Saturday was a hectic day, not made any easier by feeling a little under the weather...nothing major, just things we women have to put up with! The afternoon was a run through of the whole show with the orchestra. This is called a sitzprobe, which is German for a sitting rehearsal. It's a chance to sing through without having to worry about the movements, and just concentrate on the music. It went well, though again it was in a difficult room to hear and balance with the orchestra, but still a valuable rehearsal. The artistic director, Christopher Hahn, was kind enough to get me coffee, which in the circumstances helped the second half of the rehearsal enormously!
I then came back to the apartment before a party at his house for the cast and some of his friends. It was lovely to get out of the downtown area for once, and see a little of surrounding Pittsburgh. We were in the Shadyside area, which was lovely and had some amazing houses. The food, wine and company at the party were great, though not feeling my best, my husband and I didn't stay too long.
Sunday has been a company day off, which after a hectic week is always welcome. I took the opportunity to call my family in the UK and catch up a little on things there, then spent the say, playing computer games, watching "Little Britain" on BBC America and doing some work. I don't miss living in the UK but I enjoy still feeling part of the culture by keeping up with some of the TV. BBC America is a great channel, and "Little Britain" is a favorite....a sketch comedy show, which can get quite irreverent.
We ordered in Chinese food for dinner, and I did a little work on the Russian arias I will be singing in the UK soon. I have not sung in Russian before, but my husband is fluent and a great teacher. I also went over my "Ariadne" score, which I like to do as often as I can. No matter how well I know any role I sing, I constantly go back to the score to check words, rhythms, composers markings etc, and keep looking for new things and new ways to approach the role. As with all great music, there is no end to the interpretations you can find, and I always enjoy developing roles I know.
Nice to have a restful day, and an early night.