Time to regroup

Well this last week has been a big one for New Zealand.  The earthquake ast Tuesday in Christchurch has left a lot of shaken people.

For me it was a day of worrying about friends and family, watching images on the television of the devastation inflicted on the city.  By the end of the day I had finally heard from most people either via text or facebook.  It took a while for the news from the family to filter trhough so was a welcome relief to hear my brother and his family were safe and sound.

The next day was my flight back to Auckland.  Wednesday night was the time to catch up with the bride and groom and their overseas friends.  Was wonderful to see them all again. 

After spending time at the spa getting nails done (something a musician never thinks about) it was time to get together with the guitarist to see if we could put together the first song.  All that time spent just jamming with Hemi as well as APO Remix projects mean that 10 minutes later Pete and I were ready to go! 

I was to play Bach's Air on G as Lucy walked down the aisle and chose Zartliche Liebe (Tender Love) as a married couple.  After a few weeks of working on this on my own it was lovely to see it all come together.    It came together well on the day.  To play the Bach as a solo violin is a little strange, especially holding on to that F#, so there were a few modifications on my part to keep things going.  My apologies to those who had the cello part in their head!

Pete and I played Elbow brilliantly!  It was a lovely first dance and a beautiful wedding.  For those who play for friends, you will know how interesting it is to keep focused on the playing as well as relaxing to enjoy the moments with everyone.

This week I have a rather different engagement.  I have been asked to play for the Marlborough Summer Series Concert in Picton on Sunday which coincides with Children's Day.  A 20 minute bracket of light upbeat music means that there is a lot of fiddling music programmed.  From Toss the Feathers to Irish Washerwoman and Devil's Dream it should be a lot of fun.  Will post set list in next post :)

I need to replace my E string as it is becoming a little dull, so hopefully the next 3 days means that hopefully it will settle down in time!

Looking forward to preparing the programme and seeing what happens on the back of it all!

Also caught up with Hemi today and looks like we will reunite for a Tempo performance in June for NZ Music night playing Flight - the piece we composed for BOOM! in Auckland in 2007.  Playing through again there are some interesting music elements which should make for some great listening.  Will also be fantastic to collaborate again!  Can't wait to see where it leads us!