How I met Gregorian or a really happy day!

Hello everyone! It seems that I started to write more often here. Well, maybe it’s all about spring!

The reason of my urgent writing today is happiness that has no limits, emotions that are sweeping and that’s why I really want to share what had happened with me!

As you could probably guess the post will be about Gregorian – a German musical group performing pop and rock songs in a style imitating Gregorian chants. I’m sure they (Gregorian) are known very well but for those who doubted their knowledge I advise you to read about them on Wikipedia and even better listen to their compositions on the Internet (especially «a moment of peace» as it’s one of the most famous songs of their). You will immediately realize: “Well, of course I know them!” or you’ll discover a magic treasure chest full of sounds that probably came to us from Mars.

I discovered these musicians only few years ago or rather to say I found them earlier but listened to them deliberately on a purpose only that time, and of course I could not resist of the idea to go to their concert on March 12 held in the city on Neve  when I came across advertising of their farewell tour.

It happened that during my preparation for the concert (not that I was engaged in the descant))) but in my free time I “was flying” with the music of Gregorian) I realized that I really wanted to draw and to give them a picture (3-4 days before the date). I somehow manage to get the phone of the concert manager (whose name was and still is Natalia, just like mine)). I called her a couple of times and wrote a message, but there was no answer … I just wanted to know if I would be allowed to enter the stadium with a painting and how I could give my present to the ones I love!

Finally I decided that I’d draw a picture no matter what. The problem was that a definite decision came to me the day before the concert and only on March 11 at 12 pm I started to draw and finished it on March 12 at 12pm. If take about 2 hours of sleep and couple of hours for breaks and snack I spent about 20 hours painting “Gregorian” art-work, plus all of my energy resources as well as I spent the night without sleep which was the most difficult for me especially if consider my drawing technique where every detail is important and therefore I should be very concentrated…

Unfortunately it happened that I was almost late for the concert because I am a super-punctual person and being late equals being 30 minutes before the concert for me))) so I was out of breath and disheveled, I was running to the arena Sibur (where the event took place).

By the way the story with the concert manager did not finish on the mysterious silence. Natalia replied to my message just 30 minutes before the concert and explained how I could give my “Little Present”. Imagine if I had not decided to paint due to the fact that I got no answer from her! After all, in fact, I could not be let in with the picture or anything like that … but I still decided to “Just Do It”))

This is a view on the whole hall where the concert was. The white arrow shows our sits approximately.

Some photo-shooting before the show

Gregorian’s concert was a bit late (for 10 minutes perhaps) that did not bother and certainly was forgivable. I think that it is generally the norm when events begin with the delay in Russia.

The show was great! The advertisement stated that musicians were taking 15 tons of scenery with them (well, I read this). I do not think the monks costumes weighed so much)). Most likely it was the lighting installation and things like that. In terms of light show everything was done at the highest level: various rays of the light emphasized heavenly voices of vocalists.

Amelia Brightman was divine. My arms were prickling with goosebumps and a shiver ran through my body almost every time Amelia sang. It was such a strong but sometimes very fragile and angelic voice! Also I liked her womanly image demonstrated by her outfits and arms beautifully-choreographed. Her movements were smooth, graceful and really amazing, though, I think I would be able to do pretty similar things (thanks to ballroom dancing), but my singing is definitely waaaaaay far away from her))))

Photo by ©Andrius Pelakauskas & Matas Baranauskas

Also there were some really touching moments at the event starting from some of the words / phrases that were said by Gregorian in Russian and ending with a pleasant surprise from them when they went to the auditorium, stood next to all of us and sang a couple of short songs and one of them called “Good luck companions” about it is being time to say goodbye and that they were thanking their audience, spectators, fans for their support and love … the text and the performance itself was so touching that many barely kept the tears, and some actually sobbed pretty loud)) it was the perfect gift from Gregorian for which I want to thank again and again! THANK YOU so much!!!

