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Post by John H on Mar 9, 2012 13:55:20 GMT
I am sure you will get much better photos from Grant, Martin and others, but here are a few of mine from after the show.     Thanks to Grant for taking this on my camera. It was good to meet some HWI members for the first time, and to renew acquaintance with others. |
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Post by Richard on Mar 9, 2012 14:25:46 GMT
Hello John and Jeff!  Thanks for the photographs and the report. I'm going to wait for a few more from both Southend and Bournemouth before I post the links on our Facebook page, so I think it might be a busy weekend.  Best wishes, Richard  |
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Post by martindn on Mar 9, 2012 20:23:09 GMT
Well, I got back from Bournemouth this afternoon. It has been a hectic week, and I still don't know when I'm going to find time to prepare the church service I will be leading on sunday.
I will post a fuller review when I get round to writing one.
But for now, in my hayleywowed state, all I can say is,
WOW!! What a voice, what a singer, what a performer, and what a lovely girl.
Martin D
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Post by Libby on Mar 9, 2012 20:34:43 GMT
John, your photos are great! Well done John on seeing Hayley as she arrived. I reached the Pavilion 2.25pm, just a couple of minutes before Grant and Gordon. Oh well, never mind ! I'll see her tonight anyway. Just 4 hours and 40 minutes to go. I'm just wondering though, Hayley arrives early in big sunglasses, so do we think that since the engagement announcement she wants to avoid attention before an event, especially as she has guaranteed signing sessions after each concert on the tour ? Wasn't it sunny that day? Sometimes she does wear sunglasses. I'm pretty sure it's not the first time she's showed up with sunglasses on! And I'm not just referring to her arrival in Malta, when she did seem to be getting a lot of attention.  I don't think she wants to avoid you all! She knows you all know about her engagement by now! i.postimg.cc/9fYxy370/smilie-big-grin.gif |
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Post by John H on Mar 9, 2012 20:56:07 GMT
John, your photos are great! Well done John on seeing Hayley as she arrived. I reached the Pavilion 2.25pm, just a couple of minutes before Grant and Gordon. Oh well, never mind ! I'll see her tonight anyway. Just 4 hours and 40 minutes to go. I'm just wondering though, Hayley arrives early in big sunglasses, so do we think that since the engagement announcement she wants to avoid attention before an event, especially as she has guaranteed signing sessions after each concert on the tour ? Wasn't it sunny that day? Sometimes she does wear sunglasses. I'm pretty sure it's not the first time she's showed up with sunglasses on! And I'm not just referring to her arrival in Malta, when she did seem to be getting a lot of attention. I don't think she wants to avoid you all! She knows you all know about her engagement by now! i.postimg.cc/9fYxy370/smilie-big-grin.gifYes, it was sunny. Hayley didn't give any sign of wanting to be avoided; she quite happily came round and talked to us when she was ready. |
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Dave
Administrator
HWI Admin
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Post by Dave on Mar 9, 2012 23:23:02 GMT
John, your photos are great! Wasn't it sunny that day? Sometimes she does wear sunglasses. I'm pretty sure it's not the first time she's showed up with sunglasses on! And I'm not just referring to her arrival in Malta, when she did seem to be getting a lot of attention. I don't think she wants to avoid you all! She knows you all know about her engagement by now! i.postimg.cc/9fYxy370/smilie-big-grin.gifYes, it was sunny. Hayley didn't give any sign of wanting to be avoided; she quite happily came round and talked to us when she was ready. Hi John (good to meet you again by the way!), Yes indeed, and although I am never early enough for pre-concert meetings, I did have a brief chat with Arnaud who was finishing off at the sound desk after the concert ended. After congratulating him on his engagement we chatted about sound recordings and related matters - and I'll tell you this, what a nice guy he is too! Very amenable, completely fluent in English, and he remains as determined as ever to stay out of the limelight, so good for him I say!  Cheers, Dave |
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Post by martindn on Mar 10, 2012 1:20:34 GMT
Yes, I agree. I was the other person with John when she arrived at the Paviloin, although Martin appeared whilst we were chatting to Hayley. It was warm and sunny, and hayley was wearing her summer dress and sunglasses. Fout days earlier I had been raining for her in temperatures of 2 degrees C and rain, cowering in a shop doorway. How things change. We had a brief chat before Hayley disappeared indoors.
