For two years running, I've been asked to perform the alto arias from the Messiah at local holiday concerts. In both cases, I was a very last minute replacement for another singer, but that is where the similariites between the experiences end. Below are memories from each concert, in no particular order.
2007: Lexington Choral Society Messiah Sing
Lexington, Lexington, is that west?
Mass Ave is also Rte. 2A.
"No there's no rehearsal, we'll just talk about the tempos before we go on."
"I'm pleased to introduce our Messiah this evening, who saved this performance!"
A wave of ruddy bobbing heads: For unto us a child is bo-ho-ho-ho-ho
This one's for the altos in the balcony: and the glory of the lord is risen upon thee!
Is my parking spot legal?
Pink lipstick. Blonde hair. Soprano. Perfect.
The conductor is behind me.
Overheard from the bassoon section: "Last time I played was last year!"
Apple juice at intermission.
Families in Sunday best on a Wednesday night.
Scores for rent or you can bring your own.
He was despised. Then a long time to try not to make eye contact with the audience.
Holiday sweaters, white hair, yellow hair, old, cold, New England stock.
Hallelujah! What? Hallelujah! Oh. Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! For me? Please, no need to stand!
Snowboots over stockings.
Where did I park?
Smile. "Oh, you were one of the soloists, you were very good!"
2008: Iglesia Adventista del Septimo Dia Hispana de Boston Holiday Concert
Presenta la soloista, Amanda Keil.
Google maps is no good in Dorchester.
Gimme that old time religion on the video screen.
But who prefers speaking English here? And big tent revival music?
Um, when are we starting?
Um, where is the crowd?
Prayers in Spanish.
White men can't Latino.
Damp snow everywhere, yet oh my chords do shrink.
Big basin front and center for baptisms.
Plaque on a door: Oficina de las Conquistadores.
Puffy jackets and blank stares. Is anyone enjoying this, least of all me?
He was despised B section gets some heads banging.
Joy to the world? Al mundo paz. Silent night? Noche de paz.
Hallelujah chorus? Just look to the video screen: Alleluyah, alleluyah, alleluyah, alleluyah, etc.
Wait who's singing? Oh, there's la soloista and a chino, reading from the score.
Thank you and buenos nachos.
Our car is blocked in. El deacon is on it!
"Gracias!" "Um, no proble..."
Brown eyes and smiles, do I know these people?
Feliz Navidad!
"Amanda, Amanda! You were very good!"
