The Opera Gala Night on the evening of Wednesday 5th March in aid of The Armed Forces Fund was certainly a night to remember! In the spectacular surroundings of the Merchant Taylors’ Hall, talented singers of St Mary’s shared the stage with international Operatic Stars of our time, and created an evening of dramatic, poignant and memorable operatic colour.
Setting the tone for the evening, guests were welcomed by six Guardsman in full uniform complete with bear skins – much to the delight of the girls (and parents), many of whom managed to get their photos taken with them.
The Merchant Taylors’ (one of the original Twelve Great City Livery Companies surviving from medieval times) was made available to us through the kind generosity of the Master, Mr John Price, former parent and great supporter of the school. Airbus Military UK’s very generous donation ensured that the event costs were covered and so the full ticket price of those attending went to The Armed Forces Fund.
The evening was introduced by the extremely charismatic and charming Aled Jones, who had kindly given up his time to support not only this wonderful cause, but his good friends from the Royal Academy – Bethan Dudley (soprano), Hilary Summers (contralto) and Neal Davies (baritone). These outstanding singers joined the St Mary’s Calne’s Opera Ensemble and The Chamber Choir and amazed the audience with their incredible voices. We were treated to a highly entertaining programme of music from Wagner, Rossini and Bizet to Gilbert and Sullivan and Gershwin. (Click here to view the programme.) Kamila Radzvilaite, our Musician in Residence, also took to the stage and enthralled the audience with her fantastic piano playing. A huge thank you to Mr Hugh Sutton and the Music Department for their talent, support and enthusiasm which resulted in such a spectacular evening!
The majority of guests stayed on to enjoy a most delicious candlelit dinner before heading home, still awestruck by such a fabulous evening of operatic delights.
Special thanks go to the Merchant Taylors’ Hall, Airbus Military UK, Corsham Print, Hatt Coaches, Bridie Hasting Flowers, Jackson Nugent Vintners Ltd and the Grenadier and Coldstream Guards, as well as the wonderful performers, for their support with this event which raised £11,500 for the Armed Forces Fund!