The life of this musician has been a busy one.
Last weekend Robin enjoyed a very successful concert in Kent at the 'Wild Wood Barn'.
The venue was sold out with an appreciative audience and very hospitable hosts.
Robin was interested to discover that the home of Charles Darwin was merely a few yards down the road, but sadly wasn't open when he was ready to set off home again.
After a long drive back he had only a few days to prepare for another trip.
This time joining the Queen Victoria in Southampton for a week in the Norwegian Fjords.
His first concert was the very next day, and I must say that I have rarely heard Robin so enthusiastic about his performance.
Like many musicians he is highly critical of his work, but on this occasion he actually said it was one of the best he had done.
The audience seemed to agree as he was rewarded with a standing ovation and many shouts for more. It was left to the MC to calm them as Robin left the venue.
However, due to the reception he received, he has been asked to perform an extra concert this evening, so is currently preparing a third programme!
It hasn't all been work though.
Yesterday he was in Stavanger, and enjoyed a walk around despite the weather being cold and wet.
However, today the sun is shining and Robin is investigating Alesund.
I look forward to news of the concert this evening and also hearing about some very interesting places coming up in the next few days.
Showing posts with label Southampton. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Southampton. Show all posts
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Friday, September 19, 2008
Robin Hill, his Hands and an Unknown Mozart Score
The current trip on the QM2 is nearly complete.
Robin actually performed his last concert on Wednesday.
It went very well and he must have been playing with his usual enthusiasm, as the piece of a table tennis ball that had been reinforcing his right thumbnail, managed to shatter!
It wasn't a problem though.
He had another piece prepared in his jacket pocket.
One of the differences when giving a concert at sea, rather than on land, is the access the audience has to the artist, for days after the event.
Robin is always very happy to talk to people, particularly about the guitar, which was highlighted recently when one guest said he'd, "Never met anyone that talked about an inanimate object with such passion"!!!
Robin also appreciates it when anyone takes the time to say how much they enjoyed his music.
This morning I think he had one of the more unusual compliments.
It occurred whilst selecting a croissant for breakfast.
A lady tapped him on the shoulder and told him how much she had enjoyed his concert.
She then went on to say, "I hope you don't mind me saying but you have very nice hands!"
Robin wasn't quite expecting this, all before his first coffee of the morning, and responded with, "Well, thank you very much."
It turned out the lady is an artist, that specialises in painting hands and feet, so had a professional interest.
I must say I agree with her, but I would add that Robin also has very distinctive hands.
Many years before we married, I heard the sound of the classical guitar coming from the television and dashed in to see who it was.
At that moment the camera was focused on the hands of the musician.
I studied the image and declared it to be Robin.
Sure enough, as the camera pulled back to reveal the performer, it was indeed him.
But that's enough about hands.
Robin has had plenty of time to relax since his concert. He has visited Gibraltar, is currently in Lisbon, and later today starts the journey back to Southampton, arriving on Sunday.
I however, have decided to visit my local library.
You never know what you might find.
It seems that a handwritten score by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart has been discovered in France. Read about it here.
Robin actually performed his last concert on Wednesday.
It went very well and he must have been playing with his usual enthusiasm, as the piece of a table tennis ball that had been reinforcing his right thumbnail, managed to shatter!
It wasn't a problem though.
He had another piece prepared in his jacket pocket.
One of the differences when giving a concert at sea, rather than on land, is the access the audience has to the artist, for days after the event.
Robin is always very happy to talk to people, particularly about the guitar, which was highlighted recently when one guest said he'd, "Never met anyone that talked about an inanimate object with such passion"!!!
Robin also appreciates it when anyone takes the time to say how much they enjoyed his music.
This morning I think he had one of the more unusual compliments.
It occurred whilst selecting a croissant for breakfast.
A lady tapped him on the shoulder and told him how much she had enjoyed his concert.
She then went on to say, "I hope you don't mind me saying but you have very nice hands!"
Robin wasn't quite expecting this, all before his first coffee of the morning, and responded with, "Well, thank you very much."
