A Capella, Digital Keyboard, Rented Piano Or No, Thanks?

Ok, so we all have been there: a function, a charity event or just a concert organised by somebody who has little understanding of the classical music-making. They come up to you and ask to perform, and then it comes: sorry but we have no instrument available. There are multiple options how to reply and react to such proposals so I`ll start with the less interesting ones.

1. "No thanks".

Why not to choose option 1. The easiest and (IMHO) less interesting choice. Sometimes these little events that might seem unpromising and not worth an effort turn out to be sheer joy in the end. Example: I sang at Earl`s Court Health Centre a couple of years ago for a friendly crowd of 10 (ish). These were people who have never heard classical music live (yes, I`ve checked that), and you can`t imagine the amount of positiveness and attention these lovely people gave me on the day. They turned out to be better listeners than most audiences accustomed to the world of classical music. It gave my confidence a real boost, and this is (again, IMHO) the most important thing for a newly-born opera singer.

Why to choose option 1. If you have a career of David Hansen and etc. or if you are very busy and booked up at the moment you may use the absence of an instrument as a good excuse to avoid this particular concert. Honestly, why to waste your time? Sometimes the overall provisions are so poor that the fact that they didn`t consider elementary things such as an actual instrument can be the last straw.

2. RYOP or rent your own piano.

Why not to choose option 2. First of all: I`m sure you are not rich. A modest upright piano rent (with transfer, insurance and tuning) will cost you around £600. Yep. If it`s a paid engagement they must have taken responsibility without you even knowing about the piano problem, so if it is a paid engagement either ask them to take measures or go to option 1. Many concert organisers think that the piano will appear out of the blue. No, it won`t.

Why to choose option 2. There are rare occasions when you and/or sponsors can take your own responsibility and rent a piano. Example: my colleagues (a baroque ensemble) in Russia paid for harpsichord rent and transfer in order to perform in the kids` hospice. Sometimes, money is the least thing to worry about.

3. Digital keyboard.

Why not to choose option 3. If you want your accompanist to become your nemesis and haunt you till the end of your days, offer him/her to play a digital keyboard. Even if your fellow pianist is originally enthusiastic about the repertoire and location, an idea of playing this musical equivalent of silicone bosoms usually puts off even the purest and least mercantile soul.

Why to choose option 3. To be completely honest, your audience probably won`t even notice. The main course is you with your incredible voice and temperament, they have probably never heard any piece from your concert`s programme before, and they will happily and gratefully take everything you`ll have to offer. I`m sure if you try hard, you`ll manage to persuade your best friend to play this thing for you. I remember my teacher`s first advice: MAKE FRIENDS WITH PIANISTS! Mezzo-soprano editor`s note: AND WITH HARPSICHORDISTS!

4. A capella.

Why not to choose option 4. My advice: do not choose this option if you are not blessed (more correctly, cursed) with an absolute pitch. Otherwise sooner or later you`ll inevitably go out of tune much to your own embarrassment. Your audience might not notice this little catastrophe but there is a good chance that you`ll go too flat or too high, and you might find yourself in a completely uncomfortable key that will either spoil your performance or just wear off your voice. Another thing: you`ll have to choose your repertoire really carefully as few music pieces can be performed without the Lord of Instruments aka piano.

Why to choose option 4. I need to confess: I choose option 4 on most occasions mainly because I see it as the quintessential music-making. You are there like a medieval minstrel (who somehow lost his psaltery), and there is nothing standing between you and your audience. It might feel weird for the first time as you are almost naked with nobody else on stage to support you but there is real magic happening in that very moment. I still remember that enchanting atmosphere created by King`s Singers though it`s a different story as there are six of them and they actually create harmonies (that`s why no need for an accompanying instrument). Bearing that in mind, repertoire should be chosen really carefully. I usually go for the most popular stuff (even when it has nothing to do with my actual voice type. There is no piano, i.e. no transposition issues!). It gives me a unique opportunity to explore this repertoire I might never get an opportunity to perform later on in my career. Then, of course here comes a mostly unexplored rep of folk music and jazz. I personally do not do jazz as I lack necessary skill and knowledge in this area but folk music is my cup of tea. I think that folk music is something incredibly underestimated. Most tunes are beautiful beyond measure and speak directly to the hearts of your audience, and it doesn`t matter which country the song belongs to. There are incredible Russian, Ukrainian, Gaelic, Chinese, Igbo, Armenian, Persian, Indian and Native American songs. With such an ethnic diversity presented nowadays in the audiences, folk songs performed in the original languages (quality doesn`t really matter, intention does!) are received warmly and joyfully. Though Greensleeves, Scarborough Fair and Molly Malone seem to be the favourites ;)

Do not turn down nonprofitable or small offers without hesitation. This might become a really special experience and you might build up your own fan club! And I strongly advise to arrange Q&A sessions after you`re done. People always have questions for the artist but won`t ask them unless being encouraged to do so. Mind that this matinee/afternoon/evening may become one of the greatest highlights of their cultural experience so far, so you should ensure that you`ve done everything you could to make this event important and special for the both sides.