Today, we heard dd playing at a music festival. Not exactly Glastonbury, it was a very civilized indoor affair, with children aged from 7 to 18 performing classical, jazz, folk and rock music. Despite all the inevitable hanging around between rehearsals and performances, it was really thrilling. Dd's choir sang some lovely African tunes, with lots of dynamic changes and lovely harmonies. And her solo piece, a Handel recorder sonata, was gorgeous, in spite of the fact that by that time she was in visible discomfort in the cool new gladiator sandals she'd bought especially for the day (she's a slave to her highly individual sense of fashion!). I often don't give her enough credit for her ability to compartmentalize - it was painful to watch her hobble on stage, but then she started to play and the sore feet were obviously forgotten. Then she walked off again as if on hot coals. Even after this, pride prevented her from putting on the spare shoes I'd brought with us. Oh well ...
We were soon distracted by some stunning music from all sorts of instrumentalists and singers - particular favourites being dd's friend on piano (plays like a brilliant adult, looks like a little kid!), a lovely flute and Northumbrian pipes duet, and a wonderfully powerful violin piece by a girl who we've seen develop dramatically over the years from gawky adolescent to supremely assured young woman. It's incredible to watch how quickly they all mature and it makes me realize how precious is the time while we still have dd at home with us.
But they ARE still kids. Next week, as a thank you from the music centre management, they're all going on a trip to a bowling alley - yay!
No comments:
Post a Comment