Indulgent though it is, the birthday this year, having been hooked to the wagon of Kyle's 50th, just seems to go on and on...I do not yet have any photos from the Concert After Party, since I elected to have others take them, so that I could mingle with all the fabulous guests who made the occasion so special. What I can tell you is that it was one great party.
The Press House Wine Bar (obviously before we got there!)
Stephanie and her team at The Press House wine bar behind St Bride's were brilliant - professionally serving what she called 'mini mains' - rissotto, fish and chips, rataouille, sheperd's pie, mini-burgers - to the hungry concert goers and relaxing artists. The wines that Kyle and I had had such fun tasting and selecting were the subject of many compliments. In the relaxed ambience of the historic wine bar people could sit, stand, dance, relax - it was such a great combination. And then the cheese came out - oh, yes! And I haven't even mentioned Gloria yet - the DJ from Colombia in her rakish hat, keeping the party jumping. 'I Come From The Land Down Under"....
Kir Royale
These festivities were interrupted only briefly when I took the microphone and made my Birthday Speech. I can't give you the text, because it was extempore...but I do recall proposing a toast to the artists, with Kyle, in our traditional after-opera cocktail, the Kir Royale. Silliness is no reason not to preserve a good tradition.
The last revellers made their way home at about 1 am. Petra (visiting from Zurich) walked me all the way to my front door, carrying the enormous bunch of flowers which had been conferred upon me by the gorgeous Madame Thomas. The unaccustomed stilettos were killing me, but I slept the sleep of a contented Birthday Girl.
Madame Thomas serves the French toast
And the next day...ahhh! Madame Thomas cooked us brunch at Kyle and Andrew's house. Escargots! French toast! A big American platefull of sausage, bacon and scrambled eggs! Quenelles! Chocolate mousse! Champagne! A party of eight or ten lingering friends, artists, guests from out of town, and dogs, sat around the big hospitable table, and talked and talked about the wonderful evening just past. I learnt much from Simone, Tamara and Barton about how tough it is to make a living in classical music. But also how much they love what they do, and how passionately they want to excel at what they do, not only for their audiences but for their own creative satisfaction. The weather was rainy. The two big dogs, Kaiser and Greta, were well behaved.
Brunch!!
Barton and Tamara chill out...
Escargots. No, I didn't.
The happy throng at Sarastro
As the out-of-towners made their way to various airports, there was time for a last-night dinner with visiting Ottawans Ken and Paul, plus Catherine and David. Sarastro in Drury Lane was chosen and one of its tiny balcony tables reserved. They do a bit of rough and ready cabaret at Sarastro (which is, by the way, the name of a character from Mozart's opera 'The Magic Flute'), so our dinner was enlivened with some violins, and then a couple of opera singers being Mimi and Rudolfo amongst the waiters and diners...a fitting end to a crazy and splendid weekend.
You will be relieved to know that I spent Monday morning drawing up a study plan and catching up on my reading on Descartes. Yes, I did really.
I arrived at St Bride's laden with flowers. All the artists were there, looking superbly relaxed. It was, I guess a 'day at the office' for them. Some last minute rehearsal was under way. Andrew had just arrived and Tamara put him through his paces on a couple of songs. His special tenor voice rang out through the beautiful nave, Christopher Wren designed, ornate and lofty. I was surprised at the volume, and the lovely resonance of the accoustics. Then Simone rehearsed one of her pieces. It was the first time I had heard her soprano voice, and it sounded so lovely.
St Bride's, Ludgate Hill
Kyle was there, both of us dressed up for our Birthday Concert, so long in the planning. The verger was running about, very helpful, shooing away the odd member of the public who wandered in on this cold February evening. The Green Room (aka the church vestry) was hung with a major frock in dark red, scattered with dress shirts and sheet music, and littered with fruit, water, nuts and snacks. Oh, and a cello case. The cameraman arrived and set up his camera and audio recording equipment. Tamara, our Musical Director, shooed us ("The Producers") to the Green Room while the artists ran through the final 'surprise' number. We sat and went over our short speeches. *Excitement building*
Tamara Anna Cislowska
In the foyer, Stephanie from The Press House wine bar had the Veuve Cliquot on ice. Soon she and her helpers appeared with the foie gras and other delectable canapes; and before we knew it the first guests were arriving. Into host and hostess mode, Kyle greeting his friends and I greeting mine. Soon there was a convivial crowd, its conviviality ably assisted by the Veuve. Then the verger rang his big brass handbell, we herded everyone into their seats in the nave, each festooned with a program giving the artists' bios. We promised that the concert would be over by 8.30 pm - hey, it only ran half an hour over time. Kyle and I stood up and introduced ourselves, explained why we were all here, who the artists were, a little about St Brides...then took our seats expectantly. A hush fell...Tamara walked out, introduced herself and sat at the piano...Peter followed with his cello...and this is what we heard:
Bach Suite No. 1: Prelude Peter Hoerr, Cello Solo
A 'Prelude' to our concert, the solo cello soaring through the nave...