It turned out the lady is an artist, that specialises in painting hands and feet, so had a professional interest.
I must say I agree with her, but I would add that Robin also has very distinctive hands.
Many years before we married, I heard the sound of the classical guitar coming from the television and dashed in to see who it was.
At that moment the camera was focused on the hands of the musician.
I studied the image and declared it to be Robin.
Sure enough, as the camera pulled back to reveal the performer, it was indeed him.
But that's enough about hands.
Robin has had plenty of time to relax since his concert. He has visited Gibraltar, is currently in Lisbon, and later today starts the journey back to Southampton, arriving on Sunday.
I however, have decided to visit my local library.
You never know what you might find.
It seems that a handwritten score by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart has been discovered in France. Read about it here.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Off Again...
I know that I have neglected the blog in the last few days, but hopefully you have been keeping up to date with Hillhouse proceedings through Twitter.
It has been busy here as Robin arrived home after a month away, but only for three days.
After such a lengthy separation (apart from my 2 hours in Alicante airport...) it is important to spend time together as a family, and simply enjoy a few precious days together.
Robin was amazed at how much son number two had grown in the four weeks since he'd seen him, and even more amazed at the progress he had made on the violin.
Do we have another budding musician in the family?
Only time will tell.
I'm just pleased that his enthusiasm for the instrument continues.
However, all too soon the alarm clock was ringing, and before we knew it we were on the road once again to the airport.
But it wasn't easy.
We had to leave the house by 6.30, as any later and the traffic would have been at a standstill.
We were lucky today.
We got there without any problems, said a quick goodbye, which caused much amusement to some passing air hostesses, and even made it back in time to sit down for half an hour before I had to take the children to school.
Although slightly delayed, Robin arrived at Heathrow along with his luggage, (which is always a relief), was met by a driver, and taken to Southampton.
He has now boarded Cunard's Queen Mary 2 which will be his home for the next 12 days.
Robin now has to prepare for a T.V. interview later today which will be broadcast tomorrow, plus his first concert, which is also tomorrow, the second one being next week.
One things for sure, the life of a musician is never dull!
It has been busy here as Robin arrived home after a month away, but only for three days.
After such a lengthy separation (apart from my 2 hours in Alicante airport...) it is important to spend time together as a family, and simply enjoy a few precious days together.
Robin was amazed at how much son number two had grown in the four weeks since he'd seen him, and even more amazed at the progress he had made on the violin.
Do we have another budding musician in the family?
Only time will tell.
I'm just pleased that his enthusiasm for the instrument continues.
However, all too soon the alarm clock was ringing, and before we knew it we were on the road once again to the airport.
But it wasn't easy.
We had to leave the house by 6.30, as any later and the traffic would have been at a standstill.
We were lucky today.
We got there without any problems, said a quick goodbye, which caused much amusement to some passing air hostesses, and even made it back in time to sit down for half an hour before I had to take the children to school.
Although slightly delayed, Robin arrived at Heathrow along with his luggage, (which is always a relief), was met by a driver, and taken to Southampton.
He has now boarded Cunard's Queen Mary 2 which will be his home for the next 12 days.
Robin now has to prepare for a T.V. interview later today which will be broadcast tomorrow, plus his first concert, which is also tomorrow, the second one being next week.
One things for sure, the life of a musician is never dull!
Saturday, June 14, 2008
From Venice to Southampton
Robin spent the morning yesterday in Venice and sent me some lovely photographs:
A typical canal:
He found a shop full of carnival masks:
And if you ever want an entire orchestra made from glass, here they are:
But then he left, as he was jumping ship, and arrived at Gatwick in the early evening.
This proved rather frustrating.
Knowing that Robin was in the country, only a few hundred miles away, yet being unable to see him, wasn't easy for any of us.
However, he spent the night in a hotel, we watched the news together whilst talking on the 'phone, and he was collected this morning, and driven to Southampton.
Now Robin is on board the QM2, settling into his room, and preparing for the first of his two concerts.
