Sage & Time (for a cuppa)

This is a view taken inside the Sage, Gateshead - one of the largest music venues in the North-East having opened in December 2004. It lies in on the banks of the River Tyne next to the Tyne Bridge. It is home to the Royal Northern Sinfonia Orchestra & holds many a concert ranging from classical to modern, through to folk. There are also sound proof rooms to hire for rehearsals & classes of every kind to dip your toe or to totally immerse yourself into the world of music.

Today I popped in to pay my dues for this term as I am very lucky & extremely proud to be part of a 300 strong choir called Inspiration that perform three times a year & are supported by the Royal Northern Sinfonia Orchestra. Rehearsals are held elsewhere for 12 weeks before the concert but on the day itself we rehearse once with the orchestra then this is followed by 1 or 2 concerts later in the day. Any spare time in-between is spent with a lovely group of friends socialising in the cafe of restaurant for lots of girly chat & of course we must be 'well watered'!! Christmas (our forthcoming concert) is spectacular with the Sage itself in the christmas spirit but with matinee & evening performances. Last year was a complete sell out & when on stage its such a special feeling its indescribable.

This view was taken today from the cafe whilst having a hot chocolate & sticky toffee muffin - even the cafe does it in style & after all it is the last day of my holidays!!

The shapes of the glass reflected perfectly on the shiny floor with the Tyne Bridge beyond & if looking carefully can make out the signage for the recent Great North Run.

One bonus is that I managed to get tickets for a previous sell out show. I was lucky enough to get tickets returned this afternoon! So I will be back on Sunday to see Alison Moyet!! A productive afternoon all round I think!!