Cadogan Hall - 6 June 2006

[Dave]

Hi everyone,

Well I'm home from the concert and surprised to see that I'm the first to post! I'm also tired as it's after 3 am so I won't say much about the concert itself, I'll leave most of it to the HWI journalists and editorial staff I'm just a photographer i.postimg.cc/9fYxy370/smilie-big-grin.gif

First here was a red carpet photocall before the start with all the main performers arriving by limo one by one, Fiona Pears Juliette Pochin, Tenors Unlimited and finally the star herself... Hayley! Hayley lingered long enough to chat briefly to those of us who had dared to wait outside - the concert was due to start! She even signed an autograph on the red carpet(not me!) and I can prove it... see below!

There was also a surprise arrival just before the official photocall... someone who tried to slip inside incognito - but signally failed to do so! Let's see which forum member recognises her first (nobody who was there, please!!!)

Skipping to the end (lots more later today, I am sure, from the others and me!) suffice it to say that it was a most enjoyable evening - with an auction in the middle - and at the end, Hayley came on and was in superb form. Included in her performance was a lovely song that's been around in "Hayleyland" for a few years but we don't think Hayley has ever before performed in concert in the UK. Some of us haven't even got it on CD as it isn't on any *UK* edition of Hayley's albums. Can you guess which song it was - before the other concert-goers spill the beans?

After the concert, Hayley came outside to meet the intrepid band of HWI'ers and a few others, before diving back in to the reception. I'm sure Richard and the others will have more to tell you about that! But for now, I'm going to post 4 or 5 photos then it's time for some shuteye... nite all!

Cheers, Dave

[Dave]

She tried to remain incognito -and failed!
Who is the mystery celeb on the red carpet?

It's Elaine Paige... of course! i.postimg.cc/9fYxy370/smilie-big-grin.gif

Dave

[Dave]

Hayley arrives - on the red carpet.
She did this one just for me... *eeek!*

Autographs at the photocall (not me!)

Dave

[Dave]

Hayley's really 'into' this song!

A bit blurry but I like it - so there!

That's all for tonight folks,

Dave
zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

[Belinda]

One Word Dave

Sounds like you had a fantastic time
Guessing the song i'd say Mummers Dance?

Mystery Guest i say was Lulu But thats just a guess i don't really know.

Fantastic photo's thanks Dave.

Haha i knew you would be on line Dave after the concert
(you night Owl)

[Caitlin]

Belinda said it first. "WOW!" These are stunning photos! It sounds like you had a great time Dave. I look forward to hearing from everyone else who went!

<3 Caite

[graemek]

Thanks Dave, very good shots!!
What a dress!
Its true what I read on this site the other
day.
Hayley's not pretty,
just merely exquisitely beautiful.
Graemek
The mystery celeb remains a mystery to me
too.
Olivia Newton John crossed my mind but didn't stop.

[Joe]

Hi Dave,

Thanks for sharing the lovely pics of Hayley...I hope she sang Mummers Dance for you all.

I've no idea as to whom the mystery celeb is. I'll guess and say Judy Finnigan. i.postimg.cc/9fYxy370/smilie-big-grin.gif

I look forward later today to more pics and commentary!

[george]

Hi Dave

Thanks for the great pictures. Looking forward to your report.

Mystery celeb looks like Elaine Paige to me!

Looking forward to meeting again at Wisley tomorrow. Weather still looking good.

Cheers,

George

[graemek]

Hi Joe,
I don't know of Judy Finnagan but looked
up Google images & she looks a possibility.
I could'nt find a 3/4 view tho so it's hard to
judge.
Graemek

[Richard]

Hello everybody!

I'm still in the clouds following a fantastic night last night, but I can't wait to write a little review. First of all, thanks to Dave for the photographs from the red carpet, and well done George for recognising Elaine Paige! i.postimg.cc/9fYxy370/smilie-big-grin.gif

I was at Cadogan Hall well before the show was due to start, and I had the pleasure of welcoming pianist Ian Tilley and violinist Fiona Pears when they arrived. About half an hour later Hayley arrived and recognised me, and as usual she stopped for a quick chat. Soon afterwards other members of HWI appeared - Peter, Steve, Stuart, Roger and finally Dave.

After the photocall which Dave captured, the concert began with a talk about Global Angels by the charity's founder, Molly Bedingfield. Then the music began with Fiona Pears on the violin, accompanied by an eight-piece string orchestra and Ian Tilley on piano. She started with two of her own compositions, a lively Irish jig titled 'Memories of Martin and Mary', followed by a slower piece, 'Far Away'. She finished her short set with a Russian dance tune, 'Dark Eyes'. Fiona was in her usual sparkling form, and it was a terrific start to the show that had the audience spellbound.

Next came mezzo-soprano Juliette Pochin. Her set included an aria from Carmen and her own vocal arrangement of 'Winter' from Vivaldi's 'Four Seasons'. She had a good voice, and won warm applause from the audience.

After a short interval, a trio called Tenors Unlimited sang two songs, but I didn't note the titles. They harmonised perfectly together and went down very well with the audience, especially the ladies! Then there was an auction which seemed to go on for ever. It raised a few thousand pounds, but I didn't join in the bidding! Tenors Unlimited then returned for another song, which restored the mood before the star of the show took the stage.

Hayley looked stunning in a glittering gold dress. She was accompanied by the string orchestra and Ian Tilley on piano. She opened with the vocalise version of 'Pokarekare Ana', then Fiona Pears joined her for a beautiful version of 'The Water Is Wide', which almost put the whole audience in a trance. Hayley then sang a more up-tempo song, 'The Mummers' Dance', which is featured on the Australian bonus CD edition of 'Pure'. It was the first time I had ever heard Hayley sing it live, and for me it was the real highlight of the whole concert. She then sang 'In Trutina' from 'Carmina Burana' before Tenors Unlimited joined Hayley to close the show with the Maori lullaby 'Hine e Hine'. It was a magnificent performance by Hayley which won her a standing ovation.

There was a reception for Hayley after the concert, but first she came out from the stage door to meet us all, and she stopped for about ten minutes. Lots of photographs were taken, and hopefully some of these will appear on the forum shortly.

Finally I must thank Hayley, Fiona and Ian for making it such a wonderful experience. It was definitely a night to remember!

It was my twelfth time to see and meet Hayley, and now I'm looking forward to seeing her again at Wisley Gardens tomorrow evening. Luckily I'm not superstitious! i.postimg.cc/9fYxy370/smilie-big-grin.gif

Best Wishes,

Richard

[Steve H]

Hi Everybody,

I will be posting some photo's of the Cadogan Hall event over the next few days, but to start you off and give you a taster here are some taken at the red carpet arrival, these were taken at 7.40PM, the event was due to start at 7.15PM so Dave, Stuart and myself were taking a chance by not taking our seats to get these photo's but I think you will agree they were worth the wait.

Fiona Pears



Tenors Unlimited Scott, Jem & Stuart but I am not sure which order!



Hayley



And my favorite of this set! Hayley's beautiful smile!



Steve H

[denis]

Dave and Richard,
You had a great night thanks for the reports and photos they are outstanding as usual, we are so spoilt.

Do have a great night tonight. We cannot wait until Saturday.

My guess for the mystery guest would be Elain Page.

Brid and Denis

[denis]

Hi George,

Congratulations and sorry for missing your post.

In my rush to read Richard's review of the concert I had scrolled past your correct guess
that the mystery guest was indeed Elaine Page.

Best wishes

Denis.

[Steve H]

Here we go again !!

I will keep it to three per post, to say that I am pleased with the results from this new digital camera would be an understatement.







More to come,

Steve H