I think that this is the first time I had manages to see Hayley arrive at a concert since the Bath Forum concert in December 2009.
Martin D
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Post by grant on Mar 10, 2012 11:43:10 GMT
The Final Leg BeginsIt’s another fine morning as I left my overnight accommodation in Southend and headed for the railway station. This morning I’m heading for Bournemouth via West Ham, the Jubilee line and London Waterloo where I’m meeting Gordon. Despite signalling problems on the Jubilee, we still managed to get a lightly loaded 1135 service out of London and we’re on our way. Interesting to note that the NSO double bass player is ahead of me leaving the underground and on our train. I said to Gordon as we walked a little way behind him across Bournemouth town centre “I wonder if, at times like this, he regrets choosing the double bass as his instrument of choice!” I’ve stayed at the Gervis Court before but I didn’t get lost finding it this time and we are soon checked in, changed, and on our way to the Pavilion Theatre. We found Jeff waiting outside although we are not surprised to learn that Hayley has already arrived. The weather is unbelievable remembering shivering in an overcoat only a few days previously in Northampton. I even elected to leave my overcoat in the hotel, still feeling comfortable in a light sweater. With Jeff going home to look after his mum, we relaxed in the foyer for a while just in case anyone else turned up. During this time Gianluca could be heard rehearsing and, a short while later, strains of Hayley's gorgeous “A Thousand Winds” could be heard. Having seen no one we knew, Gordon and I made our way to The Moon On The Square for refreshments and eventually dinner. As time passed we were joined by Mike, Martin and Peter. Back at the Pavilion, the foyer is soon filled with excited chatter as tonight’s audience begin to assemble. Despite the Pavilion foyer being one of the smallest on the tour, the staff are aware of the numbers that have been staying for the signing and have a plan worked out ready – just hope they’ve allowed for the HWI photographers! i.postimg.cc/9fYxy370/smilie-big-grin.gif As soon as the auditorium doors open, I made my way inside, I’m sat next to a nice friendly couple and we are soon in conversation. For this last concert I’m in E22 and positioned almost directly in front of Hayley – that’ll do! A little before 7.30, the orchestra began to assemble on stage for their warm up followed by Tim who took his place at the piano and the lights dimmed. The orchestra began playing and the final concert of Hayley's Paradiso Tour had begun.
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Post by grant on Mar 10, 2012 14:21:58 GMT
The Concert In Depth
Opening with ‘A Thousand Winds’ was a stroke of pure genius by Hayley in my book – it is a beautiful and very moving song and would almost certainly have captivated every living soul within earshot within seconds. Even the melody played as Hayley walked out onto stage beaming her beautiful smile would have soothed. Follow that with ‘Whispers In A Dream’ and Hayley’s already captivated audience would have realised that this was no ordinary concert – this was not the Hayley they had seen and loved previously, this was a new Hayley - a Hayley with the same clarity of voice but with a power now capable of sending shivers down the strongest spine – a Hayley that they would soon, inevitably come to love more.
Profumo di Limone was the first of six songs from Paradiso, all of which would be new to the vast majority of the audience. Hayley followed with an old favourite ‘The Mummers’ Dance – a complete change of tempo and an ideal way for Hayley to showcase her versatility on stage. Hayley now invited her guest to join her on stage for a duet. I don’t think I’ve heard ‘Le Note Del Silenzio’ live before but I enjoyed it immensely. We don’t get to hear Hayley duet that often which is a pity in some respects because it’s something she does rather well. No exception here, Gianluca and Hayley interacted beautifully throughout with Gianluca never overpowering her. He seemed a very genuine guy – always the perfect gentleman, and never quite getting the pronunciation of Hayley's name quite right, well, not until the very last night, I don’t suppose Hayley minded.
