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NEW YORK (21st October 2006)

represented by

 Amy Haworth, Amanda Morrison, Micaela Haslam, Heather Cairncross


Poster

"Will and I arrived in New York a day before we started work.  It was lovely to have a bit of time to ourselves, and it was a chance to have a leisurely wander around Manhattan.  Our hotel was just round the corner from Carnegie Hall, and it was great once again to see Synergy Vocals' name in lights outside the hall.  Last time we were here, we sang Tehillim in Zankel Hall, which had only just opened.  This time we were doing two concerts - one in Stern Hall (the big one!), and the second in Zankel Hall.  The most exciting thing about this first concert was that Pat Metheny was on the same bill, playing Electric Counterpoint.  We also had the Kronos Quartet for Different Trains, and of course Steve Reich & Musicians for Music for 18.  What a line-up!  I immediately made a mental note to procure a poster..

The weather was glorious - cool and sunny - and we all enjoyed some nice walks, or in Mandy's case some runs - round Central Park.  She wondered why everyone seemed to be going in the opposite direction, until she saw a sign requesting everyone to run the same way.  International incident!

Skyscrapers


Flatiron

It was very exciting to be rehearsing in Stern Hall - particularly when you think who has played there over the years.  Will and I hung around to hear Pat's rehearsal, and we were completely star-struck.  He is a brilliant performer and makes such an amazing sound.  I didn't really know Electric Counterpoint and I've only since heard the recording.  I wish that Pat could record it again.  He actually said that he'd like to. It was done such a long time ago, and obviously at a time when he knew the piece less well.  The way he plays it now is just fantastic, and much more relaxed.  As far as the piece is concerned, it's an amazing 50/50 combination of Reich and Metheny.  Steve obviously understood Pat's style very well, and Pat is obviously a dedicatee of Steve Reich - in fact it was very touching to see how star-struck Pat Metheny was with Steve.  We felt quite privileged to be there.  Pat was very lovely and friendly, and was even happy to sign all eleven of Will's CD's!  Of course, we grabbed him for a photo after the concert....

Pat, Heather, Micaela

Before the concert, Mandy, Will and I met Steve Mackey and his lovely wife, Sarah, for dinner.  Unfortunately they weren't able to come to the concert as Steve had a live interview for a New York radio station that evening.  Still, it was great that they were in Manhattan, and we're all looking forward to spending more time with them next year in Boston where we'll be performing (and recording) Dreamhouse.

The Stern Hall concert was great - and sold out - and there was lots of excited milling about afterwards.  That's always the time I wish I could be better at remembering names.  I'm so rubbish!  

Then, to round off the evening, we went to a smart little restaurant across the road with Bob Becker & Joanne.  Bob insisted on ordering (and paying for!) two very expensive and delicious bottles of wine which we all shared.  That was extremely kind, and a lovely way to finish off a wonderful day."


Micaela