A night of firsts

EMILY JAMESON, Theatre Management Coordinator

This was the first time I had been to rehearsals and so I was really looking forward to meeting all of the Community Ensemble.  My only concern was whether I would remember all their names!  We got to the studios early and I hung back to watch the group as they filtered in.  They are such a great mix of personalities and you can see the different friendships and bonds that have formed over the last period of rehearsals. 

I managed to chat to a few of them and hear a bit about their reasons for taking part and how they are feeling about the experience.  All those I spoke to are clearly enjoying being a part of this fantastic opportunity and are managing to juggle a busy rehearsal schedule with everyday life.

This was also the first time that the Community Ensemble met the ENO Chorus and as we waited to go in to the studio to begin the rehearsal the group looked relaxed about performing alongside the professionals.  Once inside, Deborah Warner immediately helped to reduce any apprehensions in the group as they went around the room introducing themselves to the ENO Chorus. 

It was great to witness the dynamics between the ENO Chorus and the Community Ensemble as they moved amongst the space together for the first time.  They worked really well, obviously taking the rehearsal seriously whilst also managing to laugh when things didn’t altogether go to plan! 

I am really looking forward to seeing how this relationship develops, as with each rehearsal the Ensemble gets to know the singers better.  I am also looking forward to chatting some more with the individuals that make up the group and memorising some more of their names…