Mozart Dies Bildnes Andrew Goodwin (Tenor), Tamara
Andrew' special voice singing Tamino's aria from 'The Magic Flute'. I have heard him sing this (in full sumptuous costume) in the opera in performance three or four times in Sydney and Melbourne. Tamino has been given Pamina's picture and falls in love with her...in three mintues....
A beautiful Brahm's song about the peace of nature and the storm of internal passions, with the music changing from a wondrous lilt to a stormy and energetic climax...
Brahms Dein blaues Auge Peter (Cello), Tamara
Because Peter adores Brahms...and shows it in his playing....
Peter Hoerr
Grainger/Strauss Ramble on Der Rosenkavalier Tamara (Piano solo)
One of Australian composer Percy Grainger's marvellous "rambles", this one on the love duet from Richard Struass's 'Der Rosenkavalier', possibly the number one favourite opera of both Kyle and I...
Tchaikowsky Lensky's Aria from Eugene OneginAndrew (Tenor), Tamara
I have heard Andy sing this Russian aria in full production with the Bolshoi at La Scala, Milan, and in Madrid, and he can make me cry. Lensky has been rejected by Olga, has challenged Eugene Onegin to a duel, and is facing his likely death...for love...*wipes eyes*
Andy singing the Lensky aria in a full production with the Bolshoi.
Faure En Priere Simone (Soprano), Tamara
A lovely 'prayer' sung in Frenchby Simone's beautiful soprano voice...
Chopin Nocturne Op.9/No. 1 Tamara (Piano solo)
A special request from me...I played this Nocturne myself many, many years ago and have always loved it. This morning, post-concert, standing in the shower, I burst into tears remembering Tamara's completely inspired rendition. I thought of my old music teacher Margaret Woolf, struggling to help me learn it; and my Great-Aunt Leila whose copy of the music I inherited. And of Tamara's unique and extraordinary genius in interpreting Chopin's music...
Messiaen Praise to the Eternity of Jesus Peter (Cello), Tamara
Moving to contemporary composers, we heard eight minutes of a remarkable, other-worldly sound which had me for one riveted and transported. Messiaen wrote this while imprisoned in a POW camp in WWII...
An unidentified player, but this will give you a taste of the Messiaen.
Edwards The Lost Man Simone (Soprano), Tamara, Daniel Jones (percussion)
This was only the third performance ever of this amazing song,composed by Australian contemporary composer Ross Edwards: its premiere as part of a larger work; a performance by Simone and Tamara at the Canberra International Music Festival last year; and tonight. It is about a man lost in a rain forest, and about having to go through the dark forest to attain the light...it is instantly Australian, evoking space and heat...I was transfixed...and then the wood-block echoed from the minstrel's gallery high up in the nave....*skin tingles*
Staggs Postcard[Premiere] Daniel Jones (Vibraphone), Peter (Cello), Tamara (Piano)
Daniel Jones
And then to the composition created especially for this evening by Australian composer (and wonderful friend) Barton Staggs. Extraordinary sounds coaxed from the cello and the vibraphone (very unusually played with two bows - virtuoso work by Daniel), with the piano sitting underneath, moving through unresolved chords...words cannot adequately describe the other-worldly sounds, the musing, nostalgic mood evoked, the leaning forward into the space that the music was taking you...I told you words were inadequate!
Rachmaninov Spring Waters Andrew (Tenor), Tamara
Then, as Tamara put it, back to some dead composers! Rachmaninov giving equal time to voice and piano...
Rachmaninov Vocalise Peter (Cello), Tamara
Peter's cello did indeed 'vocalise' a beautiful melody line...
Copland At the River Simone (Soprano), Tamara
Because Kyle "is Australian but was born in the USA" (quoting Tamara again), now to some American composers. This lovely song was familiar to all, but had probably never been heard so beautifully evoked by a soprano voice....
Simone singing Copland
Bernstein One Hand, One Heart Simone (Soprano), Andrew (Tenor), Tamara
The only duet on the program, a love song from Westside Story. The audience going into a new place with the singers as they moved from recital mode, into character and into and embrace....*ahhhh!*
Hanley Indiana Andrew (Tenor), Tamara
Why this song? Because Kyle is a "hoosier" from Indiana -- and because the song is beautiful, especially given the Andy treatment. There was hardly a dry eye. I almost cried myself, and I'm certainly not from Indiana...
And this one made everyone cry: there were quite a number of Australians present. But you didn't need to be Australian to get a lump in the throat as Simone sang all the verses of this moving song, going into a hum as "his ghost may be heard'...