A typical canal:
He found a shop full of carnival masks:
And if you ever want an entire orchestra made from glass, here they are:
But then he left, as he was jumping ship, and arrived at Gatwick in the early evening.
This proved rather frustrating.
Knowing that Robin was in the country, only a few hundred miles away, yet being unable to see him, wasn't easy for any of us.
However, he spent the night in a hotel, we watched the news together whilst talking on the 'phone, and he was collected this morning, and driven to Southampton.
Now Robin is on board the QM2, settling into his room, and preparing for the first of his two concerts.
Monday, May 05, 2008
QM2 Southampton - New York
Those of you following on Twitter will already know that Robin has gone off on his travels once more.
After three weeks at home it was rather a wrench for him, but, he was also ready for the challenge of two, high profile concerts, in the next week.
After a busy weekend, with three performances in two days, it was rather a weary musician that set off on Sunday morning.
Luckily, there wasn't a long haul flight to face, merely a quick hop down to London. Frankly, for Robin, that is rather like catching a bus into the nearest town.
It was with some concern that he arrived at Heathrow, Terminal 5, and waited for his luggage to materialise. There has been such a lot of bad press recently surrounding Heathrow, that I'm sure most people would be anxious.
However, his suitcase did appear, and he made his way to the meeting point to be collected.
We've never understood why he's flown from Manchester to Heathrow, then collected by car and driven for a couple of hours to Southampton. You can fly there direct after all...
Still, on this occasion, his driver was an interesting chap.
When he found out that Robin was destined to join the QM2, he recalled his own experiences, working in the boiler room of the original Queen Mary.
4 hours continuous, back breaking work, of shovelling coal into the hungry beast, then 8 hours rest before starting it all over again.
Robin's two concerts in a week, should seem a little easier now...mind you, he'll be playing an awful lot of notes, and there will be a lot of people watching...
But it helped pass the time on the journey, and eventually Robin made it on board Cunard's QM2.
He just had time to settle in, coincidentally in a room he has stayed in previously, before setting off to record an in house T.V. interview, to be broadcast today.
This often happens, as it allows the many guests to see what is coming up in the next few days.
I know there was an explorer also being interviewed, but information has been patchy so far.
It takes a while for email to be set up, and, once the ship is more than 2 miles form coast, we can't talk on the 'phone.
Today is Robin's first concert. So he will be busy practicing and preparing himself, along with a sound check at some point.
I'll let you know how it goes.
In the meantime, if you're in the UK, enjoy the bank holiday, anywhere else, have a good Monday!
After three weeks at home it was rather a wrench for him, but, he was also ready for the challenge of two, high profile concerts, in the next week.
After a busy weekend, with three performances in two days, it was rather a weary musician that set off on Sunday morning.
Luckily, there wasn't a long haul flight to face, merely a quick hop down to London. Frankly, for Robin, that is rather like catching a bus into the nearest town.
It was with some concern that he arrived at Heathrow, Terminal 5, and waited for his luggage to materialise. There has been such a lot of bad press recently surrounding Heathrow, that I'm sure most people would be anxious.
However, his suitcase did appear, and he made his way to the meeting point to be collected.
We've never understood why he's flown from Manchester to Heathrow, then collected by car and driven for a couple of hours to Southampton. You can fly there direct after all...
Still, on this occasion, his driver was an interesting chap.
When he found out that Robin was destined to join the QM2, he recalled his own experiences, working in the boiler room of the original Queen Mary.
4 hours continuous, back breaking work, of shovelling coal into the hungry beast, then 8 hours rest before starting it all over again.
Robin's two concerts in a week, should seem a little easier now...mind you, he'll be playing an awful lot of notes, and there will be a lot of people watching...
But it helped pass the time on the journey, and eventually Robin made it on board Cunard's QM2.
He just had time to settle in, coincidentally in a room he has stayed in previously, before setting off to record an in house T.V. interview, to be broadcast today.
This often happens, as it allows the many guests to see what is coming up in the next few days.
I know there was an explorer also being interviewed, but information has been patchy so far.
