Anticipation

I actually do try to blog about more than one subject though it seems lately I haven't been doing a very good job. My life really is more balanced than the latest string of posts might lead you to believe! Rugby season is just about over so half the purpose has gone out of life. Fortunately there is other stuff to keep me pumped. And tonight was one of those things, and I wanted to share. I hope this doesn't come across the wrong way. It's just that I get to do this really super uber-cool thing that thrills me right down to my socks, something I never thought I'd have the chance to do, and I'm really excited about it.

This weekend I will be singing with the symphony here in town. That over there to the right is where I'll be doing it. Yeah, up on that stage, that's the actual place. Pretty amazing, eh? We're doing the Brahms German Requiem, one of the choral masterpieces of the 19th century and, some say, a devilishly difficult work. It's seven movements and takes about an hour and 15 minutes to perform. Personally I thought the Berlioz Requiem was harder, we did that two years ago, it's 11 movements & takes an hour & a half.

I was brand-new in the symphony chorus then, but two years later the thrill has yet to wear off. Being up on a stage like that, performing with a world-class professional orchestra, is a dream come true, something I never thought I'd have the chance for. Just the rehearsal is a thrill. Actual concerts approach sensory overload. Damn, I'm lucky. This is why I am not tempted in the slightest by drugs or alcohol--no chemical could match the high of being on that stage. I am giddy with anticipation for this weekend.

If I can figure out how to post a clip of this glorious piece we're doing, I will. Just in case anybody's interested in actually hearing it.

And you know what? I noticed something else tonight. Even my singing has improved since coming out. It's clearer, more disciplined yet freer and more enthusiastic too. It's like I'm singing with everything inside of me now, from toetips to the top of my head. It wasn't like that before. It's like Billy Elliott said dancing makes him feel: "Just flyin'. Like there's a fire in me body." Yeah. What he said.

No funny stories, deep analysis or debate this time, folks. Just a little snapshot of this fantastic thing I get to do and I wanted to share it with you. Wish you could all be there this weekend. Thanks for reading and wish me luck!