A Day In The Life Of The Soprano Singer ...A Classical Singer For Hire

The Robinson family contacted Alive Network to book a classical singer for their son’s First Communion in Cwmbran, Near Newport, South Wales.

I was singing abroad at the time of the booking so I used email to make contact with the client to discuss the music to be performed at the service.

I made some suggestions and the client also had some clear ideas about what they would like performed and when. The programme was then agreed with the priest.

Once home (and recovering from the jetlag from 3 weeks singing away), I referred to my music library to gather the sheet music and prepare for the performance.

Two of the songs chosen were new for me, “On Eagle’s Wings”, a beautiful hymn, and “One Bread, One Body”, so I made some purchases and set about preparing the new music, something I love doing.

The evening before the service I made contact with the client to check there were no last minute changes.

Wherever I am singing I always have a big check list before I set off on my journey to the venue – sheet music copies, sat nav plus directions, music programme list, phone numbers, CD accompaniment if using, iPod and leads as back up, and of course – the outfit to sing in (jeans aren’t really the right look for a classical singer!)

I arrive early at the church to meet Andrew the organist. We rehearse the music before the Mass begins and before any of the congregation arrive. The client has requested we use classical backing tracks for two of the numbers so I also set up and test the equipment for this.

The client requested the following programme to be sung:

• Cwm Rhondda (Bread of Heaven) – Entrance
• On Eagle’s Wings
• Ave Maria – During Communion
• One Bread, One Body – During Communion
• Panis Angelicus – Recessional

I was also joined by the church choir on the chorus of some of the hymns during a really enjoyable service. After the service I got to meet with the young man himself before making my way home to prepare for the next performance!