It takes a while for email to be set up, and, once the ship is more than 2 miles form coast, we can't talk on the 'phone.
Today is Robin's first concert. So he will be busy practicing and preparing himself, along with a sound check at some point.
I'll let you know how it goes.
In the meantime, if you're in the UK, enjoy the bank holiday, anywhere else, have a good Monday!
Monday, September 24, 2007
On the Way To.....
It's not that we are blase about Robin's travels abroad, but I had a rather amusing 'phone call from him yesterday, after he had settled in on board the QE2.
"Where am I going?" was the question.
I couldn't help but laugh.
The itinerary we get for these trips contain only flight details.
So, on this occasion, we knew he was flying to Heathrow, and would then be collected, and taken to Southampton.
We also know, that his return flight is from Boston, Massachusetts.
As to where he was going in between was something of a mystery.
Normally, one of my jobs is to check countries to be visited, partly out of interest, and partly because I need to know whether travel injections are required, or visas, and even, what type of clothing to pack.
But it has been so busy here.
We did know that it would be mainly around North America, so no new visas or immunisations were needed.
Consequently I didn't look any further.
I did mean to, but, the time just ran out.
However, to save Robin any embarrassment when talking to other people on board, I thought he should at least have some idea where he was going!
As it turns out, it is a trip of 'firsts'.
This is quite rare these days, as Robin has been touring the world for 35 years, playing his guitar, either as part of the Hill/Wiltschinsky Guitar Duo, or as a soloist, so there aren't many places left that he hasn't been to.
But on this trip , he is going to a few places, and one country, for the first time.
You'll have to keep checking in to find out where...
By the time I'd discovered this, we were out of contact, except via e mail.
So I sent the details off, and this morning, had a delighted reply.
I do hope he isn't going to sack his PA for poor planning....
"Where am I going?" was the question.
I couldn't help but laugh.
The itinerary we get for these trips contain only flight details.
So, on this occasion, we knew he was flying to Heathrow, and would then be collected, and taken to Southampton.
We also know, that his return flight is from Boston, Massachusetts.
As to where he was going in between was something of a mystery.
Normally, one of my jobs is to check countries to be visited, partly out of interest, and partly because I need to know whether travel injections are required, or visas, and even, what type of clothing to pack.
But it has been so busy here.
We did know that it would be mainly around North America, so no new visas or immunisations were needed.
Consequently I didn't look any further.
I did mean to, but, the time just ran out.
However, to save Robin any embarrassment when talking to other people on board, I thought he should at least have some idea where he was going!
As it turns out, it is a trip of 'firsts'.
This is quite rare these days, as Robin has been touring the world for 35 years, playing his guitar, either as part of the Hill/Wiltschinsky Guitar Duo, or as a soloist, so there aren't many places left that he hasn't been to.
But on this trip , he is going to a few places, and one country, for the first time.
You'll have to keep checking in to find out where...
By the time I'd discovered this, we were out of contact, except via e mail.
So I sent the details off, and this morning, had a delighted reply.
I do hope he isn't going to sack his PA for poor planning....
Sunday, September 23, 2007
The QE2 and 'Music Practice Tips'
Robin is now on board the QE2, in Southampton, and waiting to set sail.
We had an early morning family outing to the airport in which son number two declared, "This is the way to New York!" I suppose that indirectly he is quite correct.
Whilst Robin is away on this trip he will miss the same sons birthday. Thoughtful as ever, Robin had brought him an early birthday present, so that he could give it to him himself.
Said son was absolutely delighted with the Buzz Lightyear laser gun that makes 10 different horrendous noises.
Judging by the look on Robin's face, he was well aware that by the time he returns, the novelty of the toy will have worn off, and it will have found its way to the bottom of the toy box, under a mound of new birthday gifts.
Thus Robin has all the pleasure of giving such a present, and none of the discomfort of the unbearable noise for the next few days...
Today I have also added a new link to the 'Links' section. Ben Clapton, over in Australia, has a new site, 'Music Practice Tips', which is, 'a source of practice tips and inspiration,' and is, 'designed to help promote effective and efficient music practice.'
