Blickling Hall Norfolk, 22 July: yet more Il Divo

[postscript]

Hi Drew.

A little late but welcome to the forum. Congratulations on a superb couple of introductory reports. Judging by your several concerts I trust you are going to be a regular poster here and I hope you enjoy being with us.

Your background scene setting detail on Blickling Hall was superb.

Peter

[Richard]

Hello Drew!

It sounds as though you met Olga (SCUD lover), because she is a New Zealander living in Norway who I know was going to the concerts at Blickling Hall and Kedleston Hall. She is a member of our forum, but she hasn't posted for a while, so I hope she won't mind if I quote her from Il Divo's forum.

Olga (SCUD lover) wrote:-

Anyway, the concert began at 7.30 with Hayley and she was really wonderful. I'm a bit biased being a NZ'er myself. Brought a tear to my kiwi eyes and made me a bit homesick when she began singing Pokarekare Ana. I have to say, the audience really showed their appreciation for her. She sang about 8 songs and ended with another NZ Maori song. There were a few who actually called for an encore and many gave her a standing ovation.

There's more from Il Divo's forum this morning.

Minniemoke wrote:-

Hayley was sensational as always - the perfect choice for this tour, I would certainly see her again.

Jasmine wrote:-

Time for Hayley who was as usual sensational and was all exited when she saw someone hold up the New Zealand flag.

Richard

[postscript]

graemek said:

drew said:

Hayley goes from strength to strength on the Summer Nights series.

Hayley appeared on stage for her sound check at 17:00 whilst the audience was restrained in the holding pens prior to the opening of the gates. She seemed to be having trouble getting things right and I was concerned that her voice might be suffering after so many concerts. But no, she was making sure that the sound system would work for the audience. She had been interested with my comments about the sound quality at Warwick when I spoke with her at Toast.

Thanks Drew...excellent stuff.

Hayley was putting her stamp on the sound settings!
Isn't she gorgeous?!
Graemek

Yes, that's a good point. Did she read our postings of previous concerts? I note Drew's comment that Al Gurr's piano was better harmonised which I had reported at Regent's Park had been over-amplified.

If so, its great that we really are a help to her to keep things on track.
Peter

[Richard]

Here's another report from Il Divo's forum.

Mandy wrote:-

I've heard the soundcheck of Hayley and heard familiar songs like Ave Maria and Hine E Hine, and she sung those songs, including Pokarekare Ana, Scarborough Fair (love that song), May It Be, Bridal Ballad and In Trutina, amaaaaaaazing! I shouted 'KIA ORA!' when she started with Pokarekare Ana (Maori Farewell) and the music stopped, she had by the way this time a pianist and a violist from Christchurch, they were lovely! She heard me screaming and she said Kia Ora back and explained it means Hello in Maori, me is proudy ^^. Her dress was sooo lovely, ah man! Why does she wear dresses so beautiful, aargh, I wanna have it! Maybe I should move to New Zealand, a long time wish, hehehe!

It was soooo amazing, my fourth time to see Hayley and Il Divo, and their were all very lovely.

Richard

[Andrew]

Hi Drew,

I really enjoyed reading your Concert Report- great work! I was particularly impressed by your practical gesture of support to Hayley - draping the NZ flag over the railings so that Hayley could see it! Good idea!

I'm nearly finished my Concert Report from Edinburgh Castle. I hope to post this up either tonight or tomorrow.

I look forward to reading many of your future posts!

Take Care

Regards,

Andrew

[Richard]

There's more on Il Divo's forum this morning.

Mistress T wrote:-

Hayley's voice was so strong for someone so tiny, the crowd welcomed her warmly which was nice to see.

Savanah wrote:-

When Hayley was about to start her 1st song, Mandy & I decided to scream “Kia ora” to her. She hesitated for a second, smiled and said “Kia ora means Welcome in Maori”.

Richard

[Richard]

Here's another brief mention of Hayley from Il Divo's forum.

Ophelia wrote:-

Soon the show was on its way....I really like Hayley singing live & everyone enjoyed her set.

Richard