trolls and blueberries

Norway, here we come! Here's hoping Grieg doesn't turn in his grave when he hears our delivery of his masterpiece song-cycle Haugtussa.

What a wonderfully successful day 14 June was for the Song-Cyclists! The support of Coutts got the fundraising off to a super start, while the supportive vibe we experienced at the Arts Club was thrilling. I still cannot get over the generosity of some of my talented friends - Mark and John made our evening at the Arts Club so very special.

As Albert Einstein said, 'the value of a man lies in what he gives'. John and Mark gave us so very much, I can only think they are worth a fortune...

Song-Cycling has a night with the stars

Monday 14 June was a glorious day for Song-Cycling.

Lunchtime concert at Coutts with CEO, Michael Morley cameo-ing on the piano accompanying beautifully a couple of arias was a fabulous experience. Coutts very kindly donated £1 a mile to each of us raising a total of £1,400 towards our charities. Thank you very much indeed Coutts.

The same evening, the Arts Club in Piccadilly pulled in a full house to enjoy a wonderful programme of sparkling coloratura soprano arias, gorgeously interpreted Schubert song from international tenor Mark Padmore and opera super star bass-baritone Sir John Tomlinson with stunningly beautiful and subtle Susanna piano-playing. There was dulcet duetting between Mark & Alice and some startling and hilarious G&S action (including Mikado's, Three little maids). Thanks to all who contributed to make this such a fantastic show. I, for my part, loved every minute of it (except the ongoing splitting headache!) and thank Susie without whose talent we would never have got such great singers involved and managed to raise so much cash. Approx £2,000 with more to come we think.

Onwards to Song-Cycling's appearance at Corsham Festival on Monday 21st.

Song-Cycling launch weekend 5&6 June 2010

Song-Cycling is underway!

We kicked off with a fantastic Saturday chez Stranders BBQ-ing in the very beautiful back garden in Harpenden. Great turn-out. Good show. Lovely to see Susie's friend, Becky, the inspiration for raising money towards MS and to hear the words that the local MS Society rep had to say about the disease and what the money could fund. A huge thank you to Susie's parents for all their effort and organisation to create such a gorgeous event.

Sunday evening saw the London launch at St John's Notting Hill. Again we were very pleased with how many people came to support the project and very pleased with a stonking performance all round. A good round or two at the pub in Portobello was enjoyed after.

Thank you to everybody who supported us and for helping us to raise nearly £2,000 this weekend for our two charities.

We raised in the region of £800 at the London Launch! It was a wonderful evening and so well supported. Cycling in down the aisle was such a fun way to start! More later...