Went to the 11a.m. Choral Eucharist at SAINT THOMAS CHURCH FIFTH AVENUE http://www.saintthomaschurch.org/ Except for its length, Saint Thomas is of cathedral proportions, with the nave vault rising 95 feet above the floor. The church is built completely of stone, according to medieval construction principles, using load-bearing rib vaulting without the space-spanning benefits of steel. The size, spacing, and number of columns and arches are precisely what is necessary to support the structure - and give it the unique acoustical properties associated with churches built of the same materials and in the same way during the Middle Ages. Because much of the music presented in concert at Saint Thomas was composed for use in these churches - not in the concert hall - Saint Thomas Church provides an authentic space in which this music can be heard today. Add to the sound the sight of a magnificent Gothic interior and you have an experience that is hard to surpass in New York.
John Scott, Organist and Director of Music since 2004, is one of the world’s leading organists and choir trainers. After his initial musical training as a Cathedral chorister in Wakefield, Yorkshire, Mr. Scott immersed himself in organ and choral music, becoming Organ Scholar of St. John’s College, Cambridge. While still a student, he made his Royal Albert Hall debut as the youngest organ soloist to appear in the Proms.Upon leaving Cambridge, Mr. Scott was jointly appointed Assistant Organist at London’s two Anglican Cathedrals, St. Paul’s and Southwark. He subsequently became Sub-Organist of St. Paul’s, and served as Director of Music there for fourteen years before joining Saint Thomas Church as Director of Music. In 1998, he was nominated International Performer of the Year by the New York Chapter of the American Guild of Organists, and is a frequent jury member of the world’s most prestigious organ competitions. Before embarking for his new post in New York, he was awarded the title Lieutenant of the Royal Victorian Order (LVO), a personal honor from Queen Elizabeth II.
David and I had met and sang under the direction of John Scott in Brisbane at a Royal School of Church Music Summer School , during the time he was at St Paul's. We were particularly excited to hear Frank Martin's acapella mass for double choir within the context of a service.
'One of the greatest a cappella works written this century'; so writes Gramophone's Marc Rochester in the sleeve note to this recording, and this is no exaggeration. Written in 1922, with a devastatingly effective Agnus Dei being added in 1926, Frank Martin's Mass for double choir is a truly wonderful work, combining intensely personal moments of religious contemplation with outbursts of overwhelming glory.
David had sung and and been in a recording of this with Canticum Chamber Choir Brisbane, Australia conducted by Music Director, Emily Cox. http://www.canticum.asn.au/ so we were familiar with the work . The Saint Thomas Choir of 12 men and about 30 boy choristers (who attend Saint Thomas Choir School, the only church-affiliated residential choir school in the United States, and one of only four such schools remaining in the world) is considered by critics to be the leading ensemble in the Anglican choral tradition in the United States, and among the finest in the world.. They certainly lived up to their reputation in this service .
We had to rush off after the service to have lunch back at the apartment and head off on a journey to the Cathedral of the Incarnation, Garden City, New York which involved taking the Long Island Rail Road "Hempstead Line" from Penn Station in Manhattan on 34th ST to the Garden City Station- a journey of about an hour and a half all up.
We were going to the Lessons & Carols for Christmas Service at 4p.m. as the former organ scholar at St Paul's Burwood and Christ Church St Laurence here in Sydney , Alistair 'Nipper' Nelson is the Associate Organist/Choirmaster .
Mr. Larry M. Tremsky, Canon Musician ,has been the Organist and Master of the Choirs at the Cathedral of the Incarnation in Garden City since July of 2000.
http://www.incarnationgc.org/cathedral_worship.html
Music has been an important part in the life of the Cathedral since its founding. They offer a thriving and varied choral program, a concert series, and the largest pipe organ on Long Island. http://www.incarnationgc.org/cathedral_worship.html
The Choir of Men & Boys, one of the few remaining in the United States and Canada, normally sings at the 11:15 Choral Eucharist, and was founded in 1883. The Cathedral Girls' Choir, made up of 26 girls, was founded in 1933 to offer girls the same opportunities for musical training and ministry as the boys have . The girls normally sing at the 9:30 Family Eucharist. The Schola Cantorum was established in 1998 to expand the repertoire available for the Girls’Choir to sing, and to give adult women an opportunity to participate regularly in the music ministry of the Cathedral. The Schola frequently joins with the girls for the 9:30 am service, and joins with the full choir for major events, such as this.
The service was wonderful, the choir magnificent and "Nipper" did us proud .(especially in his playing of Reger as the postlude)
The music included the following
Once in Royal David’s City
Philip Ledger -Sussex Carol
Frank Boles – Adam lay ybounden
Hymn – Lo, how a Rose e’er blooming
Robert Pearsall – In dulci jubilo
John Rutter – There is a flower
Hymn – O little town of Bethlehem
John Joubert – When Christ was born of Mary free
Sergei Rachmaninoff - Бoropoлицe Дeвo (Bogododitse Devo)
Max Reger – The slumber song of the Virgin
Peter Warlock – Bethlehem down
Hymn – A stable lamp is lighted
John Tavener – Today the Virgin
Hymn – Hark! The herald angels sing
Following the service we went to a reception in the undercroft and enjoyed the hospitality of the parishioners -good food and would you believe, Aussie wine !
