Share the Stage: How A Child of Our Time reignited my passion for performing
It was all thanks to my fiancé.
He heard about the Share the Stage project on Classic FM and told me The Glasshouse was looking for musicians from across the North East to participate in a collaborative project.
Intrigued, I discovered it was to play Sir Michael Tippett’s powerful oratorio, A Child of Our Time.
I already loved the beauty and emotional depth of the spirituals in the music, having sung them in the chamber choir at school. So, I jumped at the chance to play the full piece, knowing I’d be alongside professional musicians in a world-class concert venue. I filled in the online application form and waited for the response. I was thrilled to secure a place in the second violins.
Making friends and learning the notes
Preparation began with a Zoom call where we met the other string players and our sections, putting names to faces. Recognising those friendly faces at the first rehearsal helped alleviate some feelings of trepidation. The Glasshouse sent us practice videos from each section leader, with practical tips on bowing, fingering, and stylistic elements. Listening to the second violin part in these videos gave me a clear idea of tempo and overall style.
By the time rehearsals started, I was familiar with the music and the people I was playing with. When I met the other musicians in person, it was reassuring. We shared feelings of nervousness, parts of the music we were finding tricky (Number 22 anyone?) and the challenges of finding time to practise alongside full-time jobs and family demands. It was refreshing to realise that I was doing quite well.
As rehearsals progressed, the piece slowly came together and made more sense – first with the other string sections, then with the full orchestra and choir, and finally with the soloists. I loved being able to play alongside professionals and observing the level of detail they went into. The chance to perform alongside world-class soloists was a real highlight. Their talent and energy made me want to improve my own playing and made the whole experience even more unforgettable.
Our section leader, Eva, was brilliant. She was so positive and encouraging, never criticising but giving us pointers throughout to gradually improve the musicality of our playing. Throughout this experience, I learnt so much and greatly improved my playing technique, especially my bow control.
Music with a message
A Child of Our Time isn’t an easy piece to play – it’s very chromatic and discordant in places, though punctuated by moments of pure beauty. This mirrors the work’s theme about oppression and man’s battle with his dark nature before expressing hope for healing – if humanity can cast aside differences and face the light in unity. Although written in 1939 after the events around Kristallnacht and (later) the outbreak of World War II, it seems to have a highly relevant message for today’s world.
At the concert in Sage One, the massed choir of hundreds of voices and the charisma of the soloists underlined the message’s power. The full, resonant sound of numbers such as the spiritual Steal Away were overwhelming. They contrasted starkly with passages of violence, confusion and anger that dissolved into tender moments. It was a poignant and moving performance; I felt privileged to be in it. With over 300 performers, many of whom were local, it was really special to see both professionals and non-professionals coming together for a shared purpose.
Inspired to keep the music flowing
After the intense preparation, the exhilarating performance and the satisfaction of a standing ovation, I’m already thinking, what next? I don’t want the momentum to slip away. In the past, the pressures of weekly rehearsals, the constant need to practice and the anxiety of “not being good enough” have held me back from committing to regular ensemble playing. But the sheer joy of being a part of Share the Stage has reignited my passion for music, renewing my confidence.
I’d like to keep the spark alive by joining a local orchestra again, and excitedly I might play in a string quartet with another violinist from the project. If The Glasshouse runs another Share the Stage initiative in the future, I’ll be applying.
This blog is written by Laura Ball.
