'A stirring performance'
The company had the particular honour of performing at a Gran Galà in one of the world's most prestigious opera houses, the Gran Teatro La Fenice in Venice. The opera house saw the premieres of many great operas including Verdi's 'La Traviata', and 'Rigoletto', as well as other works by Rossini, Donizetti, Stravinsky and Britten.
During Sir John Major's Premiership, Dame Norma Major (a keen opera goer and author of the official biography of Dame Joan Sutherland) invited the company to arrange charity performances at Downing Street and Chequers, which included The Barber of Seville in the presence of HRH The Prince of Wales.
The company has also performed in the presence of TRH The Earl and Countess of Wessex, HRH The Princess Royal, HRH Princess Margaret, HRH The Duke of Kent, TRH The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, TRH Prince and Princess Michael of Kent and HRH Princess Alexandra.
COMPANY HISTORY
London Festival opera has achieved a considerable reputation for presenting opera in palaces, castles, country houses, theatres, concert halls, embassies and private homes and gardens. Recent engagements have been throughout the UK, Europe and as far afield as Barbados, Marrakech and Moscow.
Particular highlights have been performing at St. James's Palace in the presence of HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, a gala in Moscow as part of the events surrounding Her Majesty The Queen's State Visit as well as appearances at 10 Downing Street, for the President of Malta in The Palace in Valetta, for Baroness Thatcher at Blenheim Palace, The Right Hon Betty Boothroyd in the Speaker's House, and at a private party in London for the Spice Girls.
The company has given opportunities to many young outstanding artists at the beginning of their careers, including the tenor Ian Bostridge who sang the lead in Handel's 'Acis and Galathea' which was his first appearance in costume.
The CD 'Country House Opera' was recorded at Trafalgar Park which is the home of our Honorary Chairman, Michael Wade. The house is available for corporate and charity events throughout the year and is a perfect setting for a wedding or private party.
'Saturday was a truly lovely evening'.
Peter Emmens - Chairman, East Lincolnshire Arts