Friday, July 25, 2008 - Second Edition

by Sarah Budden

Today started as any other and turned into something extraordinary. While others took a leisurely (and well-deserved) rest in the morning, I awoke to a bright and beautiful sun near 7am. Everyone enjoyed the freshly baked bread at breakfast and met outside for our latest morning start yet at 10:30.

We all sat in the grass and sun, looking over the sparkle and easy tide rolling up the river, and serenaded all those with rooms at the back of the hotel with our songs of cod and Isle aux Morts. After an excellent speech by Mrs. Knight and the encouragement from Leslee, Alison and of course the Moms, the choir seemed to be set for their performance; it was exactly what we needed.

After a nutritious lunch of fruit, we grabbed our opera pyjamas and headed on the bus to the most extraordinary building we'd seen yet. Not only was the architecture itself beautiful, but the scenery was also breathtaking. The sunlight glistening over the canals surrounding the opera house is a sight that can only be understood by seeing it and feeling it for yourself.

All of us were anticipating the show and, ever more so, the stage. As we walked to our dressing rooms I ran into Don. When I asked "What's the stage like?", he responded by laughing and simply saying, "you are going to be amazed when you see it." In all honesty I can say I really didn't believe it until I saw it. Even then it seemed surreal. When we walked into the backstage area, which was gigantic, I looked up and saw the most complex lighting and sound system I had laid eyes on - a set up which took so much space it seemed as if there was no ceiling and only endless effects.

As the rest of the cast, apart from the principals, waited backstage, I was called to come onto the stage to get my microphone turned on. As I stepped onto the grid and looked up towards the downstage, my jaw dropped and my eyes widened in awe. Before me stretched the most spectacular and breathtaking stage and theatre. It was as if I was living in a dream. For a while I just stood there staring at what appeared to be the place I had worked to perform my entire life. Then, like a sudden downpour, the notes began to fall out of me and I couldn't help but sing whatever words my mouth could form. From the opera, to concert group, to the Water of Tyne, I sang until we had to start the sound check. Walking that stage was one of the most incredible experiences I'm sure I'll ever have.

Seeing as how we were only given an hour for all the technical aspects, much to the dismay of the crew, we quickly and efficiently ran through what we were told and shortly after, knowing all that was at stake and all that we possibly could, we took our places and awaited the beat of the bodhran. The lights dimmed, the curtain rose, and we were in 1828. The scene changes came and went but the intensity and focus of the performance remained high and climbing, seemingly captivating the audience just as it had the chorus. Before we knew it the days in Isle aux Morts had ended and we had readied our crew for...supper. Of course, this was preceded by a mass of hugs, applause and kind words from some very appreciate audience and cast/crew members.


Everyone joined in on some rounds (directed by none other than the infamous Thomas Parsley and some of our favourite repertoire on the ride back to the hotel where we tossed our bags in anticipation of food. So began the walk to the pizza and burger joint. After a somewhat long and circular walk (or should I say, search) we arrived at our destination and stuffed ourselves with unhealthy goodness until it was no longer possible to fit any more in our bodies. We pulled out a golden oldie - Tell my Ma - for the very nice staff and walked back to the bus station where we met a wonderfully kind bus driver. As the crowd of us piled into the metro bus he offered to let us all ride for free so long as he could hear us sing a song! Though I am sure we must have scared and bewildered the poor old lady who was with us on the bus, the driver was delighted and we strolled back to our rooms where we packed and crashed on our beds. Ending the night and our time in Kobenhavn on a happy, enjoyable and sleepy note. Ireland ho!