Hsinchu Concert

Tonight's Hsinchu (the "H" is silent) concert was amazing! This was a smaller city, and so it was a smaller audience, but they sure were enthusiastic. Here's a few details.

First, I think I was just plunked down into the middle of a live music video! Some concerts just seem to draw you into the action on stage, so that nothing and no one else is in the room, just you and the performers.

There was a screen behind the stage (which, yes, has been used in other concerts), that played video scenes during some of the songs. This time just felt different. Perhaps it helped that the stage was lower. Maybe it was my oddly too-large seat that made me lean back and relax. Maybe it was the really great sound. Or all of these combined. But I was in some sort of virtual reality. Except it was real. :D

If you ever get to go to more than one concert, try to sit in a different spot for each one of them. You notice so many different things. For Taipei #1 and #2, I was on the left. This time I was in the center, so I could see more of the right side also.

Dies Irae - Ciaran started the concert off right. Have you ever watched someone sing, like in church, and you're white-knuckling it the whole time, worrying that they won't hit their notes. Yeah, Ciaran is not that person. :)

Gloria - One to watch for - Sam Wiggins. On the right side I noticed Ciaran (I think) singing high and then realized that Sam was singing really high along with him! Sam wasn't wearing a mic, but he was definitely hitting those high notes.

Speech by Ben & Cassius - It sounds like Cassius has a cold. :( Hope he feels better soon. The words of all of their speeches were posted on the screen translated into Chinese. This helped so much! The audience reaction was much better since now they could understand what was being said. Great touch! :D

I Vow To Thee, My Country - Matthew J is just so good!

Salva Me - Hoods, video with hoods, lighting, you're inside a music video.

How Shall I Sing? - Eoghan still has it! I sat right in front of him. :) And now I see (thank you right side) that Tom AND Isaac sing the high part. They just nailed it!

At the start of the 2nd half, the audience applauded when Libera walked out on stage in the dark.

Far Away - So great! Here I go again, gushing about Isaac. If he's this good at 10 years old... wow!

Ciaran's Speech - OK, so now the 1st tongue twister sounds like "Pick a copper, put a kettle..." No worries. I can't say either version. hehe

Ave Verum - Felt very powerful tonight. Noticed Carlos smiling. :D

Stay With Me - Could distinctly hear Lucas's strong voice on this. Very nice.

The Moon Represents My Heart - On the video screen it read "1953-1995 Teresa Teng" with a picture of her. I was told she was the original singer of this song. Perhaps in deference to this tribute, the audience did not clap as soon as they recognized the song. But when it was done they clapped so loudly and long that if Robert hadn't cued up "Libera," they'd still be clapping.

8 boys did an autograph signing in the upstairs lobby. There was no picture-taking while in line, but pictures were allowed any other time. And boy, did people take a lot of pictures! :D

When I went through the line, the boys were all so sweet and cheerful. Tom and Michael U-R were at the end. They asked me what my favorite song was. When I said "The Moon Represents My Heart," Michael said "Yes!" That's his solo. lol Apparently there's a competition between the 2 of them to see whose feature songs gets the most votes. I should have said "Grateful Heart." hehe

Now for pictures!