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Post by comet on Dec 10, 2009 14:14:16 GMT
Hayley’s first number was, of course, “River” which she played at the grand piano once she had removed her shoes. From where we were sitting I could only see the top of Hayley’s head above the piano and from the waist down below. It seemed a bit impolite to watch her knees as she manipulated the pedals so I concentrated on the expressions of the orchestra who were enjoying a break in their own playing.  I think a few of us had this not unpleasant choice to make I nearly had to get a defibrillator for Larry  But Hayley is so ladylike, elegant and Dianaesque in these situations.. did "They" not think BEFORE they positioned the piano. |
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Post by Paddy on Dec 10, 2009 14:57:29 GMT
Hayley’s first number was, of course, “River” which she played at the grand piano once she had removed her shoes. From where we were sitting I could only see the top of Hayley’s head above the piano and from the waist down below. It seemed a bit impolite to watch her knees as she manipulated the pedals so I concentrated on the expressions of the orchestra who were enjoying a break in their own playing. I think a few of us had this not unpleasant choice to make I nearly had to get a defibrillator for Larry But Hayley is so ladylike, elegant and Dianaesque in these situations.. did "They" not think BEFORE they positioned the piano. I chose our seats in the rows for the Gentlemen (and the Ladies) ........ and left the front rows for the ...... teenagers.  Paddy |
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Post by grant on Dec 10, 2009 15:54:15 GMT
As we filed out of the auditorium there was an announcement over the PA system that Hayley would be signing after the performance and once in the foyer, it was clear that this message had already reached many ears as a lengthy queue had already formed. As I mentioned in my first post after returning home, the NCH staff had everything organised to military proportions with a distinct area for queuing and barriers to prevent anyone else getting anywhere near to Hayley. Nor were the staff going to co-operate as most venues have done in the past where photography is concerned. Hayley soon appeared wearing a beautifully patterned black top and a very snazzy pair of dark orange (I think?) ankle boots. She seemed very happy to see everybody and settled down to begin working her way through the queue of people, now stretching back to the entrance doors, waiting to meet her. If she was tired she didn’t show it and despite the number of people waiting, Hayley conducted the proceedings with no attempt to hurry things along, each person, group or family spending as much time as they wanted. Hayley arrives for her signing session Some time later we established that the whole session had taken a good 45 minutes but everyone waiting went away happy. As the queue dwindled to single figures, I joined on with Paul and Glenda so as to have a few words with Hayley and to give her the card and gifts that Elizabeth had sent. The session was now drawing to a close, the rather officious front of house manageress already had the door open for Hayley and Gianmarco to make they way back stage but the best was yet to come! We had talked about a group photo – I think it was Paul who suggested it but as the session had lasted so long, would it be fair to ask Hayley? Well, Joyce decided to ask and Hayley happily replied “Of course!” Now, we were all one side of the barrier and Hayley the other and it didn’t take Hayley long to decide “I’ll come out to you” which she did. Where to go for the photo? Hayley had that sorted too as she led us off across the foyer to the large Christmas tree where Hayley once again orchestrated the formation of the group. I’m pretty sure that, by now, it was just Hayley, us lot and the NCH staff left in the foyer as the group broke up after the photo and gave Hayley a spontaneous round of applause. We said our goodbyes and whilst she made her way back stage, we went for much needed refreshment. I'll hopefully have a few more pictures to post tonight! Best wishes Grant |
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Post by amptique on Dec 10, 2009 15:57:14 GMT
Thanks to all for the great reviews and pictures. It must have been an incredible evening. I'm sure Hayley was pleased with all the standing ovations.  That has to be a real high. Bill |
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Joe
Administrator
Supporting Hayley since 2003!
Posts: 6,715 
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Post by Joe on Dec 10, 2009 16:44:09 GMT
Thanks Comet, Paddy, and Grant for your observations and reports. Hayley had on a lovely top after the performance.  I'm looking forward to seeing that group photo, Grant. These are gems and super wonderful. Well done all and thanks again! Best wishes, Joe |
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Post by grant on Dec 10, 2009 19:33:59 GMT
Hello everyone Thanks Karsten for getting some great picture posted so quickly! Here are a few more pictures from Hayley's signing session. More later. Best wishes Grant |
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Martin
Global Moderator
HWI Management Team
Posts: 3,339
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Post by Martin on Dec 10, 2009 20:39:56 GMT
Hi Grant Aided by good lighting you have been able to capture a very glamourous Hayley at the signing. Good stuff! And as you say, despite the fact she must have been tired, Hayley looks as fresh as a daisy! i.postimg.cc/9fYxy370/smilie-big-grin.gifBest Wishes Martin |
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Post by graemek on Dec 10, 2009 21:05:33 GMT
Great review Grant. I think quite a few journalists could learn from your style !! And Brilliant pics    Graeme |
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Post by Karsten on Dec 10, 2009 22:01:28 GMT
Thank you very much indeed for all the detailed reports and to Grant for the great pictures. To join in the queue... Two pictures shortly after the beginning...  |
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Post by Karsten on Dec 10, 2009 22:02:12 GMT
... and during the applause  |
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Post by Karsten on Dec 10, 2009 22:05:20 GMT
and an additional one from the signing - a little bit too 'red', of course, because of the (relatively good) lighting (ISO 2200 with aperture 5), but I like this warm tone...  Best wishes, Karsten |
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Post by grant on Dec 10, 2009 23:48:31 GMT
Thank you Martin and Graeme for your kind comments and Karsten for the recent pictures. Here are a few more from me. Best wishes Grant |
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Post by I-H-F on Dec 10, 2009 23:53:38 GMT
...Hayley gave us one of the best orchestral versions of “Hine” that I have ever heard. “O Holy Night” sung as a solo with orchestral backing must be one of the most spine tingling of all the Christmas hymns. Agreed, on both counts. They were beautiful. Thanks to everyone for the excellent photographs and reports. Even though I was there, its still nice to read other people's reviews. I thoroughly enjoyed these recent concerts. It was almost 9 months since I had attended one of Hayley's concerts, then it was 3 in the space of 2 weeks (including 2 in 2 days!). I guess alot of us in this part of the world, are fortunate to be able to see Hayley as much as we do. Sometimes, even on our doorsteps. Looking forward to the next one already. Whenever that may be.... |
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Post by grant on Dec 10, 2009 23:54:42 GMT
... and for my finale, a couple of funny ones! Not quite sure what was going on here! Hayley also appeared somewhat bewildered by all the barriers and on occasion couldn't work out who was supposed to be taking a particular photo. On this occasion she thought it was me - it wasn't! The shot isn't actually sharp, but I thought it worth posting anyway.  That's yer lot!! Best wishes Grant |
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Post by Karsten on Dec 11, 2009 6:45:37 GMT
Hi Grant, Many thanks for your great work. Following you here are my last ones, too. Hayley's arriving  |
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That has to be a real high.