Then we went out for a meal to a nearby Italian restaurant with Nipper and Larry and had a lovely time.
Nipper came back into Manhattan with us on the train to look at the Christmas lights in Times Square and the 'red stairs ' http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/17/nyregion/17tkts.html
By the time we got back to the apartment it was after 11p.m. but it had been a great day.
Monday, January 5, 2009
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Saturday, 13th December
The day dawned sunny and clear and after breakfast we headed off towards the Upper West, our first stop being Carnegie Hall. We booked on a tour of this performance venue created by Andrew Carnegie , who also was a benefactor of libraries, amongst other things. The hour long tour was facinating and very worthwhile in helping to consolidate my thoughts on libraries and music .
http://www.carnegiehall.org/article/the_basics/art_overview.html
For music lovers worldwide, Carnegie Hall is the ultimate musical destination, an international byword for excellence, and an institution whose rich history chronicles the defining moments of so many of the world’s most admired and beloved artists. The largest hall at Carnegie Hall has been the premier classical music performance space in the United States since its opening in 1891, showcasing the world's greatest soloists, conductors, and ensembles.
The largest hall at Carnegie Hall has been the premier classical music performance space in the United States since its opening in 1891, showcasing the world's greatest soloists, conductors, and ensembles.
We then headed off to Central Park via the Columbus Circle Christmas shopping fair which features 100+ vendors and a wide selection of unique and handmade gifts .The Holiday Market at Columbus Circle is designed in the tradition of the Northern European holiday market, familiar in cities from Copenhagen to Munich.
Then it was off into the park and lots of people were out walking or riding in the cold but beautiful weather. We went past Strawberry fields and the Dakota bulding and then worked our way into 82nd Stree where our original choice of apartment had been. However, we were pleased that we had decided to stay nearer Times Square and the 'action' as it was a nice, but quietish neighbourhood.
We had a late lunch at the famous Barney Greengrass Deli on 541 Amsterdam Avenue at 86th Street http://www.barneygreengrass.com/restMenu.php , walked a bit more in Central Park and then met a colleague of David's from Brisbane Boys College, Don and his wife Elizabeth and their son, who were also holidaying in NY. Had a two hour coffee break in a typical New York Diner near 95th ST. and then headed back down to our apartment. Of course it was dark and the lights were lovely- we went past people singing Carols outside shops and NY was buzzing. We were tired so got takeaway from a nearby supermarket and came back to the apartment to prepare for a day of church music on Sunday.
http://www.carnegiehall.org/article/the_basics/art_overview.html
For music lovers worldwide, Carnegie Hall is the ultimate musical destination, an international byword for excellence, and an institution whose rich history chronicles the defining moments of so many of the world’s most admired and beloved artists. The largest hall at Carnegie Hall has been the premier classical music performance space in the United States since its opening in 1891, showcasing the world's greatest soloists, conductors, and ensembles.
The largest hall at Carnegie Hall has been the premier classical music performance space in the United States since its opening in 1891, showcasing the world's greatest soloists, conductors, and ensembles.
We then headed off to Central Park via the Columbus Circle Christmas shopping fair which features 100+ vendors and a wide selection of unique and handmade gifts .The Holiday Market at Columbus Circle is designed in the tradition of the Northern European holiday market, familiar in cities from Copenhagen to Munich.
Then it was off into the park and lots of people were out walking or riding in the cold but beautiful weather. We went past Strawberry fields and the Dakota bulding and then worked our way into 82nd Stree where our original choice of apartment had been. However, we were pleased that we had decided to stay nearer Times Square and the 'action' as it was a nice, but quietish neighbourhood.
We had a late lunch at the famous Barney Greengrass Deli on 541 Amsterdam Avenue at 86th Street http://www.barneygreengrass.com/restMenu.php , walked a bit more in Central Park and then met a colleague of David's from Brisbane Boys College, Don and his wife Elizabeth and their son, who were also holidaying in NY. Had a two hour coffee break in a typical New York Diner near 95th ST. and then headed back down to our apartment. Of course it was dark and the lights were lovely- we went past people singing Carols outside shops and NY was buzzing. We were tired so got takeaway from a nearby supermarket and came back to the apartment to prepare for a day of church music on Sunday.
Friday, 12th December.
Luckily, I had packed my business clothes in my hand luggage ,as I had an apointment at the New York Library for the Performing Arts that afternoon at 2p.m.
After breakfast, to my delight, my suitcase had turned up, so after ringing the apartment agency through which we had booked our accommodation we headed into the city . We caught the shuttle back to Federal and then the air train to Jamaica and changed to a metro to get us to 50th St. I won't comment on the difficulties with luggage, but believe me, it was not easy.
But, we made it to our apartment on the cnr of W52nd and 8th Ave, and the apartment lady was waiting. It was a great location and a very nice studio apartment so we dumped our bags and rushed a few blocks up t the Lincoln Centre for my appointment. David decided to come with me, to see what it was all about. 9and as a musician and a music teacher , he was literally 'blown away' by it all)
The Deputy Director of the Library Service, Kevin Winkler, met us and after an introductory tour, left us to be with various head of dept and see how the place functioned. It was wonderful and is the world's most extensive combination of circulating, reference, and rare archival collections in its field, covering music, dance, theatre, recorded sound, and other performing arts.
http://www.nypl.org/research/lpa/lpa.html
These materials are available free of charge, along with a wide range of special programs, including exhibitions, seminars, and performances. An essential resource for everyone with an interest in the arts--whether professional or amateur--the Library is known particularly for its prodigious collections of non-book materials such as historic recordings, videotapes, autograph manuscripts, correspondence, sheet music, stage designs, press clippings, programs, posters and photographs.
