We end our chats with abiding promises of coffees, lunches and evenings out- for when the veil lifts, and we all emerge to mad group hugs!, says Liz Nolan in fervent hope of release
Much like the diva in Sondheim's Follies, I'm still here - at the kitchen table, recording The Full Score for daily broadcast on RTÉ lyric fm. Seán, my young fella, is propped up beside me each afternoon: sixth class homework is the next-level challenge, to liven up my own research! Fun times... But it's great he's back at school.
Nearly every day, I'm in touch with my colleague on The Full Score, Linda McGlynn, who also balances work and a little one, as she brilliantly casts shape and structure on the show. We end our chats with abiding promises of coffees, lunches and evenings out - for when the veil lifts, and we all emerge to mad group hugs! Or something like that.
On the plus side, music performance has begun again here in Limerick city. I've been involved in collaborations with the world-class Irish Chamber Orchestra (celebrating its 50th birthday this year) and also County Limerick's Castleconnell Concert Series: socially-distanced performances, filmed for online viewing, which have meant so much to the musicians involved.
It's not just a job, performing is their life and identity - and it's a privilege to witness their music-making, particularly during these anxious times. Those concerts are being broadcast on The Full Score, so you can enjoy them yourselves!
I've decided Slow Music is now a thing, to follow Slow Food and all the rest. There's been a mega-embrace of The Full Score's programme of complete musical works - no soundbites or snippets, but the entire artistic statement, rolled out in perfect context.
Music is like a really great kiss: the impact is not the same if you hop right ahead to "the good bit"! It's all about the build up, the anticipation - and following it through.
Not that I'm a world expert on kissing! But, with the enforced hiatus of these times, and the slackening of the pace in our crazy lifestyles, there's now more room for an appreciation of the complete experience. And it's wonderful to see how our listeners have responded to that on the programme.
Life outside work? I'm having a shot at 'mummy-yoga', as Seán calls it. We still walk along the Shannon, where the swans patrol the waves in their lovely disdain. There are chats with other parents, and our brilliant neighbours, which usually end in guffaws and eyerolls, at the madness of it all. And on Netflix, we're re-watching the Johnny English films, with their sublime comedy, and of course, a turn from Limerick's adopted son, Dominic West! Keeping it local.
Liz Nolan presents The Full Score, 1.00pm to 4.00pm, Monday to Friday, RTÉ lyric fm.
Read Liz's first account of life under restrictions and lockdown from back in June here