To riotous applause and cheers, the program regretfully ended (well, we all regretted its ending, though we were half an hour over time and the verger was getting tetchy...don't worry, he got over it). Our marvellous artists came out and took their bows, Simone elegant in her gorgeous red frock, Tamara in a divine long, claret-red velvet coat, the men handsome in their suits. Bouquets of flowers for the ladies, books as gifts all round, calls for an encore (resolutely ignoring the verger's pointed thumping in the vestibule).
Encore:
Wagner/Liszt/Howard Abendstern Peter (Cello), Tamara
This is the baritone aria known as 'The Evening Star', from Wagner's opera 'Tannahuser', arranged for cello and piano originally by the great virtuoso pianist Liszt, and later by Howard. It is one of those melodies that everyone 'sort of knows', even if they don't know where it is from. It was an exquisite and appropriate finale to a remarkable program.
And here I pause, as the guests gather their coats, the vibraphone is ensconced in the vestry for pick up later on, thoughts are turning to the loos and some food, and the delightful sancerre that Stephanie is even now setting out in The Press House. The party went on, folks, but that report will have to wait for another day. I must end with heartfelt thanks to the extraordinary artists who brought us this concert which Kyle and I will NEVER forget. Peter Hoerr , one of (if not the) best cellist playing in Europe today. Simone Riksman, an extraordinary young soprano who can melt your heart. Andrew Goodwin, a young Australian tenor I have sponsored for several years, with a wonderful quality in his voice. Daniel Jones, a young British percussionist with skill and dexterity to amaze.
Barton Staggs
And many, many thanks to composer extraordinare, Barton Staggs, whose piece 'Postcard' was utterly moving and unforgettable. I cannot do better than to pause here to quote a little Schopenhauer (indulge me):
The inexpressible depth of all music, by virtue of which it floats past us as a paradise quite familiar and yet eternally remote, and is so easy to understand and yet so inexplicable, is due to the fact that it reproduces all the emotions of our innermost being, but entirely without reality and remote from its pain.
And now it is time to honour the STAR of this show: the title 'Musical Director' is too mundane to describe what Tamara Anna Cislowska put in to this concert: the creative skill with which the program was selected, matched to the artists, rehearsed, interpreted -- and accompanying everyone throughout a marathon evening -- pausing only to deliver two astonishing solos herself! I cannot thank you enough, Tamara, I am overwhelmed with delight, and will never forget the Birthday Concert. xxx
Tell you what - how about we do it all again sometime?
Tamara Ann Cislowska
Tamara Anna Cislowska is the most acclaimed and awarded Australian pianist of her gene-ration. She has performed as soloist with the London Phil and Romanian Phil O., the NHK and New Zealand Symphony O. and the six major Australian orchestras. As a guest performer and chamber musician she has appeared at the Barossa and Huntington Festivals, the Mostly Mozart Series and Sydney Spring International Festival of New Music, and festivals in Germany, Italy and the U.K. As a recitalist she has performed at the Purcell Room in London and at the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam. In the USA she has appeared at the Frick Collection, in Chicago and Los Angeles. In addition, she has toured Japan, performed in Poland, Italy and Greece.
Tamara began her career early, gave her first public performance at two, playing Bartok, and recorded several pieces for ABC Radio at three. She began studies at the Sydney Conservatory at 6, and 2 years later gave her first performance with an orchestra. At 14, she was the youngest pianist ever to win Australia's most prestigious classical music award, the ABC 'Young Perfomers' Award'. Soon after, she was named Sydney's Finest Performer, resulting in a tour of Japan and the United States as a cultural ambassador. She has been a major prizewinner at international competitions, including the Maria Calls, National World Power and Rovere d'Oro. In 2003 she was awarded the Music Council of Australia/Freedman Foundation Fellowship in Classical Music. In addition, she has been nominated for 3 ARIAs (Australian Recording Industry Award) for Best Classical Release. Her wide repertoire includes 40 piano concertos and she has given 15 world premieres of new works. In 2003, her performance of Rachmaninov's 2nd Piano Concerto was named as one of the year's ten best performances in Australia.
She has performed regularly with the Mozart Piano Quartet and has recorded the Brahms and Mozart quartets for Arte Nova, the Dvorak piano quartets for MDG and the complete chamber music of Gustav Jenner for German Radio.
Tamara has also recorded 5 solo albums for Artworks - including Liszt, Scriabin, Tchaikovsky, Grieg, Hovhannes, Berio and Grainger. In addition, she has joined the Sydney Symphony, New Zealand Symphony and the London Philharmonic on recordings for ABC Classics, Chandos and Naxos.