It is a branch of The New York Public Library which comprises simultaneously a set of scholarly research collections and a network of community libraries, and its intellectual and cultural range is both global and local, while singularly attuned to New York City. That combination lends to the Library an extraordinary richness. It is special also in being historically a privately managed, nonprofit corporation with a public mission, operating with both private and public financing in a century-old, still evolving private-public partnership. The research collections (for reference only, and organized as The Research Libraries, with four major centers) resemble the holdings of the great national and university libraries, and the community circulating libraries (organized as The Branch Libraries) resemble classic American municipal libraries.
I will be explaining in more detail, in my report the vast amount of things we saw in the three fascinating hours we spent there , but many thanks go to Kevin and his wonderfully dedicated staff for the time they spent with us.
By this time we were absolutely exhausted and went to dinner at a Diner across the road from our apartment , which was not particularly exciting.
After breakfast, to my delight, my suitcase had turned up, so after ringing the apartment agency through which we had booked our accommodation we headed into the city . We caught the shuttle back to Federal and then the air train to Jamaica and changed to a metro to get us to 50th St. I won't comment on the difficulties with luggage, but believe me, it was not easy.
But, we made it to our apartment on the cnr of W52nd and 8th Ave, and the apartment lady was waiting. It was a great location and a very nice studio apartment so we dumped our bags and rushed a few blocks up t the Lincoln Centre for my appointment. David decided to come with me, to see what it was all about. 9and as a musician and a music teacher , he was literally 'blown away' by it all)
The Deputy Director of the Library Service, Kevin Winkler, met us and after an introductory tour, left us to be with various head of dept and see how the place functioned. It was wonderful and is the world's most extensive combination of circulating, reference, and rare archival collections in its field, covering music, dance, theatre, recorded sound, and other performing arts.
http://www.nypl.org/research/lpa/lpa.html
These materials are available free of charge, along with a wide range of special programs, including exhibitions, seminars, and performances. An essential resource for everyone with an interest in the arts--whether professional or amateur--the Library is known particularly for its prodigious collections of non-book materials such as historic recordings, videotapes, autograph manuscripts, correspondence, sheet music, stage designs, press clippings, programs, posters and photographs.
It is a branch of The New York Public Library which comprises simultaneously a set of scholarly research collections and a network of community libraries, and its intellectual and cultural range is both global and local, while singularly attuned to New York City. That combination lends to the Library an extraordinary richness. It is special also in being historically a privately managed, nonprofit corporation with a public mission, operating with both private and public financing in a century-old, still evolving private-public partnership. The research collections (for reference only, and organized as The Research Libraries, with four major centers) resemble the holdings of the great national and university libraries, and the community circulating libraries (organized as The Branch Libraries) resemble classic American municipal libraries.
I will be explaining in more detail, in my report the vast amount of things we saw in the three fascinating hours we spent there , but many thanks go to Kevin and his wonderfully dedicated staff for the time they spent with us.
By this time we were absolutely exhausted and went to dinner at a Diner across the road from our apartment , which was not particularly exciting.
Sunday 4th January , 2009
It's taken me since arriving home on December 23rd to get my head around completing my blog. I will blame jet-lag...
Christmas was good. I sang at St Paul's Burwood,on Christmas Eve and then on Christmas Day we had lunch at my sister-in-laws at West Pennant Hills. Went back up to Newcastle with my sister and her family for a few days and since then have been home trying to sort out everything and seeing friends etc.
Back to work at Glebe Library tomorrow. Have been in to see 'the girls' and I must congratulate Susan and the staff for doing a fantastic job while I was away. Well done, Ladies.
Now, back to my travels-
TUESDAY 9th December.
Did more packing and then went up to Edmonton Green to meet Ernie at work and go out to "The Lamb' pub with his library colleagues . It was a fun night . Liz Hart (UK President of IAML and the one who had given me so many contacts in the UK) came along as well as several others who I hope will come and see me 'down under' one day. They are feeling apprehensive as London Borough of Enfield is going ahead with yet another re-structure and sadly the library is bound to suffer, yet again.
WEDNESDAY , 10th December
More packing and then headed off to Greenwich (on the bus about 15 mins) to meet up with Kevin, a former colleague at Brent Libraries, now retired. We had a lovely lunch overlooking the Thames at the Trafalgar Tavern, whose speciality was whitebait, so we indulged.
In the evening I took Ernie to his local Wetherspoons pub in Woolwich for dinner . Then home for an early night - my last in the UK.
THURSDAY , 11th December
Up early and Ernie came with me to Heathrow to help me with my luggage .I never would have made it otherwise as we had to get the bus to North Greenwich station then the tube (Jubilee line) to Green Park and change to the Piccadilly line for Heathrow. As it was rush hour this was not an easy task and also there are steps and escalators everywhere to be negotiated.