Following a short set from Gianluca (he was always well received by the audience) Hayley returned with a selection of old favourites and new songs. I was pleased to see ‘Who Painted The Moon Black?’ on the set list – one of my early favourites and one that even some of the long standing HWI members have not heard live before. Fleetwood Mac’s ‘Songbird’ and La Califfa from Paradiso led up to the last song of the first half. ‘My Heart Belongs To You’ – another one we haven’t heard for a long time. I remember this particular song from one of my early concerts – “Toast New Zealand” in mid 2006 so it must have had quite an effect then but Hayley's performance of the song on this tour was outstanding. Maybe now having Arnaud in her life has given it more meaning for her but it had certainly wowed the audience as she left the stage for the interval.
Gianluca opened the second half with a couple of songs after which Hayley returned to open with ‘Summer Fly’ – another change of tempo for this fast and racy pop tune. Now, to what soon became a very special moment for me – perhaps the most special moment of the entire concert. The applause has died down; Hayley has taken a sip of water; Tim plays a single note on his piano; the audience stills – do they know what’s coming? Hayley concentrates. Slowly, Hayley lifts the microphone to her lips. Still she hesitates; concentrates. There is complete and utter silence. Then, as if by magic, the auditorium is consumed in an instant by those first acapella lyrics of Pokarekare Ana. This is simply Hayley doing what she does best and it is stunningly beautiful – ridiculously beautiful. We know it’s a favourite of Hayley's, she tells us it has taken her around the world and that it means a lot to her. It usually gets a ripple of applause from the audience as the orchestra joins in and tonight is no exception.
I have two favourite songs in the show, the first of which follows now. At Gateshead, as soon as Hayley mentioned “the Portuguese song”, I knew what was coming and uttered a quiet “yes!” to myself. Being on the front row, Hayley heard me, looked straight down at me and said “You like this one?” “Oh yes!” I replied. I had hoped and prayed that Hayley would sing ‘Amalia Por Amor’ and I wasn’t disappointed – it was fantastic to hear it live for the first time and it certainly remained one of the highlights for me throughout the tour.
Amalia was followed by two more songs from Paradiso. ‘I Knew I Loved You’ with Tim at the piano and ‘Metti Una Sera A Cena’ another very fast song and the only other Paradiso song I hadn’t heard Hayley sing live before. Gianluca returned to stage for his second duet with Hayley - this time 'Vivo Per Lei' - fabulous stuff! I have to say that, even now, I’m not sure whether or not I have a single favourite from this tour, and that’s because Hayley included ‘I Dreamed A Dream’ in her set list. I just love the version of this sung by Hayley which is included on the ‘Live In New Zealand’ DVD – a stunning performance by 14 year old Hayley that I will never tire of. Now, of course, hearing Hayley sing this live is one thing but to watch the range of emotions on her face as she sings, brings this song alive for me and I can visualise the actual characters as they performed on stage – I must have seen ‘Les Miserables’ almost a dozen times. Unusually, both this song and Joni Mitchell’s ‘Both Sides Now’ had a ripple of applause from the audience – something we hadn’t seen at any other concert on the tour.
Hayley closed out an awesome second half with ‘Wuthering Heights’ which I think came as quite a surprise to many people in the audience judging by subsequent tweets and comments. I have always preferred Hayley’s version to the original and never tire of it. The musical arrangement too is a good showcase for any orchestra and the long fade out gives Hayley time to get off stage, catch her breath and return just in time to take her bow as the orchestra finish playing, which is exactly what she did.
There are three encores on the set list – I’ve known this before but it’s rare for all three to be used. At Gateshead we got two – Hayley actually asking “Would you like another one?” As I had already seen the set list stuck to the stage, I thought I’d help Hayley by shouting “Sonny!” there were other suggestions but, not unsurprisingly, Hayley chose mine. The following applause brought her back out enquiring “We could do one more” that was ‘Amazing Grace’ after which the applause died and the lights came up. Subsequently, Hayley has come back out saying “I could do one on the piano if you like?” Of course, this requires Hayley to take off her shoes. Putting them back on without getting her long gown caught has taken time and the applause has begun to die down, prompting Hayley to actually offer another one such that they have almost become an extension of the concert rather than encores. No ones complaining mind and it’s probably because Hayley's having such a blast up there anyway so all’s good.