And in one of the songs Gregorian were playing guitars and at the end of the performance they turned their musical instruments to the back of the audience and there were glowing letters on each of the guitars and the entire composition showed the phrase «THANK YOU»! It seems I even broke down and set off into the world of emotional interjections with my loud “Awww!”. (You can view the moment of “Thank you” at 1:52:34 on the video in PS part)

From really cool things I remember the singing of one of my favorite songs «Crying in the rain» (originally performed by  “A-ha”). Around the middle of the song “monks” took few umbrellas and simultaneously opened them. The arena was completely dark and umbrellas were lightened and in addition to that there was pouring rain on the stage! Very impressive and atmospheric! (can be viewed at 1:03:40 on the video)

There was also a very interesting and a bright point with plates that reflected the light  but I won’t describe it here because I don’t want to go into so much details (Natasha said after describing all inside and out already))), because it is better to see once in real life than 100 times read in my blog)

Photo by ©Andrius Pelakauskas & Matas Baranauskas

In other words the show was absolutely spectacular and exciting but at the same time touching and very sincere that I even had a “fear” during the concert: that soon this story will end: “What if this is the last song and this magic is over? ? “and afterwards I again had a chance to listen to stunning and enchanting voices of Gregorian and I felt like I was floating above the ground! Indescribable feelings!

But, alas, the concert went to its logical conclusion. However my great evening of happiness was not yet finished. I phoned the manager of the concert and Natalia (that time my unknown angel) told me to meet her near the stage which I did together with my Dale (talking about Chip & Dale)),meaning my lovely friend Susanna, who supported me in my wish to do the painting for Gregorian and she also supported me in the “marathon” on our way to the concert and much more! Natalia took us behind the scenes of the stage. I found singers being in a little vanity: one was drinking water while packing things at the same time, another was changing, etc. Alas, they were not all together in one room but we were able to meet with majority of Gregorian and talk face to face with them, as well as to present my painting and even take an unforgettable picture!

My good and fluent English certainly allowed me to say a little thank-you, an emotional speech but to be honest I was over-emotional I think and this moment was like a dream for me: everything was quick, spontaneous, incredible and very happy!

Berwyn Pearce holding the picture very gently)

It’s been almost a day from the moment of the meeting and I am still full of enormous happiness as Gregorian vocalists we met with Susanna were very welcoming, friendly and just fantastic! And when Daniel Williams (a young blond man) said to me “Spasibo!” (“Thank you” in Russian) I smiled to him and tried to remember that Russian word that we say after “thank you” (it was hard to switch from English and from overwhelming emotions)). Daniel so I wanted to reply “Bolshoye spasibo tebe I vsey vashey komande”!!! (a big thank to YOU and to all your team!)

Once again, thank you so much my dear friend Susanna for your support and a photoshoot)))

PS. By typing on Youtube «Gregorian – Live @ Crocus City Hall, Moscow 10.03.2016 (Full Show)» you will find that video to which I referred in the article. It’s not my video, I found it accidently. The quality is not that bad but of course it cannot be compared with the live concert which I certainly advice everyone to go to!!!

When I met such a wonderful werewolf

Bonjour à tous!

I deliberately started my post with a French greeting because this post is going to have a French flavor and it does make me happier. So here we are having a little break from my Asian adventures while tasting some great music, artistic atmosphere (as often happens on my blog).

Where is going this happy post to? It’s still situated in Omsk, very cold but beautiful Siberia where a lot of dreams come truth when you wish upon a star. I cannot say it was my dream but from the moment I knew that Garou was visiting my city with a concert, I had this “I’d love to be there!” feeling))). What’s more, when I got my ticket, I had a willing to make a present for the singer. It needed to be smth magical, beautiful and remarkable. What else could come to my mind if not a picture painted by mе? Yes, except of writing the blog, I draw, I dance…what a talented girl I am and modest most importantly))

(c) – those photos I took from Google seacrh. Unfortunately, couldn’t find the names of photographers. 

So…I started the creation with my muse while listening to only Garou’s music. I should mention that I was not his fan and don’t consider to be one of them now either. However, I do like his voice, the way he sings and I found a lot of his songs wonderful. In addition to that, I am in love with French language and how it sounds. I won’t go into details of painting the picture but will go to the concert-part straight away.