A Big Top has sprung up near Russell Square. There are animals inside - party animals. The three-peaked circus tent is a Christmas venue hosting Snow Balls and Diamond Dances, Glamour & Glitz Galas, for the Christmas Season party-goers. This week it was the turn of CPA Global, and I was kindly invited along to share in the festivities. As you will see from these photos, the guys and gals of CPA Global know how to dress up.
Bloomsbury's Big Top
Brigitta and I, dressed to the nines ourselves, tottered out into Euston Road to hail a cab. Sadly for us, we met several examples who give London cab drivers a bad name, as they refused to take us on what was admittedly a short fare, despite being promised ten quid. One even turned off his light, looked me in the eye, and said 'I'm off duty'. Just as we were resigned to walking, high heels and all, we found an exceptionally friendly and helpful cab driver, thus showing that, thankfullly, there are all kinds...
Making an entrance
Salsa in a yellow dress
Arrival at the big top entailed sashaying into a blue-lit entry way through fire-twirlers and fairy lights, to the trays of champagne and the beautifully evening-gowned and black-tied ladies and gentlemen, transformed from their hard-working office selves into the CPA Global Party Animals. Brigitta (aka the Big Boss) was required to make The Speech, after which she relaxed visibly, and so did everyone else. We were efficiently served a tasty dinner, while being entertained by a pair of talented dancers (waltz, cha-cha and salsa, by my reckoning) - reminding me of how much I miss my old dancing days back at Firefly Dance Club in Sydney. In fact, the dancers in the big top waltzed to the beautiful Norah Jones song 'Come Away With Me', to which I used to dance (though admittedly not as well) with my teachers, Rohan & Quintin (hi guys!) Ah, the old days!
Highlight of the evening for me? Meeting lots of fun new friends. Merry Christmas, CPA Global!!
And just in case you thought I was kidding about that waltzing claim....:-)
Tonight the St Pancras flat was officially warmed! Sustained by some Italiano food platters from Carluccio's downstairs, and lubricated by plenty of prosecco, the Good Ship St Pancras was launched by a crowd of about ten good friends. Thanks to the attendees - your good wishes for the flat will forever permeate its beams and encourage its ambience!
St Pan's shows off its beams
Train shed view through the window
Good friends 'warm the house'
Carluccio's did well!
Tomorrow morning at sparrow's twit Evan and I are off on an adventure to sunny Spain - first Barcelona to run to earth the Barcelona Pavilion, in Evan's words "perhaps the most important modern building ever". Possibly Gaudi will get a look-in. And then to Bilbao, home of Frank Gehry's Guggenheim Museum, and, not incidentally, some Basque friends.
Over the last of the prosecco I made the decision to leave the laptop at home for this trip, so blog posts will be suspended until early next week. However, you can expect some interesting photos when we return, I am sure.
Possibly more should be added about the party last night...it was an excellent party, so consequently I wasn't in a very good state to produce a detailed blog update. But I do have some (not very good) photos which I will now add.
The crowd gathers around Kyle's lovely kitchen bench
'Australians love Abba' - Kyle
To celebrate Rachel's birthday, Kyle had ordered a birthday cake with a message in icing:
'Only 17..Dancing Queen..'
We presented the cake with the candles and sparklers blazing, lights dimmed and Abba's 'Dancing Queen' blaring. I am not sure if Rachel was pleased,but everyone else thought it was luverly. Even Kaiser.
Today was spent exploring the possibilities of the big department stores along Oxford Street: Debenhams, John Lewis, Selfridges, Marks & Spencer. Verdict? Patchy. More interesting small stores hidden in the side streets. Nevertheless, this investigative foray gave me some insight into what/where/how much is involved in the prospective furnishing of my flat -- once it materialises.
Apartment update: I came within a hair's breadth of signing a lease today, but still the contract wasn't right. Blame it on the lawyer in me, but the terms weren't what they could be (and some sloppy drafting, but that is the lawyer in me). I sent it back one more time. But I did have another viewing of the top floor flat in St Pancras, and was reminded of why I want to live there: I made arrangements for the delivery of furniture next Wednesday. Hopefully all will be signed off by then. Of the two bedrooms, I decided that I'd like to sleep in the one which has double-storey-high ceilings and a glimpse of the sky over the roof of St Pancras.
Andy at work on the pizza dough
This evening was very enjoyable - 'Pizza Night' at Genevieve and Andy's (friends of Kyle's - and now friends of mine) who live in Clapham in an English terrace house they have renovated beautifully.
They are, is seems, 'foodies' and the 'made from scratch' pizzas were to die for. Go, Andy!
Tomorrow I am off to Madrid - fantastico! And....by the way....the el Bulli booking materialized! The news came through this morning. Sunday 3rd October. Now to work out the logistics -which will be worked out, that's certain. The Guardian had an item about el Bulli this morning:http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2010/sep/09/ferran-adria-recipes-internet
