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Post by Karsten on Nov 25, 2009 21:05:35 GMT
The staff of the Cathedral was more than friendly and so it was comfortable enough to wait there for Hayley's arrival. Fortunately the weather stayed dry when the small party arrived with their bus, but it was very windy and cold and after a short 'Hallo' Hayley disappeared behind the entrance door. The sound check was simply great. Only a few people were there, and it lasted roughly one hour. Instead of the usual water Hayley used a cup of tea (as far as I saw) against the coldness. The choir consisted of younger and more children than the one at Peterborough and the Coventry Carol was rehearsed twice – really at a very suitable place for this song. Well, after a short change of clothes I was back at the entry right in time to join Graham and Paddy in starting the queue and soon after 6 pm there were more than enough people gathered waiting in the cold wind. The concert itself were the same as in Peterborough, of course – with two exceptions: The choir sang not at the beginning, 'only' with Hayley a capella the Coventry Carol, and we got 'Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas' as second encore after 'Silent Night'. Coming from Germany I like 'Silent Night', of course, and sung by Hayley it's simply great. I don't want to mention all the other songs, because I like them all and so there are really no favourites for me. Andy was in charge again for playing the shakers – unfortunately I wasn't able to take a photo after the announcement at the beginning that the auditorium should refrain from taking during the performance. So I made only a few during the (three) final applauses, but the lighting was – appropriately for a Christmas Concert – not very good. I sat on the right side of the nave, therefore I concentrated on the left side of the stage: Hayley  |
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Post by Karsten on Nov 25, 2009 21:06:01 GMT
thanks Andy  |
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Post by Karsten on Nov 25, 2009 21:06:39 GMT
and Tim  |
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Post by Karsten on Nov 25, 2009 21:08:05 GMT
Of course there was time for a little banter, too  |
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Post by Karsten on Nov 25, 2009 21:09:06 GMT
before the final applause  Afterwards I spoke shortly with Tim and Andy and when Hayley appeared – as Nicola said a bit in a rush (perhaps due to the BBC 2 Radio interview) – Graham, Paddy and I gave a short Farewell before heading for the hotel during a nice, heavy and cold shower. Never mind, it's November.  To summarize – a magnificent soundcheck and a magnificent concert and I really don't know what could be better tomorrow at Manchester Cathedral.  Cheers, Karsten |
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Post by Libby on Nov 25, 2009 21:47:03 GMT
The cathedral is very beautiful. Thanks for your photos so far... well, I hope there are more! Since the lighting seems better, especially. Have a great time tomorrow! Are you going to all of them? |
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Post by martindn on Nov 25, 2009 22:16:53 GMT
Hi Karsten,
I'd be interested in you comments about the lighting as compared to Peterborough, where it was really difficult as Ihave ssen from my own photos and videos. Glad you had a good time. Sorry I didn't get tpo talk to you much at Peterborough.
Martin
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Post by Karsten on Nov 25, 2009 23:00:17 GMT
Hi Libby, Thanks for your good wishes. Unfortunately there are no more amongst the photos I took during the short time of the final applause (to avoid any disturbance through the shutter noise) which would be worth posting. And no, I don't go to all. Hi Martin, I've compared the EXIF data from Peterborough and Ripon and there's no noticeable difference. With my 'normal' lenses (minimal aperture 3.5) I got 1/60 to 1/30 sec shutter speed at ISO 6400 for both, which is obviously mostly a bit too slow. (My 'scrap' rate is nearly 80 %, I'd say.) But of course the lighting is appropriate for a Christmas concert. The Rex Features photographers who were at Peterborough had an equipment slightly above my budget - I think 400 mm lenses with aperture 1.8, i.e. roughly a number with 5 digits before the EUR-sign. Looking forward to meet you again, perhaps next year. All the Best, Karsten |
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Post by grant on Nov 25, 2009 23:06:12 GMT
Hi Karsten
Many thanks for your report and pictures
Best wishes
Grant
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Post by Richard on Nov 26, 2009 8:38:25 GMT
Hello Karsten!  Many thanks for your superb report and photographs. I've been following Hayley for more than six years now, and I must say she's becoming even more beautiful as she gets older. She's a totally delightful young lady!  Best Wishes, Richard  |
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