After being struck down with an autumn bout of Tonsillitis (Which, regrettably, resulted in my withdrawing from the Cheltenham Festival amongst other things) I managed to stagger to The Lion and Unicorn bookshop in Richmond, a jewel of a shop, filled with friendly staff and a huge selection of books. It was also filled with celebrities (get your brush and dustpan ready – name dropping alert!). Alex Scheffler was browing the shelves with his children at one end of the shop. At the other end I spotted someone who – as I told her when she came to look at my books – bore an uncanny resemblance to Helen Baxendale (of Cold feet/Friends/Cordelia Grey fame). She smiled and complimented me on my perceptiveness, for it was indeed one and the same. I also met her daughter Nelly Marmalade, and her son Eric, and chatted about how I begin the books while showing a (not very good!) sketchbook. Modest, friendly, witty and kind, Helen Baxendale is a thoroughly lovely person. We swapped autographs!
Now with just over two weeks before the BIG CONCERT, rehearsals have begun in earnest. There was a slight pullaver when the final scene of the Swan Lake suite couldn’t be found. Because Swan Lake wasn’t a great success at it’s premiere 140 years ago, many different publishers and arrangers compiled suites and these vary enormously.
Happily, conductor Robin Browning agreed that the music of the finale was glorious and that we had to have it. Frankie, the brilliant music librarian for the de Havilland Philharmonic got on the case… and it’s almost resolved (a flute part or two aside). I’m sure all will be well, although I feel a bit sorry for the orchestra as it’s a tough piece to play. But necessary in terms of the story and so very VERY beautiful. Oh it’s going to be a fabulous experience!
I’m so excited now about the concert… more excited than nervous. I’m practising like mad, and I may post some sketches soon, to whet the appetite.
Ticket sales are healthy, the first concert is approaching a capacity audience; the second it almost halfway full.
I took some pictures of instruments after the rehearsal last night. They are such beautiful objects… and a bit of the score for Sleeping Beauty. Musical notes are like magic waiting to happen!
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