Nothing more exciting than making or doing something from
Scratch. Perhaps that is the reason for the enormous success of the Scratch Festival
in Leyden, which takes place annually in February. Perhaps to make this rather dreary
month more bearable. Two years ago it celebrated its 25th
anniversary. It has grown from a small one day event to a four day event, run
very smoothly by lots of volunteers and some professionals. It began with the Scratch
Messiah, and Händel's Messiah is still on the agenda every year. Even twice: there
is one for youngsters and one for whoever wants to join in. If I am able to, I
sing at least one day with them. Apart from Händel’s Messiah, I have also sung
a Mozart programme, a Jenkins Mass and Fauré’s Requiem to mention just a few composers and compositions.
An overview of the choir and the orchestra during the rehearsals
From primitive stands or bleachers without any back rest, and
open so that bags and cushions had to be tied to the seats otherwise they would
fall a long way down, we now have foldable seats with a back rest. Very
comfortable, the disadvantage being the noise they tend to make when some 1000
singers or so stand and forget to gently lift the seat by hand.
Above: part of the stands opposite the organ. The English choir organ is just visible
Below: still life during a tea break
Yesterday I took part in singing the Messiah again after a few
years of absence. It was a very enjoyable concert and rehearsal day. A long
day, from 9 am till almost 11 pm. Having 1000 singers and some 90 amateur musicians in
the orchestra, logistically isn’t an easy task. But it worked. There are always
groups of singers from different choirs who have studied the music and enjoy
this day together. But even if one just takes part on one’s own, one quickly comes
to know one’s neighbouring fellow singers.
The beautiful and monumental pipe organ which wasn't used. Beneath it the chairs awaiting the audience
Rehearsing
I enjoyed a very pleasant meal between the rehearsals and
the concert in the house of friends just some 50 meters from the monumental
Pieterskerk.
It is such a privilege to be able to sing. And this is just
the beginning of a weekend with lots of singing. Tonight there is the regular
choir practice, tomorrow a workshop of a full day, studying and singing early music,
and on Sunday the regular contribution to the church service. I couldn’t be
happier.
Waiting for action!
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