It covers many types of instruments, and we have been asked to do a 'guest blogger' spot, in the near future. So keep your eye on the site for useful tips, and I'll let you know when our article on guitar practice is available.
We had an early morning family outing to the airport in which son number two declared, "This is the way to New York!" I suppose that indirectly he is quite correct.
Whilst Robin is away on this trip he will miss the same sons birthday. Thoughtful as ever, Robin had brought him an early birthday present, so that he could give it to him himself.
Said son was absolutely delighted with the Buzz Lightyear laser gun that makes 10 different horrendous noises.
Judging by the look on Robin's face, he was well aware that by the time he returns, the novelty of the toy will have worn off, and it will have found its way to the bottom of the toy box, under a mound of new birthday gifts.
Thus Robin has all the pleasure of giving such a present, and none of the discomfort of the unbearable noise for the next few days...
Today I have also added a new link to the 'Links' section. Ben Clapton, over in Australia, has a new site, 'Music Practice Tips', which is, 'a source of practice tips and inspiration,' and is, 'designed to help promote effective and efficient music practice.'
It covers many types of instruments, and we have been asked to do a 'guest blogger' spot, in the near future. So keep your eye on the site for useful tips, and I'll let you know when our article on guitar practice is available.
Saturday, August 25, 2007
Arrival of the QM2
Robin has now arrived in Southampton and joined the QM2.
After an early start he had a good flight to Gatwick, in that it was short, and then a two hour taxi ride...
But he's now on board and reacquainting himself with the layout.
Unless you have been on one of these ships I think it's difficult to appreciate the size of them.
His first guitar concert isn't until Monday so he has a little time to settle in.
I, however, have had to entertain two small boys.
Both of which were taking full advantage of the phrase, "Oh but Daddys gone away..."
Consequently they have been out on their bikes, not an easy task as I also had two dogs with me, plus we've made cakes.
That and a very early start should mean I get them off to bed pretty early.
No guarantees though.
Robin has made his last 'phone call until he reaches New York, so, we will be relying on emails from now on.
I shall of course update you as we go along.
He did tell me that he has already run through the first concert in his room.
So he's definitely getting down to some serious practise.
After an early start he had a good flight to Gatwick, in that it was short, and then a two hour taxi ride...
But he's now on board and reacquainting himself with the layout.
Unless you have been on one of these ships I think it's difficult to appreciate the size of them.
His first guitar concert isn't until Monday so he has a little time to settle in.
I, however, have had to entertain two small boys.
Both of which were taking full advantage of the phrase, "Oh but Daddys gone away..."
Consequently they have been out on their bikes, not an easy task as I also had two dogs with me, plus we've made cakes.
That and a very early start should mean I get them off to bed pretty early.
No guarantees though.
Robin has made his last 'phone call until he reaches New York, so, we will be relying on emails from now on.
I shall of course update you as we go along.
He did tell me that he has already run through the first concert in his room.
So he's definitely getting down to some serious practise.
Saturday, April 21, 2007
Southampton and the QE2
Robin and his luggage have arrived safely in Southampton and joined the QE2. At least there wasn't a long haul flight to endure, but, merely a short hop down the length of the country.
Mind you, there are plenty of long flights coming up, as he will be visiting some exotic, far flung places, and I'm hoping for some nice photographs. You'll have to keep checking in to find out exactly where he's going.
But for now, he is settling into his room, with a sea view, and I've no doubt, started his guitar practice.
Usually on these trips he performs two 45 minute concerts. But I have had a message to say he'll be doing three this time and the first is tomorrow.
Good job he does have all that music memorised after all...
Mind you, there are plenty of long flights coming up, as he will be visiting some exotic, far flung places, and I'm hoping for some nice photographs. You'll have to keep checking in to find out exactly where he's going.
But for now, he is settling into his room, with a sea view, and I've no doubt, started his guitar practice.
Usually on these trips he performs two 45 minute concerts. But I have had a message to say he'll be doing three this time and the first is tomorrow.
Good job he does have all that music memorised after all...
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