The event was on the 9^th of February, such a lovely Sunday with about -25C outside. There were a lot of people in the odeum, the hall was full! Actually, there is no surpsire considering that there are 9 albums in Garou’s discography, he worked in the musical “Notre-Dame de Paris”, perfomed at 2010 Winter Olympics opening ceremony in Vancouver, he is also one of the juries in “The Voice” (french version), etc. I was sure the concert won’t start at 7pm as it was announced. From the experience I got before, I realize it’s normal to be late for such stars. What’s more, French people are not the most punctual as I’ve heard (which is not a problem at all as long as you get used to it). However, Garou was in front of us right at 7:00pm! What a punctuality! I apologize for underestimating this great man.

The highlights of the concert.

Pierre Garand (it’s a real name of the singer, while Carou is just a nickname which means “werewolf” when translated from French) was performing his best with 100% energy going to the audience, he sang amazingly while managed to jump or dance sometimes. He also played different musical instruments such as guitar, harmonica and keybords, which was breathtaking and really impressive! In addition to that, not only French atmosphere was in the air but an international one as the singer spoke a lot of English, a very bit of Russian and sang very different compositions like “Let it Be” (Beatles), “If I ain’t got you” (Alicia Keys), “A little less conversation” (Elvis Presley) and others. Everything was sung amazingly with Garou’s own interpretation and energy. I, personally, loved it.

(the photo is a bit blurry, all because of the great emotions going at the time))

Of course, it wouldn’t be Pierre Garand’s concert if there wasn’t  “l’amour français” in the air. He did mention the beauty of Russian women, danced with two ladies while going into the audience and got a lot of flowers during the performance and afterwards.

It looks that I’m not criticizing anything at all. It’s just me – a girl who enjoys everything and always looks at the bright side of life. However, I might say that the audience was really modest and timid. Couple of times the singer asked us to stand up and dance while he was singing a very rhythmic song. I believe around 20 people out of 1000 did so which was a pity, in my opinion. As about me, the dance-lover, I followed the instructions and therefore got even more happiness! Though I was shy to sing but even here tried to overcome my fear.

And now the main part of me running in the hall))). The first section of the concert I was sitting and thinking when was the best time to give the present. The second part of the performance I was trying to actually give it away, ahaha. I may exaggerate a bit but when I finally made a decision and run to the stage, a security man stopped me and said it’s not a good time to give a present and asked me to return to my place. And it happened not for once!

Eventually, when the concert was over and Garou was standing on the stage, smiling and listening to the clapping audience, me and about 15 other ladies came closer to the stage and started presenting our gifts while receiving a kiss on the cheek from the man himself.  Everything around was covered with a beautiful floral scent as each of those girls had a bouquet for the mister charming. As I like to stand out from the crowd, my flowers were very different from others: a square-shaped, kind of flat, black and white and did not smell at all. I would call it “picture” if being honest. Unfortunately, Garou did not have much time to look at it properly and also to speak with me but from his interjection of surprise, I was sure he was touched and liked it. I hope it was a good present. Also, a bit later I saw a journalist taking a photo of my painting. I don’t know if she was from a TV-channel or a newspaper but perhaps she liked my creation. Anyway, it doesn’t matter for me as long as my art found his owner and it’s somewhere in Paris or Montreal now.

My painting. Canvas, black acrylic. 2014.

I would like to make a point that even though some people may think of this gesture as a small PR, promotion. Of course, a very famous person has my painting now and so on. However, I wrote a pretty short lovely text on the rear side of canvas and deliberately didn’t mention any of my contacts so it wasn’t considered as an advert or any hidden interest beneath the present. I just simply wanted to do smth for Garou even though I am not a big fan of him. It was “From Russia with Love” – that kind of thing))

Each of my posts I am not only sharing the information and adventures I have but also trying to illustrate how you can make your life as a sparkling diamond! Like in this particular case – I could’ve just gone to the concert and enjoy French and great singing, etc. However, with my decision of making a present, I made myself happier while working on this and enjoying the creation process.  And at the end I did what I wanted to do, I also gave some (hopefully) positive emotions to the man who worked so hard and did his best in our Siberian music hall. It’s such a great thing to be thankful and most importantly to express your gratitude!

See you soon, lovelies!