My plane was leaving from terminal 1 so had to get a tube that went to 1,2,3 & 5 rather than 4&1,2,3 as the train waits 10 minutes at Terminal 4, for some reason. This proved hazzardous as the trains were packed and also they kept changing the destinations, however, we finally got there about 10-ish for my 12noon flight to NY. Ernie dropped me at the check-in and headed off to catch the 12noon train from Euston to Burnley.
No worries checking in and I successfully boarded the plane . (Now prepare yourselves for a saga, dear reader.)
However, it was delayed getting away from Heathrow and we arrived in Washington, where I had to change, three quarters of an hour late. I noticed on my boarding pass that the time of my flight from Washington to NY had changed and was now much earlier . EEEK ! This meant hardly any time to go through Immigration and Customs which you have to do on your first landing in the USA.
The girl next to me was also starting to panic as she had a connecting flight to New Orleans. (she lives in Croatia) To our complete dismay when we got to Immigration the queue was miles long and we had to stand in it for at least an hour. By then the scheduled time for both our planes had been and gone. Finally got through grabbed our bags from the carousel and went through Customs . Someone just grabbed my bag on the other side and said TRANSIT ! I said YES and consequently saw my suitcase disappear down a conveyor belt . Would I ever see it again ???
No-one seemed to know if flights had gone or not and there was a great deal of chaos. So I made my way to a United Airlines Info. booth and here again the queue was a mile long. Apparently the weather was bad with heavy rain and so flights were being delayed and cancelled all over the place. Finally someone came and told us to use a screen and a phone to find out what had happened to our flights and so I did. Found out my flight had not left and she gave me a gate to go to , so off I headed . Finally arrived at the gate 2 hours after de-planing. AAAGH !
The saga continued. I was catching a small plane run by United Express and the flight was apparently overbooked. They did not also know when it was going to leave as New York JFK was experiencing severe delays . I felt so sorry for the lady and the man who were very patiently staffing the gate and telling everyone the bad news as they did suffer some abuse. However, they gave exemplary customer service and did not loose their 'cool'
Finally a pilot arrived and went out to the plane to see if he could get a landing time for NY. Another hour later he came back and reported we could go, but more passengers would have to offloaded as they had to put on extra fuel , in case we had to circle in NY. The plane was a 50 seter, but only 45 could go... Imagine my sense of relief when my name was not called and I could go ahead. It was absolutely pelting with rain and freezing cold and we had to go out on the tarmac and up these rickety stairs into the airplane. One advantage of being old, is that people help and this time it was the pilot himself who took my handluggage and put it on the plane.
The flight was very bumpy and so the one hostess could not serve drinks but kept us amused throughout the journey with her comments , as did the pilot. It was all quite jolly really.
Arrived at about 9p.m (which was actually 2a.m. for me) and again the pilot helped me with my handluggage.
However, after standing at the baggage carousel and watching the same suitcases go round about three times till there were finally non-left, about 10 of us realised out bags had not come with us. So, we trooped off to an office and filled out the required forms for them to deliver our luggage when/if it arrived.
Fortunately David had booked us a hotel near the airport as he was arriving at 6p.m. from San Francisco. He had indicated that he might b there to meet me at the airport, but a sit was after 10p.m. by now I thought he would be long gone. Had tried to ring him, but no answer.
Went to get my money from an ATM, and then make my way somehow, via the hotel shuttle, to the hotel itself ,when I looked beside it and there he was ! I felt so relieved- apparently the arrivals board said we were getting in at 10.28 so he had not even started to look for me.
So we caught the air train to Federal and then the shuttle bus to our hotel and treated ourselves to a glass of wine in the bar before going to bed.
Christmas was good. I sang at St Paul's Burwood,on Christmas Eve and then on Christmas Day we had lunch at my sister-in-laws at West Pennant Hills. Went back up to Newcastle with my sister and her family for a few days and since then have been home trying to sort out everything and seeing friends etc.
Back to work at Glebe Library tomorrow. Have been in to see 'the girls' and I must congratulate Susan and the staff for doing a fantastic job while I was away. Well done, Ladies.
Now, back to my travels-
TUESDAY 9th December.
Did more packing and then went up to Edmonton Green to meet Ernie at work and go out to "The Lamb' pub with his library colleagues . It was a fun night . Liz Hart (UK President of IAML and the one who had given me so many contacts in the UK) came along as well as several others who I hope will come and see me 'down under' one day. They are feeling apprehensive as London Borough of Enfield is going ahead with yet another re-structure and sadly the library is bound to suffer, yet again.
WEDNESDAY , 10th December
More packing and then headed off to Greenwich (on the bus about 15 mins) to meet up with Kevin, a former colleague at Brent Libraries, now retired. We had a lovely lunch overlooking the Thames at the Trafalgar Tavern, whose speciality was whitebait, so we indulged.
In the evening I took Ernie to his local Wetherspoons pub in Woolwich for dinner . Then home for an early night - my last in the UK.
THURSDAY , 11th December
Up early and Ernie came with me to Heathrow to help me with my luggage .I never would have made it otherwise as we had to get the bus to North Greenwich station then the tube (Jubilee line) to Green Park and change to the Piccadilly line for Heathrow. As it was rush hour this was not an easy task and also there are steps and escalators everywhere to be negotiated.
