V&A museum and unpacking update
japra | Jul 20, 2010 | Comments 11
This amazing chandelier is a glass sculpture by Dale Chihuly.
Last week, I spent a day at the Victoria and Albert Museum. I specifically went to look at the fashion and costume exhibits because Roxi and I are really into sewing right now. Well, gathering ideas for sewing anyway ;-)
While I was there, I had a cappuccino and a slice of lemon cake in the museum’s beautiful cafe. I would go to the V&A just for this cafe. It’s beautiful. My photo, not so much.
And of course, I had to check out the Grace Kelly Style Icon exhibit. I found it especially interesting after having visited Monaco earlier this year.
On the home front, we’ve unpacked just about all of the boxes. Well, except for the books–they are awaiting their new bookcases. I have a ton of stuff to put away–one strike against this house is that there isn’t as much storage space as the house in Den Haag. It’s forcing me to come up with some creative solutions, and yes, I’m doing a bit of thinning out as well.
Roxi is enjoying her music class. It’s six hours up at the school three days a week. The first two hours are filled with instruction and vocal exercises, practice, harmony and theory study. Then there is a one hour break for lunch. The rest of the time is spent with the rest of the musicians in a performance and improvisation workshop. I think there are about 22 students, most of them are vocalists and guitarists with a handful of keyboardists. The school provides a couple of drummers and a bassists.
During the morning breakout sessions, each group (vocalists, guitarists, keyboardists) work on the same song, focusing on their own parts. The vocalists learn lead and backing vocals. I think the guitarists learn the lead and rhythm parts. When the students get together after lunch, they each play through the song several times as a band. Roxi says she gets to sing lead once and then backing vocals three or more times. She told me that she was amazed how tight the bands are already, even after the first day. By last Thursday, she said they were sounding pretty good.
They worked on this song last week: Walking the Dog. This week they’re working on Got to Get You Into My Life. I hope there is a concert at the end of the session!
Filed Under: Blog • Expat Life • Featured • London • Museums • United Kingdom • What to Do
About the Author: JaPRA is an expat Texan living in England with her husband (Mr. DJ), their 17-year old daughter (Roxi), and their dog Trudy.
Gosh, that place looks really exquisite! I really must make an effort to go there one day. I think your photos are just fine.
I’ve not been to the V&A for years. I had to go there for some of my theatre design studies. It’s an amazing place.
Your beautiful photos make me wish to go there ;-)
Such beautiful place!
That museum looks beautiful…one day {sigh}. We had a big Dale Chihuly exhibit at our local museum a number of years ago. Here’s a pic of the permanent installation…
http://www.norton.org/Portals/1/downloads/NortonMapLayout.pdf
It sounds like Roxi is busy but having an amazing experience. I would imagine that something so intense would really develop her talent – I bet you’ll notice a big difference by the time the summer is over.
I love Chihuly glass – St. Louis had a huge exhibit at the Botanical Graden here and there is a similar glass chandelier in the entrance to the building too! Also, I hope we get to hear some of Roxi’s music some time!!
The V&A is such a magnificent place! I would love to see that exhibition, sounds like something I’d really enjoy. Again, you have me here green with envy!
Roxi’s school sounds like so much fun but with so much work at the same time! Wow! Nice songs, by the way.
Groetjes!!
Uhh – V&A. I have only been there for a meeting so ran in and ran out…it’s the one place in London top of my list for the last few minutes, but haven’t found someone to convinces to go with me. Must. Try. Harder!
Ahhhhh, I think I miss the V&A almost the most of all the places in London! Please visit it again for me!
Oh, I keep hearing about the V&A Museum,and your pictures are among the best I’ve seen! But most importantly, lemon cake is my favorite…
More V&A pix: http://www.kathyamen.net/dream/london/museum/va.htm
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