Phocus – Psalms and Poetry

This last Saturday I faced one of my greatest challenges so far technically and musically. A fantastic opportunity to which I couldn’t say no. Brahm’s Alto Rhapsody, Mahler’s Kindertotenlieder, Bernstein’s Jeremiah and Chichester-Psalms – in one concert,a part of the church music festival in Fürth. Music that I’ve dreamed about singing for so long. As an audience member said afterwards, when thanking me, “This concert was as a gift for you”. Yes, it was. But a challenge; Not only to master these incredibly complicated and intricate pieces, each and one alone enough for one evening, mentally and emotionally but also to “survive” vocally.

I’m so thankful for all the support I felt, from colleagues, orchestra members, tweeps and audience members. The applause was different than what I’ve experienced so far. It warmed my heart. I’m proud over the result and over the years of work that made the concert possible. I feel very much at home in that orchestra repertoire.

The local newspaper was very positive too.

Thank you to the very brave conductor Ingeborg Schilffarth for trusting me with such a programme.