My plane was leaving from terminal 1 so had to get a tube that went to 1,2,3 & 5 rather than 4&1,2,3 as the train waits 10 minutes at Terminal 4, for some reason. This proved hazzardous as the trains were packed and also they kept changing the destinations, however, we finally got there about 10-ish for my 12noon flight to NY. Ernie dropped me at the check-in and headed off to catch the 12noon train from Euston to Burnley.
No worries checking in and I successfully boarded the plane . (Now prepare yourselves for a saga, dear reader.)
However, it was delayed getting away from Heathrow and we arrived in Washington, where I had to change, three quarters of an hour late. I noticed on my boarding pass that the time of my flight from Washington to NY had changed and was now much earlier . EEEK ! This meant hardly any time to go through Immigration and Customs which you have to do on your first landing in the USA.
The girl next to me was also starting to panic as she had a connecting flight to New Orleans. (she lives in Croatia) To our complete dismay when we got to Immigration the queue was miles long and we had to stand in it for at least an hour. By then the scheduled time for both our planes had been and gone. Finally got through grabbed our bags from the carousel and went through Customs . Someone just grabbed my bag on the other side and said TRANSIT ! I said YES and consequently saw my suitcase disappear down a conveyor belt . Would I ever see it again ???
No-one seemed to know if flights had gone or not and there was a great deal of chaos. So I made my way to a United Airlines Info. booth and here again the queue was a mile long. Apparently the weather was bad with heavy rain and so flights were being delayed and cancelled all over the place. Finally someone came and told us to use a screen and a phone to find out what had happened to our flights and so I did. Found out my flight had not left and she gave me a gate to go to , so off I headed . Finally arrived at the gate 2 hours after de-planing. AAAGH !
The saga continued. I was catching a small plane run by United Express and the flight was apparently overbooked. They did not also know when it was going to leave as New York JFK was experiencing severe delays . I felt so sorry for the lady and the man who were very patiently staffing the gate and telling everyone the bad news as they did suffer some abuse. However, they gave exemplary customer service and did not loose their 'cool'
Finally a pilot arrived and went out to the plane to see if he could get a landing time for NY. Another hour later he came back and reported we could go, but more passengers would have to offloaded as they had to put on extra fuel , in case we had to circle in NY. The plane was a 50 seter, but only 45 could go... Imagine my sense of relief when my name was not called and I could go ahead. It was absolutely pelting with rain and freezing cold and we had to go out on the tarmac and up these rickety stairs into the airplane. One advantage of being old, is that people help and this time it was the pilot himself who took my handluggage and put it on the plane.
The flight was very bumpy and so the one hostess could not serve drinks but kept us amused throughout the journey with her comments , as did the pilot. It was all quite jolly really.
Arrived at about 9p.m (which was actually 2a.m. for me) and again the pilot helped me with my handluggage.
However, after standing at the baggage carousel and watching the same suitcases go round about three times till there were finally non-left, about 10 of us realised out bags had not come with us. So, we trooped off to an office and filled out the required forms for them to deliver our luggage when/if it arrived.
Fortunately David had booked us a hotel near the airport as he was arriving at 6p.m. from San Francisco. He had indicated that he might b there to meet me at the airport, but a sit was after 10p.m. by now I thought he would be long gone. Had tried to ring him, but no answer.
Went to get my money from an ATM, and then make my way somehow, via the hotel shuttle, to the hotel itself ,when I looked beside it and there he was ! I felt so relieved- apparently the arrivals board said we were getting in at 10.28 so he had not even started to look for me.
So we caught the air train to Federal and then the shuttle bus to our hotel and treated ourselves to a glass of wine in the bar before going to bed.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
16th Dec
No more until I get home as you have to pay for wirelss here.
NY was fabulous- now in Chicago and it is minus about 10 degress and snowing. BBRRRR!
NY was fabulous- now in Chicago and it is minus about 10 degress and snowing. BBRRRR!
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Monday, 8th December
I'm back in London now , having caught the bus on Friday from Durham. It took all day as there was an accident on the motorway, which meant I missed my connection at Victoria coach Station to Canary Wharf. finally gotn here at 7p.m. and as Ernie was totally jet-lagged, I treated myself to my first (and last) lot of English fish and chips and retired early to bed with my book.
The previous few days had been hectic. I ended up staying in the Palace Green university Library all afternoon on Tuesday as the music section was fascinating including 70 shelves of Hymn books in the Pratt Green collection.
Then on Wednesday I went up to Newcastle-upon-Tyne by train and across the river to the Sage at Gateshead. http://www.thesagegateshead.org/
The Sage Gateshead is an international home for music and musical discovery, bringing about a widespread and long-term enrichment of the musical life of the North of England. Its inclusive approach enables all performance, learning and participation programmes to be constantly inspired and supported by each other .It is primarily a live music venue. The local, national and international concert programme runs all year round. It incorporates all kinds of music ranging from acoustic, indie, country, world, folk, jazz, electronic and dance to classical music, including concerts by Northern Sinfonia, orchestra of The Sage Gateshead.
