Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Going viral (Tour: Day 14 & 15)

A million "Graçias's" to the wonderful, wonderful public in Valladolid - and an apology: as it was kindly pointed out to me, it was NOT my debut in that beautiful city as I announced from the stage, instead, it was the city of my one-off concert of "Giulio Cesare" a number of years ago with Mark Minkowski! How could I forget that? (Well, I suppose I forgot because it was a very last minute replacement, and I think it was too hectic to think too much on the name of the city!) But I can say with all honesty, it was wonderful to be back!

It was a small, but mighty crowd, and I was so happy to be a part of a concert series that is in the process of building up - from the enthusiasm in the hall, I think you are all off to a wonderful start! Starting a concert series must be an arduous task, and one that involves much risk, so my hat is off to the people with vision and fortitude to make it happen! I hope to be back often!

That's the good news.

The very bad news is that I woke up the next morning chilly, achy and NOT feeling well. I am going to assume this is the same bug that I was fighting off at the start of this tour, but one which I thought I had kicked to the door. Well, it came back, the damn thing! Happily, I'm in great hands here in Bilbao - the wonderful theater supplied a doctor, and I was accompanied to get the prognosis that, indeed, this is some sort of viral thing. No matter how much you rest, or try preventative measures, sometimes it just gets the better of you.

What to do tonight? I will try and sing ... I would hate to lose the chance to sing in this wonderful hall for the first time (I'm certain I've never stepped foot in Bilbao before!), and want to try everything I can to sing. But it will undoubtedly be unpredictable. Sometimes I wish my voice was a cello - outside of myself that wasn't easily put off-form by a little bug, but this is not the case. I'm drowning in hot tea, medication, and lots of crossing of my fingers - now all that is left is to do my best!

(And yes, if I could play any other instrument (other than piano, which I would have a hard time giving up!) it would be the cello. Then Yo Yo Ma and I could play duets together.....!)

12 comments:

Jessica said...

Best of luck, Joyce!!! I love reading about your tour!! I know you will be fab tonight, despite the bug...

Kenderina said...

Take care , Joyce !!! And I would like to be there even it is just for hearing 50% of what you are able to do, so I think people will be very very happy !

Operafan said...

Bonne santé, take care, get well soon, all best!!!!!!!

Erin said...

Best wishes for a speedy recovery, I'm sure you'll be great despite the bug.

Mei said...

I'm crossing my fingers too... Take care...!

Hariclea said...

Take good care of yourself and a big hug!!! I am sure it will be ok in the end :-) And thanks for the amazing night at the Barbican ..between bugs and trains myself but i will get round to sitting down and pouring out my throughts and feelings about it soon :-) Loved every single thing about it and it is definitely toooo long until Barbiere...

Try Nurofen cold and flu, decongests and does not make you sleepy, I swear by it and so does my boss cause thanks to it he had me at work ;-)

Sending biiig positive vibes and energy across the channel to you!

Joanamaro said...

I love your blog and I am sure everything will go fine tonight. I am a soprano and I perfectly understand when you say sometimes you wish your voice was a cello. It happens with me too, even if I am just starting..
I really wish you the best luck!:)

Anonymous said...

Bloody bug :-(

Still it's 5 down 2 to go and then it's Xmas -- you'll have time to regroup.

Best of luck!

Anonymous said...

Hope you get to visit the Guggenheim museum in Bilbao. It really is "something".

Fingers firmly X-ed here!

Operafan said...

Hope you feel better! Just to let my French "Joyce's fans' pals" know, watch Arte Sunday December 21 at 9:45 am... "La Messe en si mineur de JS Bach" with Joyce at Notre-Dame! It will be broacast again on December 25 at 00:35 pm... Merry Christmas to all of you!!

Yankeediva said...

Thanks for ALL the good wishes!!!

Anonymous said...

Thanks ever so much Operafan for that info. Will DVR it.