Following my album release, I was so chuffed to be able to do my first signing where it all began in bonnie Scotland. The big HMV in Glasgow was the venue for a host of folk who were there to see me perform (including ma wee mum) – what an audience! I think it was the first time I was caught singing in a shop without getting funny looks.
January also brought with it enough haggis to sink a small Scottish island. With Burns’ birthday celebrations, I was privileged enough to sing at over a dozen Burns’ Suppers. This year, they ranged from charity suppers for some great organisations such as NCH Scotland, the biggest one in the world for West Sound and Jack McConnell (First Minister), and of course, one in my hometown, at Wallace Hall Academy, Dumfriesshire.
I’ve also had the chance to do some great concerts already this year, which have included a recital at St. Martin-in-the-field, singing at the Bank of Scotland Awards with the lovely Tess Daly, an opera gala at the RAC club, a last-minute understudying appearance as Katherine Jenkins’ special guest in Southend-on-Sea, playing Tony in West Side Story for Channel 5’s ‘Blackbird Leys – The Singing Estate’, and ‘Friday Night is Music Night’ for Radio 2.
All of this while fitting in all the promotion for my album has been made twice as exciting with my heavy involvement in English Touring Opera’s Spring Tour ‘07. We started rehearsals last week and as I am singing in all three operas, which include the lead role of the philandering Count Zedlau in ‘The Spirit of Vienna’ by Strauss, I have been waltzing for at least 3 hours a day, and this has been doing wonders for my calves which, knowing my usual attire, will be on show before too long. For more details on where we are appearing, check out www.englishtouringopera.com
On that note, I’d better get my dancing shoes on and get in training for my philandering (Am I being type-cast, here?) A huge burly thanks to everyone for going down to the shops and buying the record – you support is amazing and I hope to catch up with you all soon. Maybe even see you on tour!!
God Bless and big love aye,
Nicky
Source:Nicky's blog OS
