In Leeds

With the slabs on Briggate nearly cracking in the incredible heat, I headed to the Grand Theatre in Leeds last week for two days of coaching sessions with Jim Holmes, the Head of Music at Opera North. We had the most fantastic time! It had been five months since our last sessions, and I feel very encouraged with the progress. Jim doesn't take any prisoners, but it is so wonderful to work in such an open and honest way. I have another session planned for the end of August.

I have just fixed my trip to Aldeburgh for mid August as well, and look forward to sharing this with you. My very good friend Giselle Allan is singing Ellen Orford in this production. We go back many years, first singing together at Clonter Opera Farm in Cheshire (La Bohème). We spoke yesterday about the challenges of the coming season, but also of what a joyous time it is going to be. As always, it will be the greatest pleasure to share the stage with such an amazing singing actress and consummate musician. Some of you who are regular Opera North patrons may remember us together as Laca and Jenufa several years back? The relationship between Grimes and Ellen is complex, and really displays Britten's ambiguity in character building. This makes it all the more exciting, and we are both excited at trying things many ways in rehearsal and pushing the physicality of the characters.

I am off to Spain for two weeks now. I hope to come back refreshed (and sun tanned), ready for the busy period ahead. Friends and colleagues have told me to forget about Grimes when I am away....I just know that when swimming in the sea, or walking along a beach, to even hearing the gulls cry, he will be there, so I'd better pack an extra towel.

Jeff.