Concert at the Barbican Hall Saturday 17 March 2007

[marilyn]

Hi Everyone

It was a perfect end to a perfect week, I had ridden in a carriage around Central Park NY, celebrated my 60th birthday and now I am sat in the Barbican Concert Hall just having witnessed Bryn giving one of the best performances of "Die Frist um' from Der fliegende Hollander. The audience were transfixed, I quickly looked around as it is not often you can see the faces of the audience so clearly. They all appeared to be stopped in time, no movement, hardly breathing. They were there with the Dutchman in his search. It was an amazing experience. We were all locked in the moment, as Bryn stood there on stage transporting us all and singing from the depths of his soul. The applause was immense, Bryn returned to the stage to take another bow. It surely must be the highlight of the evening. I wrote these words quickly during the next orchestral overture. I only wish I could really tell you how powerful it was. Bryn also sang Madamina from Don Giovanni and Mozart's concert aria "lo ti lascio, oh cara, addio and None but the lonely heart. Mezzo Soprano Sarah Connolly sang delightfully my favourite aria being "D'amour l'ardente flamme from La damnation de Faust. The BBC Symphony Orchestra was conducted by Jiri Belohlavek.

Marilyn

[Ter1301]

Thanks for that, Marilyn. I'm looking forward to hearing it on Radio 3 on Wednesday.

And belated Happy Birthday! Didn't realise you were 'bus pass age' Must be the good Welsh air that keeps you looking younger!

Irene

[rueroops]

Hi Marilyn
Yes, thanks indeed. It sounded an absolutely marvellous Concert and, as ever, I would love to have been able to be in the audience, but I almost feel transported there with your wonderful report! I am hoping to record at least some of it on Wednesday night as I shall be out. It will depend on if I can find a sufficiently long audio tape.

What a wonderful way to spend any birthday, never mind a 60th! All good wishes to you from Ivan and me!
Regards
Gillian