‘Amazing Grace’ is always received very well so Hayley always leaves the stage to enthusiastic applause at this point. Now is the time for the shouts of “More!”. I’m often guilty of starting this, well, someone has to! Thus we get all the encores with Hayley closing out the concert with ‘Never Saw Blue’ There’s a little sadness tonight, leaving the auditorium for the last time. It’s been an amazing tour and I’m glad I booked for so many – haven’t regretted any part of it and haven’t felt any sameness – would be happy to do it all over again but perhaps not for a couple of weeks hey?
Time now to find out how tonight’s signing session will run. The Pavilion auditorium doors are directly opposite the external doors so the queue will have to be formed away from this area. Cleverly, the queue is forming down a side corridor and will not be allowed to the signing table until the auditorium has cleared. In actual fact, it turned out that people were kept there until it was their turn with Hayley which worked very well for us photographers. One thing that worked very well at Bournemouth was that one of the ladies managing the signing was obviously well used to such sessions and was not waiting to be asked to take pictures but took it upon herself to take charge of cameras and camera phones for those wanting pictures and this seemed to speed up the process. It still took around an hour so I’m guessing that Hayley would have spent some six and a half hours at her signing table during the tour – wonder how many people she saw?
This part of the tour has been special for me too. Being able to spend such a length of time in Hayley's presence and to watch her interact with her fans. Theatre staff too have been friendly and helpful throughout. Gradually the final queue to meet Hayley dwindled to nothing and there were left just a few of her closest fans. We thanked her for a wonderful tour and she, in turn, thanked us for our support and we made our way out of the theatre feeling just a little deflated and wondering when we would once again have the privilege of Hayley's presence amongst us.
Footnote
It’s only a few minutes walk home for me from where the bus stops and I rarely speak to anyone so I don’t know why Friday afternoon should be any different – but it was. As I crossed the road dragging my small case behind me, a lady enquired “Have you been anywhere nice?” I told her “several places” “and concerts” I added. “Who did you see?” she asked “Hayley Westenra – do you know her?” “Oh yes” came the response “They played Amazing Grace at my friends funeral last week” Small world – I had never seen her before even though she only lived in the next street. Seemed a fitting end to my travels.
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Post by Jeff on Mar 10, 2012 16:25:36 GMT
John, your photos are great! Wasn't it sunny that day? Sometimes she does wear sunglasses. I'm pretty sure it's not the first time she's showed up with sunglasses on! And I'm not just referring to her arrival in Malta, when she did seem to be getting a lot of attention. I don't think she wants to avoid you all! She knows you all know about her engagement by now! i.postimg.cc/9fYxy370/smilie-big-grin.gifYes, it was sunny. Hayley didn't give any sign of wanting to be avoided; she quite happily came round and talked to us when she was ready. The lunches at the Pavilion must be particularly good, hence her early arrival !! |
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Post by Jeff on Mar 10, 2012 16:38:58 GMT
One thing I forgot to mention was the guy from St.John Ambulance. I joined the queue at the end but he insisted on being last. (Health & Safety). "Good idea,"I said "In case I faint when Hayley talks to me !" After he had his turn I spoke to him again and he admitted to having "the collywobbles !" Lucky he didn't faint then ! So who revives the St John Ambulanceman when he's Hayleywowed ??!!  |
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Post by martindn on Mar 11, 2012 0:07:28 GMT
OK, time for a review from me. You will only get part 1 tonight. The rest will follow in due course. 1. The Prologue Or getting there. For me it started on Wednesday Morning, before even the Southend concert took place. As Hayley was heading to Southend, I was heading to Bournemouth in the camper van. It was the van's first outing this year, so there was nothing in it (except a few cans of beer and bottles of wine). I decided I would not bother with cooking or filling the fresh water tank, and would take only coffee, milk, sandwiches and cake, and a packet of breakfast cereal, and otherwise eat out. I had booked on a small 5 van Caravan Club site some 3 miles or so from the Pavilion theatre. It had been originally intended that my wife Sue would accompany me, but since our dog had to have an operation to pin her hind leg back on, something we didn't know about in October when I booked, and could not be left, poor Sue had to be left behind to look after her. I think she might have enjoyed this one better than Northampton too. She would have preferred the seats we were in, she is no fan of the front row like me. So set off around 1pm. Easy journey of around theree and a half hours. This van is