Concert 1: Jena

We didn't have much time to explore the lovely old university town of Jena, because it was straight in to rehearsal as soon as we arrived.

The Lutheran church is beautiful in it's stark simplicity, with a wonderful acoustic. We began the Hallelujah Chorus far too fast, in that echo it just sounded a mush of noise! However, slowing it down a bit worked wonders.

After dinner came the concert. There were about 130 in the audience, with many younger people. Immediately there was an "issue". Stephen, our organist, was at the back of the church up in the organ loft; we were on the Sanctuary steps at the front. Between John and Stephen were a couple of large chandeliers. They were turned off during the rehearsal, but now they were on. John and Stephen couldn't now see each other, so the first few pieces got off to slightly tricky starts! However, they were eventually turned off and all was well.

The audience were hugely appreciative, with much sustained applause. At the end, they had to be forced to be quiet so that we could do our encore (Rutter's The Lord Bless You and Keep You)! They then clapped us all off stage - we think they enjoyed it! John was heard to say that the Byrd was the best we'd done it, and we think he was quite pleased with the rest as well!

Tomorrow's a day to recover (at Colditz), and then concert 2 in Huysberg.

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