What a triumph of an evening! After a champagne reception, courtesy of Pol
Roger, the producer of Opera Holland Park, James Clutton, gave us an insight in
his introduction to the programme of glorious singing that awaited us. It proved
no less than outstanding.
The evening, in aid of the Lord Mayor’s Appeal, was the brainchild
of Sheriff Nigel Pullman who had sought sponsorship for the concert, managing
to get British American Tobacco plc (BAT) on board as well as the Cook and
Butler, and Partridges to provide the wine. The Worshipful Companies of Leathersellers, Broderers and World Traders also
contributed. As the Lord Mayor was abroad rightly banging the drum vigorously for
UK plc, the Lady Mayoress was our gracious host. A Bluthner Grand piano had been loaned, a
brilliant accompanist found, and the scene was set.
Court Assistant Peter Rees was mentioned twice in the course of
the evening, having designed the web site for promoting the event and it never
ceases to amaze me how often Peter’s name is mentioned (last time it was the
fundraising concert at St Vedast). Peter
seems to do the charitable work that others cannot do – programme design and
production, website, on line booking systems. You name it and ask for Peter!
With Opera Holland Park’s booking opening and the start of
their open air season not far away, we heard a feast of talent from the National
Opera Studio trainees. These were young
and extremely talented singers, many with contracts lined up with the Royal
Opera House and other Opera Houses, post the summer season. They were joined by well known seasoned
professionals and together the programme was uniquely special. Hearing such
singing in Stationers’ Hall was also a unique experience.
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| Me with the very talented National Opera Students |
With nearly every Master seemingly in attendance the reception afterwards
was lively and informal, reflecting the fellowship that is generated when the
Livery get together. For a Monday
evening, particularly with our Rededication Service and Spring Dinner the
following day, it was uniquely entertaining.
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