buildings and bridges

Happy Wednesday everybody! Hope you weren't too distraught that the blog is late this week. :-) Today I had a rather different day of recording -- there was no singing involved! Since this is a comic opera that we're doing, there's dialogue! IN FRENCH! So that's what we focused on today, and I must say, we had a lot of fun! Our French diction coach seemed very pleased with us as well, so that's a good sign. Chad took his last exam today, and is nearing the end of his duties for finals, although he still has two papers to turn in. One is basically done though! Tomorrow he has to move out of our apartment in Iowa City, assisted by his parents, who are incredibly kind to help!! I feel more than a little badly that I'm not around to share the load. Someday I'll make it up to them… 

As I mentioned, I'm having a great time in London. The recording is going very well, and I've really enjoyed getting to meet the rest of the people involved, as well as reconnecting with some old friends who are in London! I took advantage of the lovely weather on Sunday and went for a jog/walk along the River Thames. I had to dodge a lot of people, but the crowds gave me an excuse to stop and take pictures!

The beautiful Tower Bridge. You'd think London Bridge would be as beautiful, since there's a song about it, but you'd be wrong! The original London Bridge was much fancier compared to the modern one…

A view of part of the Tower of London (which is a fortress) and some modern architecture as well. It's so interesting to see buildings that are many hundreds of years old next to ultra modern buildings.

This is Henry Wood Hall, where we've been recording the music for the opera. It used to be a church, but now it's solely used for music rehearsals and recordings!

Below the main floor of the hall. There's a cantina to buy food and drinks during recording sessions. I love how it looks like an old library study area!

The actual hall. The orchestra we're recording with is the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment. If you go to their website, you can find pictures of our rehearsals last week, and also a short interview with me! I sang with the orchestra while I was at Glyndebourne and I'm thrilled to sing with them again! They're truly fantastic!

We recorded the dialogue in a different location -- St. Jude on the Hill, which is still a church, but has a rich history of concerts and recordings taking place there as well. And it made an appearance in a Harry Potter movie. How cool are these places?!? I feel so lucky to be here!

Well, we're back to recording the actual singing parts tomorrow, so I'd better get to bed! By this time next week, Chad and I will be together in Frankfurt again, and I can't wait! Have a wonderful week!