The Sixteen's Blog

Sixteen staff-member Zoë on the Thames

What better way to get to work than by river, an opportunity some of us took last Friday to get from our offices in Temple to our Choral Pilgrimage concert in Greenwich?  Thames Clippers’ Oystercard-accepting frequent services meander somewhat between piers until you pass under Tower Bridge, from where they roar downriver at a rate of knots.  We noticed that many in our audience arrived by boat as well.

Joined by guests from the Embassy of Spain (the Spanish government has given us a generous grant towards our Victoria concerts this year), members of our Patrons’ Circles, representatives of trusts and foundations, and  corporate supporters, the evening had a festive air (and one of the best things about concerts in the Old Royal Naval Chapel is the chance to visit the Trafalgar Tavern afterwards!).

Ian and Ildiko in post-Marathon recovery mode

Congratulations to our counter-tenor Ian Aitkenhead, who clocked 3.51.47 in yesterday’s London Marathon (which itself criss-crosses and follows the Thames), raising money for Cancer Research.  I’ve done this race myself (years ago), so I know how he feels – elated and exhausted simultaneously.  He is pictured here with another of our singers, soprano Ildiko Allen.

More sporting posts to follow.