Run like hell

Yesterday was one of those days that was so busy I didn't even have time to get to a computer until I was too exhausted to do anything worthwhile.

Here's a rundown:

10am--a rehearsal at the University of Toronto Faculty of Music with oboist Tess Menet, whose recital at Victoria Chapel I am playing on next Wednesday (program to appear soon).

11am--a quick lunch, even quicker espresso, and a run like hell to get to

11:30am--the Haleconian Hall in Yorkville to play voice auditions for several of the excellent singers from the Dean Artist Management roster, who are today singing for a panel of representatives from Arizona Opera, Edmonton Opera, and Opera Ontario. Much performing of arias both rehearsed and unrehearsed, and additional sight-reading of arias never seen before.

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Completely unable to get to:

1pm--Remembrance Service for Diane Lewarne Partin at a packed Timothy Eaton Memorial Church with performances by organist Michael Bloss, baritone Tom Goertz, tenor John MacMaster, pianist Jim Bourne, and piper Rory Gus Sinclair.

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1:30pm--walk briskly to Bay subway, transfer at Yonge, go north to Eglinton, transfer to Eglinton East bus, get off at Bayview and walk to

2:30pm--Leaside Presbyterian Church to play further voice auditions for several of the excellent singers from the Gossage Artists roster (including Wendy), who are also singing for Edmonton Opera. Much more leisurely this time, with plenty of time to sit and chat since both Greg Oh and Jim Bourne were also playing for several auditions.

4:45pm--sushi at Yonge and Eglinton, unfortunately Wendy and I not ending up meeting with the rest of the Gossage and Edmonton folks, who have gone to another Japanese restaurant altogether since we weren't sure on names and locations, pay bill and then drive like hell through traffic to

6pm--Tapestry New Opera Works Christmas party in Forest Hill. Private Toronto premiere of Darren Fung and Colleen Murphy's First Day with mezzo-soprano Jessica Lloyd and tenor Keith Klassen, myself at the keyboard with completely uncooperative damper pedal, then Montsalvatge's Cuba dentro de un piano sung by Jessica and O Holy Night sang by Keith. There were announcements of further funding from private and public sources, excellent dishes from Barone & Tong Catering, as well as an unveiling of the poster for the upcoming 2006 Opera To Go.

9:30pm--Wendy and I drive home, I drive my mother home after babysitting the girls for the night, I drive home, check email, sleep.