1976 Gerontius

In March 1976 Mum and Dad came with us on the chorus trip Missa solemnis to Barcelona. We went to the Zoo and saw the white gorilla. Also the Spanish village. The chorus visited Barcelona, Ghent and Orange most years. Later on the opera in Orange - I only ever did Fidelio. We would often do the same concert on a Saturday at Fairfield Hall and then repeat it at the Festival Hall. It was said that Croydon came to hear Beethoven whereas London came to see the soloist or conductor! I note John Walsh ill at the library - he later wrote a funny book about Balham library and pinched some of my jokes for it. March 3 to Arundel cathedral with its bathtub acoustics joined with Norbury parish choir Thiman's Last supper. We were much indebted to Dad's friend Dennis who fixed lots of things in the house and later built the extension to the kitchen. Fr Farmer took us to Petts Wood to sing in the passion with Robert Munns. I record a general absolution at a penitential service at St Chad's! Lovely chorus trip to Lucerne where we visited the Wagner museum. We sang Schumann Das Paradies und der Peri - Helen and Schreier was superb. 15 minutes of applause! Maazel conducted Mahler 2. On June 28 sang Gerontius in York Minster. Janet Baker was superb, Aexander Gibson less so, We were invited to a reception by the York chorus so I rang Nellie to explain. Your tea is on the table. You are late scholars when we arrived! I record many TV and radio classical music events including ballet. The Proms and holiday in Boscombe visiting Christchurch (all on trains and buses). Dad did a lot of decorating for us. In September we were off to Ghent to sing Gerontius with Andrew Davis. Soloists were Alfreda Hodgson, Norman Bailey and Andrew Rolfe-Johnson.We visited Mama and Solly in Brussels. Oct 16 Dream in Swansea conducted by Christopher Seaman. Bob Tear excellent (Liz had a crush on him) Robert Dean sang the bass (he later became chorus master). Vivaldi with Muti and we started to record it at Kingsway Hall but it was never completed because of a poor alto soloist in boots!  Muti could be very difficult. Liz kept on failing her driving test but eventually passed. I had to have some lessons and passed first time. Of course I had my licence from S.Africa. On Dec 16 I record my first Catenian dinner! It was many years later I could afford to join! Kevin and Gill lived nearby and gave us lifts and we spent some very happy evenings together. It was a juggling act with church and chorus and work hours.