The Armed Man

In 2016 the opportunity arose to take part in the inaugural Mrs Sunderland Festival Adult Workshop and Performance.

As this presented a second opportunity to perform The Armed Man, previously having performed it with CSI:Halifax at Halifax Minster in 2011, I jumped at the chance.

Besides a enjoying a fantastic sing and a really memorable day we were treated to the amazing laser light show created by Harry Meredith, son of our conductor for the day Thom Meredith and CSI:Halifax’s choral director Lynn Meredith.

Popular Opera 2018

I did have to put aside personal reservations and musical tastes to attend both the Opera for All and indeed the Proms Favourites workshops in subsequent years.

Focusing on the social experience of singing with friends as much as this off my beaten track music both workshops were surprisingly enjoyable.

With these, and other,  workshops led by Thom Meredith we knew that we were in safe hands.  His direction of both the Musica Youth Orchestra and we  singers with skill and and good fun underpinned the success.

Proms Favourites 2020

This return to the risers of Huddersfield Town Hall marked my final performance before the Covid19 pandemic brought singing to an end for me for over three years.

Again I had mixed feelings about the content of this workshop but again found it to be a rewarding challenge.

The workshops have of course continued without my participation, including a repeat of the Armed Man and in 2025 ‘A Night at the Opera’.

I shall watch for future workshop themes that may tempt me again!