Today is the day we find out what the next few months will hold for us. I am not sure whether I am alone in this or not, but I have felt a sense of anticipation all weekend. Whatever your politics I believe the majority want things to go well. I really don’t think the ‘it’s too soon for this’ or ‘it’s too late for that’ comments help at this point. For many there have been so many losses; of family, work, business and probably much more. But I will say today what I have always maintained – there has to be hope. It is coming up to 12 months without live music in my life and I miss it, as indeed do so many of my friends and colleagues. But we shall have to wait a little longer, be cautious and be patient.

There will of course be the usual delay before the detail is clarified and there will be the usual criticism of why we can’t have all the detail at the same time. But the clarification will come, and we will be able to sing again. For my choirs, it has been a difficult time and being online hasn’t been for everyone, but we have tried hard to engage every member and update them on where we are and what we are doing.

Our route back will be to retrain our voices, develop the sound, build the stamina, and perhaps most importantly enjoy hearing each other – which I believe we shall do in a different way. More considered, more intently and with a sense of relief that we are back together.

Our first goal should be to build back our choir community, then gradually welcome back our supporters and our audience. That first concert may be the most wonderful concert we have ever experienced – but we shall not be alone. Let’s not forget what we have lost, what we have realised is important to us and let’s not lose the anticipation of what it will be like to sing again!