Its Learning and Participation programs are pioneering a fresh approach to musical discovery that enables everyone to become involved in, stimulated and excited by music - no matter what their age or ability. The eight strategic programmes are: Early Years, Work with Schools, Vocal and Instrumental Learning, Practitioner Development, Community Music, Further and Higher Education, Resources, and Music in the Workplace.
I came to the venue primarily to look at the innovative library service
* Explore Music
http://www.thesagegateshead.org/about/explore_music.aspx
ExploreMusic makes it easy to find out more about any aspect of music you experience at performances and workshops within The Sage Gateshead as well as providing the key services and resources outlined below:
1.Local independent music information
2.Lending and reference library
The previous few days had been hectic. I ended up staying in the Palace Green university Library all afternoon on Tuesday as the music section was fascinating including 70 shelves of Hymn books in the Pratt Green collection.
Then on Wednesday I went up to Newcastle-upon-Tyne by train and across the river to the Sage at Gateshead. http://www.thesagegateshead.org/
The Sage Gateshead is an amazing home for live music designed by Lord Foster on a landmark waterfront site, consisting of outstanding performance spaces of acoustic excellence (Hall One and Hall Two), Northern Rock Foundation Hall for rehearsal and performance, a twenty-five room Music Education Centre, ExploreMusic (a music information resource centre run by Gateshead Libraries and Arts in the Joan and Margaret Halbert Space), *
The Barbour Room (a sunny entertainment room), plus four bars, The Michael Straker Café and a brasserie. You can visit the building free - up to 14 hours a day. The spectacular Concourse has river views of the Tyne and Gateshead Millennium Bridges, BALTIC and the NewcastleGateshead Quays.
The Sage Gateshead is an international home for music and musical discovery, bringing about a widespread and long-term enrichment of the musical life of the North of England. Its inclusive approach enables all performance, learning and participation programmes to be constantly inspired and supported by each other .It is primarily a live music venue. The local, national and international concert programme runs all year round. It incorporates all kinds of music ranging from acoustic, indie, country, world, folk, jazz, electronic and dance to classical music, including concerts by Northern Sinfonia, orchestra of The Sage Gateshead.
Its Learning and Participation programs are pioneering a fresh approach to musical discovery that enables everyone to become involved in, stimulated and excited by music - no matter what their age or ability. The eight strategic programmes are: Early Years, Work with Schools, Vocal and Instrumental Learning, Practitioner Development, Community Music, Further and Higher Education, Resources, and Music in the Workplace.
I came to the venue primarily to look at the innovative library service
* Explore Music
http://www.thesagegateshead.org/about/explore_music.aspx
ExploreMusic makes it easy to find out more about any aspect of music you experience at performances and workshops within The Sage Gateshead as well as providing the key services and resources outlined below:
1.Local independent music information
2.Lending and reference library
3.Hi Tech services
- 18 PCs with free internet access and office applications
- Music software - Sibelius, Cubasis, Reason, Soundforge and Acid
Free training for all music software plus basic IT and internet skills - Access to specialist websites such as Grove Music Online, Classical Music and Naxos Audio Libraries
- Online communities for The Sage Gateshead's concerts and workshops including live web chats, discussion forums, photo galleries, video archives and more
- CD listening posts to preview upcoming artists at The Sage Gateshead and DVD viewing stations to discover more about The Sage Gateshead's projects
4. Exposed:
Presented in partnership with ExploreMusic, 'exposed:' is a series of events to help you find out more about a theme of our programme. Look out for events flagged as exposed: throughout our What's On section. ExploreMusic will be hosting a number of talks and exclusive interviews to contextualise these concerts along with free live performances, podcasts featuring key performers, workshops and family events.
All services are free of charge. Membership of Gateshead Library Service is open to everyone across the North East and Cumbria .
What an amazing and worthwhile experience this was . I was shown around by Rachel Peacock, Reference and Information Manager, Libraries and Arts, Gateshead Council , the new Manager of Explore Music, Tom and his assistant Maggie. It was a most enlightening three hours and confirmed my opinion that if the City of Sydney were to set up a public music library, this would be an excellent example of the way to go about it . I will say more about this in my report, but on-line services are the way of the future and my visit here gave justification to this. Many thanks to Rachel, Tom and Maggie for giving me the opportunity to visit and also to Julia Mitford, the former ExploreMusic Manager , who is now living in Sydney , and made all this possible.
THURSDAY saw me back in Newcastle ...
Overnight there had been a heavy snowfall and my friend Barbara and I tramped gingerly through the snow and ice ,the kilometre to the Railway Station in Durham. Barbara had to go to a funeral in Sheffield two hours away and was worried about any interruptions to the train services because of the bad weather. However, it was not a real problem as there were delays but they were not severe.
Barbara had organized for me to meet a friend of hers ,Tony Durcan, Head of Culture, Libraries and Lifelong Learning at Newcastle City Council . He had invited me to join various councillors and heads of culture from 'core UK cities' on a tour of the unfinished new Central Library . Tony met me for a cup of coffee first, and we were joined by the people from Bristol and Sheffield at the Theatre Royal and then made our way to the building site office, where we were kitted out with boots , helmets and yellow jackets. There was still thick snow on much of the ground as well as sluch and ice so walking anywhere was treacherous. We made it to the library and I have never been so cold in all my life, as of course, there was no heating . However, the treat in store made up for any uncomfortable moments , as the new library promises to be a leading public library building in the world , in my opinion.
