Victoria, Albert and Music

05.12.12

Having completed an eventful Master & Wardens meeting, unusually in black tie, it was a dash across to South Kensington to the Victoria and Albert Museum. This was a magical place for the Royal College of Music to host their Soiree d'Or, their annual fund raising concert and dinner in the aid of the RCM Scholarship Fund. While not an official Marketors event, there were links and it was a splendid occasion and so I believe worth a mention in my blog.

We were guests of Anastasia and Richard Christou, Anastasia being on the Soiree d'Or working committee and Richard not only being one of our Liverymen but also a newly appointed member of the Court and Chair of our AFC Committee. With over 400 guests, the occasion was awash with famous faces. Much to our surprise and delight our table included a Past Master of the Chartered Accountants and also Sir Peter Gershon who is, amongst many roles, Chair of Tate & Lyle. However our link is that he was my boss about 40 years ago.

The proceedings were enhanced by both musicians and singers from the RCM, the most memorable being Sir James Galway who was described as the living legend of the flute. His performance, including a composition based on Carmen, certainly proved this description. The Mistress recalled that the last time we heard him at an event was 33 years ago, the year he received his OBE. The auction followed, conducted by Sotheby's, and as we expected it was a little rich for us, but as you might expect there were other ways in which guests were able to contribute to the fund on the night. And so an excellent evening.   

John Flynn
Master Marketor