'Isles of Wonder' behind the scenes

Copyright Philipp Rathmer, Brigitte

"When I was invited to participate in the London 2012Olympic Opening Ceremony I was both honoured and humbled. The onus on all the people who have donated their time, energy and effort towards the world's most prestigious event is enormous. The attention to detail has been second to none from everyone who has participated both on stage and off stage. For my part I was delighted to introduce the Aluphone to Danny Boyle and his creative team. In turn I believe it's beautiful tone and sound colour have been incorporated into, what I hope, will become an iconic piece of music helping to introduce this exciting new instrument across the globe." Evelyn Glennie DBE

Meeting people like film Director Danny Boyle is awesome in itself. However working with him and his team on the music and staging of an event like the L2012 Opening Ceremony takes the term 'awesome' to a completely new level.

I am astounded that such a vision could and has come together in this spectacular programme. The common theme behind the scenes has been, were it not for the volunteers this programme could not have happened. They have come forward in their thousands and I salute them.

My contribution is minimised by the efforts of so many but for me it is also a pinnacle, an aspirational achievement and without a doubt a day I will never forget. The daily process working with artists, production teams, technical and personnel crews has been a constant reminder of the skills and expertise that have also contributed in silence behind the scenes. 

Our sense of pride in our great nation and its contribution to the world is played out during the Olympic Opening Ceremony programme this evening from the work of Isambard Kingdom Brunel through to our modern interactive technology. 

The United Kingdom represents so many aspects of our lives. Our islands and relationships across the globe have been forged and interlinked in many ways over hundreds of years.

As you know I was born in Scotland and I am proud to call myself Scottish however my country is the United Kingdom and tonight I was part of the best show on earth.

I sincerely hope you enjoy the weeks to come and celebrate the spirit of the Olympic Games as the worlds best athletes compete for the highest prize.

The 'not so blue' Danube...

I recently visited the beautiful city of Linz in Austria to give a motivational speech on for delegates attending the ICCHP  conference. Whilst I enjoyed my supper one evening on the terrace overlooking the famous Danube River I reflected on the fact that due to heavy rain the river was flowing very fast and looked decidedly muddy and brown, not quite the romantic image Johann Strauss had portrayed in his beautiful Blue Danube Waltz.

Talking to people living in Linz about the weather (as we British love to do!) it seems the weather patterns are very similar to ours in the UK. As I watched the heavy barges travel up and down the river I found myself thinking about other similarities between the music business and the Danube.

By day the Danube is full of long hard working barges pushing heavy loads up and down the river both with and against the flow until the evening brings on the twinkling lights of the restaurant and hotel boats trading their wares. The river morphs amidst the moonlight and romance of the night, masking the muddy brown waters below.

Of course the industrial aspect of my musical world is not quite so obvious and the hive of activity behind every performance is well and truly hidden from view. For me and my team the flow begins as soon as a promoter books an event. The administration wheels go into motion and the groundwork begins in earnest.

My team beaver away discussing and agreeing various points, negotiating, organising, liaising on every aspect of my involvement, repertoire is discussed, instruments are organised, travel and hotels are booked and contacts are made. We pride ourselves on creating and maintaining long term relations and we recognise the importance of good communication. This is absolutely critical to ensure the flow is completely synchronised with our customers needs, regardless of the many activities that come and go between us and the promoters we simply must get the show on the road.

Our journey is sometimes very hectic and we have occasionally need to move heaven and earth to ensure the performance goes ahead. Just like the barges we sometimes have to push against the flow, occasionally we get caught up in the reeds (metaphorically speaking!) but we always pride ourselves in ensuring the curtain goes up on time and the audiences are Wowed!