new, we've only had it since October, and for the first time I used the satnav in anger, since my site was tucked away in a suburb of Bournemouth, and would be tricky to find without a navigator. Never been much of a fan of satnav, I only have it becuase it is part of the van's anti-theft tracking system, but it took me straight there. When I arrived I was offered an electric hookup, something I was not expecting. But I took it anyway, it meant I could use the electric kettle, although the vans solar panel provides enough power to run the fridge. After setting up, went for a walk, basically looking for food, and found the Broadway pub about half a mile away. but since it was too early for dinner, I continued to walk towards the town centre, passing several pubs, restaurants and take aways. It was only later that I realised I had ended up only about half a mile from the Pavilion Theatre, where the concert was to be. But I ended up eating in the Broadway. Then back to the van to listen to some Hayley, and watch a bit of TV. Then to bed. Next morning, I wasn't too early up, it was quite cold actually, and I needed to switch on the vans diesel powered heating system and wait for things to warm up. But got up, had breakfast, and then headed for the theatre. I considered walking the 3 miles or so, but didn't fancy the walk back late at night, or getting the bus, since they ran quite late, but I wasn't sure if the last bus would be late enough, so decided to drive into Bournemouth and park the van near the theatre. Now, if you ever park in Bournemouth you are in for a shock. It is pricey. It cost me 12.50 ukp for the 12 hours I needed, that is more than a night on the caravan site with electricity!! That's more than I have ever paid for parking in my life. And in any case, I had had an interesting time touring Bournemouth's various car parks looking for a bay big enough for the van (which is not huge by any means). I have a long history of missing Hayley's arrival at concert venues by a few minutes, and I was determined to see her arrive this time. When I arrived outside the stage door it was around 12.30. I was the only person there, but it was obvious where Hayley would come to and park. I should also mention that I had advertised my spare ticket on Twitter and the forums, and had a possible taker, a mature student called Jon from the Manchester area who had been at Hayley's Manchester show and was thinking about coming down. But he was uncertain about whether or not he was coming,and we exchanged several texts during the course of the day. Anyway, I hadn't been waiting long before John arrived. We saw several band members arrive too, before Hayley arrived about 1.30, sitting in the front passenger seat of the van, with Arnaud driving. Martin arrived about the same time, great timing Martin! Hayley came to talk to us, and she had obviously heard about "sunny Bournemouth", since she was wearing a summer dress and sunglasses! But she was right, the day was warm and sunny, perhaps the sun had come out especially for our princess.  We had a pleasant chat for a few minutes with Hayley, it is always great to see her, but she soon hurried inside for the sound check. Soon after Peter (postscript) arrived, and we soon decided to go our separate ways, since it was far too early to eat. I did a fair bit of walking around, down to the beach and along the East Cliff. Several times I returned to the stage door to see if any of the other HWI folk had arrived, but although there were a few people gathered outside the stage door, I didin't recognise any of them, local fans I guessed, since I did see some of them at the concert later. Eventually I headed to wards the Wetherspoons, "Moon in the Square", (as distinct from the Moon ON the Squre where we had eaten at Northampton). On walking in I saw Gordon, Grant and Mike, and joined them for a meal. Peter arrived shortly afterwards. To be continued.... Martin D |
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Dave
Administrator
HWI Admin
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Post by Dave on Mar 11, 2012 0:42:56 GMT
Thank you for your detailed concert reports Grant and Martin D (to be continued ) and to everyone else who has reported so far! I won't try to repeat the excellent photos posted so far (thanks guys!) but I will add a few, here and there. Here is a 'Vivo Per Lei' photo that I took in Bournemouth.  Hayley and Gianluca Paganelli sing "Vivo Per Lei" in Bournemouth Cheers, Dave |
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Post by Libby on Mar 11, 2012 5:20:26 GMT
I'm not the expert that Jillian is on fashion, but I wouldn't call a long-sleeved dress a summer dress... too hot for summer! Maybe a spring dress, since it has pastel-colored flowers on it. :wink:
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Post by Richard on Mar 11, 2012 8:24:54 GMT
Hello Bournemouth Hayliens! Thanks for all the reports and photographs so far. I'm now going to post a link on our Facebook page, and I'll mention there will be more to come. Best wishes, Richard |
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I don't think she wants to avoid you all! She knows you all know about her engagement by now! 
