Sometimes, it can seem like Friday is one day too far in the school week; after 4 long days it can take strong motivation (and even stronger coffee) to get going for that 5th day. However, on Friday 8th December, I was not going to school; instead I was finishing packing and getting ready for the 4 hour drive to London. This wasn’t simply a day off however, as I had been invited to perform at the Royal Albert Hall, and an intensive weekend of rehearsals and concerts lay ahead. I was going to come in for the morning, but was sent away by Miss Wilby. I had previously sung at the hall at Easter for the National Youth Choir’s 40th Anniversary concert, one of over 300 singers. This time, there would be around 40 of us, singing alongside a full orchestra, in front of paying 5000 spectators, in a Christmas event bringing seasonal classical music to adults and children alike. Elf hats and Christmas jumpers were mandatory!
The first rehearsal was scheduled in Westminster at 5pm, but first we had to get there. I’m lucky that I have family on the edge of London: but after 4 hours driving to get there, it was straight on the underground to west London for the first rehearsal. It was rather tiring after an already long day, but my excitement for the upcoming performance helped keep me going. After over 4 hours of hard work, things were already beginning to sound good but there was more to come the following morning when we would rehearse again, this time on the other side of the capital, in the city of London. The flaw in my plan (ok, my dad’s plan, as it’s his parents who live there) was that London is so big it can take hours to travel around. A late night was guaranteed by the time we got back to my grandparents, and an early start essential to get to the next rehearsal. So when I emerged from the underground into the perpetual London drizzle, I carried a large coffee in preparation for the next session of hard work at the new location. This time, we had the entire orchestra with us, and by the end of the session, it was sounding phenomenal. As the orchestra carried away their instruments and the sun appeared amidst the skyscrapers it was time to find a very late lunch and spend some time sightseeing as we had the rest of the afternoon off.
The following morning it was grey, early and cold as I walked up the slight gradient from South Kensington towards the imposing shape of the Royal Albert Hall. Built at the suggestion of Prince Albert, the Royal Albert Hall did not open until 1871, 10 years after his death and it therefore became part of his memorial. It is the home of the BBC proms and has hosted performances from top orchestras, singers and speakers for 150 years: everything from Einstein to Wagner (conducted by Wagner himself). And today it was my turn. Again.
I waved off my parents in the direction of Hyde Park and it was time for sound checks and dress rehearsal before the first of our two concerts. While it was easier to avoid getting lost than last time thanks to the many signs that were left for us, the inside of the Royal Albert Hall remains a confusing labyrinth to many – I suppose that’s one way of stopping thieves!
At the end of the day, tired but exhilarated, it was done. Two packed out concerts, put together in 2 days with a repertoire ranging from Bohemian Rhapsody to Jingle Bells. The concerts themselves were fantastic; the music sounded awesome and the indoor fireworks made sure everything went with a bang! As we walked back out into the rain, it was time to get back to Harrogate, and back to school the very next morning. I think more coffee will be needed.