Olè! (Tour: Day 3)
Last night we officially opened the “Furore Tour” in Madrid, and I had a wonderful time. There is something quite wonderful about revisiting a project (or role) that you invested a tremendous amount of time and energy in, put away for a spell, and brought back out. Somehow it’s like putting on a familiar, somewhat worn in pair of gloves. Meeting back with the orchestra members, seeing the music with fresh eyes, and having the opportunity to share it with a warm public are all parts of the excitement and pleasure of a concert tour like this.
As I’ve noted here, I didn’t have the most opportune start to my tour. But the show does go on, and frankly, I was thrilled to get through the program as I did, knowing it could have been a lot more difficult! Did I feel 100%? Well, no. But seldom does a singer have a night where every thing works in perfect harmony. But I did give it my all, and enjoyed the interaction with the orchestra and the warm, Madrid public tremendously.
So many people waited to meet me afterwards, to sign their CD’s and share some very generous sentiments – and I hope they all know how much that means. I think sometimes people take it for granted that we singers get tired of hearing compliments or receiving gracious “thank you’s”. (Do YOU get tired of hearing compliments?!?! I didn’t think so!) But while I can only speak for myself, I venture to say this couldn’t be further from the truth for most performers, especially on a night where we might feel a bit below par, say, for example, from horrible jet lag!! But I never underestimate the fact that someone has saved a lot of money to attend a concert or purchase a disc, or has waited in a cold (!) hallway for 30-45 minutes just to say hello. That’s precisely why I do what I do.
Tonight I get to take in Katia Kabanova here in Madrid, and then it’s on to Amsterdam. My debut in the Concertgebouw. (MY DEBUT IN THE CONCERTGEBOUW!!! I love being able to say that!!!)
(PS: I’m sorry I don’t have a photo to post here, but yesterday was a bit crazy and my focus was 100% on the concert. But now that we’re up and running, I’ll probably be a bit more inclined to snap a few photos along the way…)