The competition…

When in Melbourne, at a certain time of year, it’s almost impossible to avoid the crowds, the traffic, and the high spirits induced by the footy. Last night there was the small matter of a match between magpies and eagles, or some such. To us uninitiated chicks, the eagles – being a mightier bird and swifter hunter – would have been the obvious pick to come out on top. Against all instinct, and anything Darwin might have assumed about survival of the fittest, the magpies proved the stronger bird.

In any case, it did nothing to interfere with the concert-attendance plans of our very enthusiastic Melbourne audience for the first performance of our 2011 tour.

It was the ‘M’ of Melba Hall and not the ‘G’ that played host to SHE. Nerves and excitement combined backstage. It’s been a while since we’ve all played together, and of course new member Lucy was giving her first performance of all our repertoire. We premiered both of our new works – Mary Doumany’s Oshun Beneath the Veil with the composer present, and Damian Barbeler’s Seven Shades of Sorrow.  Ingrid’s arrangement of two movements from Handel Water Music which opens our program also rang out in concert for the first time.

Ahh…. It’s good to be back!

(Needless to say, the winner on the night was music. And full credit to the other team.)

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