Small steps; slowly but surely, live music-making has been returning to the concert-hall this week, and various ensembles have begun small, socially-distanced rehearsals.

For the first time since March, harmonies have been blossoming in the hall; the Chamber Choir on Monday, the Cecilian Choir on Wednesday, four string-players from the String Sinfonia in the afternoon, and on Wednesday night, sectional rehearsals for the Concert Band and Big Band.

We find ourselves, of course, having to manage rehearsals differently in these strange times, with strict protocols, socially-distanced seating set out on a grid, and rehearsal time limited to one hour. It’s taking some getting used to, but there is a growing sense of joy at being able to make music with others, in person, in real time; from the Renaissance polyphony of Italy to the swirling desert of Arabia and the forests of Finland, and the highly-apposite Who’s That Masked Man concert band piece, music from around the world has filled the concert-hall for the first time after seven months of silence; and it’s been quite an experience to be part of the return of live music.

It’s been a very exciting week; thank you to all the staff and students who’ve been with us as we find our feet once more.

Here in the Music department, of course, we do take our roles very seriou…

Oh well…