The Coronation of Willhelm and Vienna

Mad skills to pay the bills. Or something like that.

I don’t typically go to coronations because I don’t know any of the Kings or Queens. It’s hard to go to a day of pomp and circumstance if you feel like a stranger. Honestly, if I know folks getting awards, I am all for it and I will attend with a smile on my face.

This coronation was different. I went this time first and foremost because I actually had some semblance of who the incoming royalty because I had met them at crown service as Sir Marcus’ consort. He had nothing but wonderful things to say about this couple, so I figured it would be worthwhile to attend. Plus, I was most of they way to site the day before due to Mundane engagements.

About 4 weeks prior to the event, I received a message from Sarah Byrd, of whom I had worked with previously on an adhoc choir for the Feast of St. Nicholas. She had asked me if I’d be willing to sing in the choir since it was the Queen’s whim to have music her reign. I of course agreed.

3 weeks before the event she asked me if I would sing some solos during the performer’s showcase. I had a few pieces which were her majesties persona and period so I agreed (Twist my arm… make me sing more)

2 weeks before the event she reached out to me and asked if I would be willing to sing Alto. I’m not an alto, but if anyone knows medieval music, it really didn’t matter.

1 week before the event ” Oh hey Solveig, would you mind conducting the choir?”. Sure, I’ll do a thing.

The day of, I had 45 minutes to wrangle a choir and instrumentalists to make a thing happen. Sure, no problem.

 

 

 

After all was said and done, Her Majesty, Vienna did the one thing I never thought I’d see in my days in the society. She thanked all the musicians, continued to invite them and then made all performers that day a member of the Order of the Troubadour. ( I got inducted two more times, hehe. My name was called 2 more times that day since I had already been inducted a couple years ago.

This is probably once of the most memorable days in my SCA performance career and not because I was recognized, but because of the hard working musician’s around me were.