent’s toilet and then being told later by James that the system was two–by-two. I’ll leave that to your imagination! I think I said to Roger at the end that the whole evening was like a multi-layer rich chocolate cake in that it offered a whole variety of enjoyable and intense experiences. Oh, to have another slice. Martin |
|
Steve H
Global Moderator
HWI Management Team / Official Site Photographer & Videographer
Posts: 1,756
|
Post by Steve H on Aug 8, 2008 12:58:50 GMT
|
|
It was all very relaxed in the end, in fact, they did not even appear to know anything about a reserved list of names, nevermind actually having a list. It would seem that anyone could have queued up and paid for a ticket on the door - very strange 
