Posted by Sari
I promise to post something like a coherent review of the con later, consider these posts like a very middle-aged woman's record of her own thoughts and impressions, and consequently meant for publication. Saturday was my busy day at the con. First I was on Tähtifantasia award panel, which I thought went OK. I love the concept. Because obviously the judges already know which book won, and might have had a lot of constructive discussion before deciding on a winner, a panel with them would be really stilted. Thus four other people giving their opinion on the nominated books moderated by the judging committee chair gives - I think - a more interesting perspective on the things.
Then I spent an hour gophering at Ellen's guest of honor performance, which I enjoyed even though medieval ballads are not my thing, she projects her own love of what she is doing so well that it draws the audiences in. From the gophering stint I had to literally run to moderate Opera and the fantastic panel. I was sure there was no way we could fill the longer time slot we were given, but lo and behold, the gopher's 15 minute sign came incredibly fast. The panelists and I enjoyed the panel tremendously, and we could have gone on for a long time, so I can only hope some of the enthusiasm was transmitted to the audience.
I then popped in the green room for a bit, and then went over to C1 to gopher Cheryl's informative and funny how to run a masquerade lecture and the masquerade itself which followed straight after. (Special thanks to Ieva for volunteering to help.) Few technical glitches, but I thought that both the number of participants, the costumes themselves and especially the performances were better than any other year I have seen the masquerade. Mad props to all, but especially to Hannele, whose stage presence as always was great.
After the masquerade Mexi and me meandered back to the hotel and cooled ourselves in the swimming pool before heading for the evening party. Lozzi was hot, but the balcony was large and cool. I had a great time talking to guests and friends and left the party far too late. Also I so hope somebody got really good pictures of Maija and Taimi's hall costumes as Holmes and Watson, pure genius, I tell you...
(Edited to ad Facebook link and tags)
I think Markku, at least, took some photos of Holmes and Watson.
Posted by: Tarja | July 19, 2010 at 19:30
I too was utterly baffled at how superbly well the Opera panel went. There was an audience - in fact the auditorium was pretty much filled to the brim - they didn't escape after five minutes, they seemed to enjoy it all and were in fact quite keen, they had questions and interesting and intelligent questions to boot! I still can't believe how swimmingly it all went. Blimey! However, I do feel very strongly that the audience was quite irked by the lamentable fact that composers other than Wagner were mentioned. I mean really! A bit thick that, I thought!
Posted by: ps | July 21, 2010 at 23:15
Yes, it was terrible and so totally unnecessary to speak about anyone else except Wagner. Here is a small apology :-)
http://www.youtube.com/user/rexeterna#p/u/38/PV8roYDbCJU
Posted by: Sari | August 14, 2010 at 12:54