And a cheery hello from a soggy Bristol! We’ve had a wonderful Sabbath here, though I hear Bristol got a month’s worth of rain today. Somehow I believe that. We were split between several different congregations today, but I can attest to the quality of the meetings we 10 attended. I hear there were great meetings, wonderful food and conversation with hosts (that lovely extra day here!) and some equally wonderful naps. We gathered again at 5:30 for a nice supper at the stake center, then prepared for the fireside that started at 7. This was the first of only two firesides this tour, and they are some of the best nights of tour. It’s great to hear various choir members speak of their feelings about the fireside music, and get insights into the speakers as well as the pieces. Six pieces were performed, and then an encore at the request of Pres. Turley, who very much wanted the semi-official national anthem of England, “Jerusalem.” I’ll have to put the text soon so you’ll understand a bit of why it is so loved here. Referring to the Houkom “The Rune of Hospitality,” he said, “After this weekend, we are no more strangers, but friends.” I know that is how we all feel.
With no concert and no touring around today, there are not so many fun photos to post – but I didn’t want any disappointed family, spouses, fiances, etc. to find no new blog when you looked. So below are some “group and smile” photos and one while they were rehearsing for the fireside. I grabbed everyone in grabbing distance, and apologize if your particular favorite is not there – or if the photo is not perfect. We were working fast! I’ll try again soon.
8 comments
Thanks for the pictures. Everyone looks wonderful and like they are having a great time.
Just wanted to say saw you at Gloucester Cathedral really enjoyed it. “Beautiful singing” does not sound adequate. I took a friend of mine from work and she really enjoyed it too. Thank you.
Love reading your blog. Thanks so much!
I love this blog 🙂
A good part of the U.K. is about stone, and I am thrilled that you are singing in cathedrals built of stone, walking on stone, driving on stone, sitting on stone, gazing at stone.
If you were on the Stone Committee with me in our pre mortal life, you will love it in this life also. If you can get Wordsworth’s short pastoral poem “Michael” on line there, you will enjoy reading it on the bus in the rain. Stone is the metaphor for endurance.
You will be sad as Luke breaks his covenant with his father regarding stone…….enduring.
I am glad that you have an enduring kind of conductor, Dr. S. , whom I love, who continues to take students on these grand tours, enriching lives there, enriching lives here as we follow you, and enriching your lives as you perform.
With fervent love, Grandma Bement
The concert Saturday night and the fireside on Sunday were both amazing. It was so wonderful to hear you all sing. “Hold On” was definitely my favourite piece. It really touched my heart and I’m sure it will now become a frequent piece of music that I listen to. It was great to meet some of you, and although we weren’t able to host we loved having Ruth, Marsali, Ka’imi and especially Nick (Whom I know from when I was at BYU) in our home for Sunday lunch. Good luck on the rest of the tour . . . . Lets hope the weather cheers up a bit. 🙂
Oh, so amazing. I love this choir and love being able to be along for the journey from the wonders of my computer. THANKS for all the gorgeous photos. And incredible experience for those of us at home, to.
Thanks so much for the photos! You all look so very happy…and it’s wonderful to see my son John, whom we all miss terribly. You guys are the best!