Ian Kennedy, lead architect on the project, said:
"We wanted the City Library to be a symbol of creative design and a model of 21st century library facilities. "It will provide broad access to knowledge and other cultural resources and it will celebrate lifelong learning and social inclusion."
"It will be a delight to use, visit and pass by, inspiring local, civic and regional pride."
http://www.newcastle.gov.uk/core.nsf/a/librariesnewcitylibrary?opendocument#countdown
The library and its surroundings , due to open in June 2009 will contain the following features :
- A new main entrance on New Bridge Street, making the library highly visible from the Monument, as well as an entrance from Princess Square.
- A large atrium that will allow natural light to flood the building. The building itself is made of a large amount of glass and the windows have beautiful designs on them.
- A range of existing and new facilities over six floors, with a main staircase that will lead visitors on a 'journey' to the top of the building, which will include a platform with views across the city.
- Separate areas for children and young people, informal seating and quiet study areas, a 200-seat performance space and meeting rooms for use by community groups.
- Improvements to Princess Square to create a vibrant urban square and wider pavements and tree-planting along New Bridge Street and John Dobson Street.
- Environmentally friendly features such as low-energy heating and cooling systems, harvesting of rain water and use of renewable energy sources
Some other interesting facts
- the issuing and return of items will be totally self service. (RFID)
- there will be service points (triangles ,not desks) where librarians will be based to help with enquiries and library staff will also 'float'
- Non-fiction will be on the ground floor
- Local Studies will occupy a large amount of the top floor with a view over the city (eat your heart out Marie and Liz)
- Each floor will be of a different colour.
There is much more I could say, but I will leave it until I return home . Can I just say that this library will be fantastic and thanks so much to Tony for giving me the opportunity to see it. I will need to come back and see how it is operating in a few years ! SadlyI won't be able to show anything quite as exciting if you come to Sydney. (yet?)
Thursday evening I spent my last night with Geoff and Julie and their children for dinner and on Friday morning Barbara and I caught a taxi to the bus station where I said my fond farewells to her and the lovely city.
THE WEEKEND
I went down to Surrey to my friends, Lynette and Bob and went to Evensong at Canterbury Cathedral . Very good , except a bit disappointing that David flood, the Director of Music was not there. However, his assistant , John Robinson, did an excellent job. Went out for a Chinese meal on Saturday night after a glass of French champagne at home.
Sunday morning dawned cold and frosty and back to St Michael's Croydon to sing for the last time. In the afternoon we sang at a Masonic Carol Service , as Bob has become a mason, and then went to a christmas celebration dinner for the Masonic choir. A most enjoyable evening.
Now I am back in Woolwich and Ernie and I are off to meet a friend for dinner in the City. the next two days will see me saying my last goodbyes to the Uk and packing my things to go to NY on Thursday morning.
As my little blue laptop has decided not to work I may not be as efficient with my blog, from now on. However, I will be home in two weeks, so it won't be as imperative.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Tuesday, 2nd December
It's been a week since I wrote as one way and another ,I have been very busy.
Last Wednesday I set off on the train for skipton, via Leeds, a journey of about two and a half hours, across the Pennines. My friends, Sharon and John were there to meet me , in cold rainy weather. We drove back to their home in Blacko near Nelson via a lunch and shopping stop at one of the big retail marketing places , which supposedly sells things marked down or at factory prices. the place was packed, but I did manage to buy a nice evening skirt from Marks and Spencer's for just £20 (half price) as I have a posh Christmas 'do' to attend this Sunday. Things are not cheap here , so this will be my only clothes purchase, unless some miracle occurs. We also called in at Barrowford Branch Library.
Then we headed off home for a quiet evening in and a lovely dinner.
On Thursday I went out with Sharon to visit a friend and then her 90 year old aunt while john did his voluntary work at the hospice. Sharon dropped me at the Burnley Library , as they have a designated Music Library started by a benefactor Edward Stocks Massey who was at the time the choirmaster at St Luke's Church, Brierfield in the late 19th century. The Massey family, well known in the area, were cotton manufacturers and later brewers and founders of the Massey Brewery in Burnley. Edward was born at Hawks House in Brierfield and had a keen interest in music. The Stocks Massey Bequest music library in Burnley reflects Edwards interest in music.
http://www.lancashire.gov.uk/libraries/services/mandd/index.asp
According to the bequest this library has to be allocated certain funds every year and so is still maintained. they have open access scores and CD's in a separate room on the first floor (other audio-visual material is also housed there. I was able t talk to two of the staff , Jane morris and Marie Lord, who kindly provided me with photocopies of the history of the library and other information. A very profitable and unexpected visit.
In the afternoon we went to visit my ex-husbands family in Burnley and it was lovely to see his Mum and sister and her family , if only briefly.
Then we went out to dinner with sharon's brother, Tony , and his wife Helen at the Sycamore Arms , a new pub near Lowerhouse cricket ground. Ernie and Tony went to school together and started work in local governement on the same day. Went back to Tony and Helen's for a nightcap.
Friday john took me to a local Heritage Centre for a look around and before I knew it , it was time to go for the train back to Durham.
