We haven't posted for a little while, partly because less has happened this past week as far as travel plans go, but also because I've spent the past few days doing a fresh install on my computer. What that means is I basically start from scratch, loading the OS (Operating System - Windows XP Pro in my case), and then all the various programs and applications. All along the way tweaking this and that making sure things work together, or even simply work. It is not my favourite thing to spend my time doing, however having a computer that has greater stability and works much smoother and quicker makes all this effort worthwhile. So while I was rebuilding my computer I couldn't spend any time on trip planning or Blog writing.
Now I can get back to thinking about the trip and all the wonderful experiences we have to look forward to. One of the cultural experiences that is going to happen for sure (by that I mean we have already purchased our tickets) is hearing a concert at the Sheldonian Theatre in Oxford (see picture above). Harry Maier, my friend who attended Oxford as a student, told us about the Sheldonian Theatre, especially its connection with George Frideric Handel who performed concerts there, including the premier of his oratorio Athalia.
Now I can get back to thinking about the trip and all the wonderful experiences we have to look forward to. One of the cultural experiences that is going to happen for sure (by that I mean we have already purchased our tickets) is hearing a concert at the Sheldonian Theatre in Oxford (see picture above). Harry Maier, my friend who attended Oxford as a student, told us about the Sheldonian Theatre, especially its connection with George Frideric Handel who performed concerts there, including the premier of his oratorio Athalia.
It just so happened that there is a concert in the Sheldonian on one of the days we are in Oxford, and appropriately Handel is on the program! The concert features the Copenhagen Royal Chapel Choir (also known as the Danish Boys Choir) with the Oxford Philomusica (the resident orchestra in Oxford). Also on the program are selections by Haydn and Purcell. Somehow hearing a Danish choir, singing music by a German composer who was Italian trained and later became an English citizen seemed appropriate for our particular pilgrimage.
One final bit of trivia - the Sheldonian Theatre was one of the first buildings ever designed by Sir Christopher Wren, the famous British architect (most famous for designing St. Paul's Cathedral in London). Wren's design for the Sheldonian features an ingenious roof construction that made it possible to not utilize posts for support (which would block the view of the performers). It was so strong that for many years Oxford University Press stored its books on the upper level of the theatre.
So Beth and I look forward to seeing this famous building, and hearing some beautiful music at the same time. Talk about soaking in cultural history!
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