The weekend was fantastic with Geoff and Julie and their children coming round in the afternoon for champagne and nibbles , as it was Millie's 7th birthday the day before. We also 'staged' and Enid Blyton play from a yearbook Barbara had found ! Geoff took the part of Mr Muddle and us girls played the ladies.
Barbara and I then trooped off through frosty weather down the back public footpath to the Cathedral for the Advent Carol Serice , which was stunning. The Service began in darkenss and gradually the Cathedral came to light as the service progressed. Barbara and I then retired to a Victorian pub , called 'the Vic ' and with coal fires and original fittings etc.
On Sunday we went with friends of hers, Liz and Roger to Richmond , North yorks for the day . A wonderful town with a castle etc. Frosty but clear weather and the temperature was just above or below freezing. We had a 'cream tea' at the Kings Head hotel, to finish off the day.
Yesterday , I spent getting my hair cut etc and visiting the library, of course and as the weather was foul - cold and rainy, I went home reasonably early. Went to Durham singers again last night and this time I was allowed to join in !
Today has dawned bright and snow is on the ground. I'm off now to the Cathedral and the Palace Library Green Muisc Library which is part of the University.
the next two days a re going to be very exciting as I will be going to Newcastle to see ExploreMusic at the Sage and on Thursday I am being treated to a tour of the new Newcastle Public Library which is yet to be complete. The Library Manager is a friend of Barbara's and I am being included in a tour of councillors etc from other areas of the UK. This library will be a landmark institution when it opens and so I feel extremely priveleged. all this just seems to ahve fallen in my lap.
Sadly, then I go back to London on Friday.
Last Wednesday I set off on the train for skipton, via Leeds, a journey of about two and a half hours, across the Pennines. My friends, Sharon and John were there to meet me , in cold rainy weather. We drove back to their home in Blacko near Nelson via a lunch and shopping stop at one of the big retail marketing places , which supposedly sells things marked down or at factory prices. the place was packed, but I did manage to buy a nice evening skirt from Marks and Spencer's for just £20 (half price) as I have a posh Christmas 'do' to attend this Sunday. Things are not cheap here , so this will be my only clothes purchase, unless some miracle occurs. We also called in at Barrowford Branch Library.
Then we headed off home for a quiet evening in and a lovely dinner.
On Thursday I went out with Sharon to visit a friend and then her 90 year old aunt while john did his voluntary work at the hospice. Sharon dropped me at the Burnley Library , as they have a designated Music Library started by a benefactor Edward Stocks Massey who was at the time the choirmaster at St Luke's Church, Brierfield in the late 19th century. The Massey family, well known in the area, were cotton manufacturers and later brewers and founders of the Massey Brewery in Burnley. Edward was born at Hawks House in Brierfield and had a keen interest in music. The Stocks Massey Bequest music library in Burnley reflects Edwards interest in music.
http://www.lancashire.gov.uk/libraries/services/mandd/index.asp
According to the bequest this library has to be allocated certain funds every year and so is still maintained. they have open access scores and CD's in a separate room on the first floor (other audio-visual material is also housed there. I was able t talk to two of the staff , Jane morris and Marie Lord, who kindly provided me with photocopies of the history of the library and other information. A very profitable and unexpected visit.
In the afternoon we went to visit my ex-husbands family in Burnley and it was lovely to see his Mum and sister and her family , if only briefly.
Then we went out to dinner with sharon's brother, Tony , and his wife Helen at the Sycamore Arms , a new pub near Lowerhouse cricket ground. Ernie and Tony went to school together and started work in local governement on the same day. Went back to Tony and Helen's for a nightcap.
Friday john took me to a local Heritage Centre for a look around and before I knew it , it was time to go for the train back to Durham.
The weekend was fantastic with Geoff and Julie and their children coming round in the afternoon for champagne and nibbles , as it was Millie's 7th birthday the day before. We also 'staged' and Enid Blyton play from a yearbook Barbara had found ! Geoff took the part of Mr Muddle and us girls played the ladies.
Barbara and I then trooped off through frosty weather down the back public footpath to the Cathedral for the Advent Carol Serice , which was stunning. The Service began in darkenss and gradually the Cathedral came to light as the service progressed. Barbara and I then retired to a Victorian pub , called 'the Vic ' and with coal fires and original fittings etc.
On Sunday we went with friends of hers, Liz and Roger to Richmond , North yorks for the day . A wonderful town with a castle etc. Frosty but clear weather and the temperature was just above or below freezing. We had a 'cream tea' at the Kings Head hotel, to finish off the day.
Yesterday , I spent getting my hair cut etc and visiting the library, of course and as the weather was foul - cold and rainy, I went home reasonably early. Went to Durham singers again last night and this time I was allowed to join in !
Today has dawned bright and snow is on the ground. I'm off now to the Cathedral and the Palace Library Green Muisc Library which is part of the University.
the next two days a re going to be very exciting as I will be going to Newcastle to see ExploreMusic at the Sage and on Thursday I am being treated to a tour of the new Newcastle Public Library which is yet to be complete. The Library Manager is a friend of Barbara's and I am being included in a tour of councillors etc from other areas of the UK. This library will be a landmark institution when it opens and so I feel extremely priveleged. all this just seems to ahve fallen in my lap.
Sadly, then I go back to London on Friday.
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