The Bryan Adams Foundation held its inaugural fundraising event, An Evening of Opera and Picnic, on Wednesday 1st July 2009 on the lawns of The Royal Hospital, Chelsea in London.
A 4 course picnic, donated by Michelin star chef Gordon Ramsay and eaten on rugs to the accompaniment of music by The Pavao Quartet, was followed by a performance of Opera in the hospital’s chapel sung by the Jette Parker Young Artists from the Royal Opera House, who sung pieces by Puccini, Bizet, Mozart, Verdi and others. Critically acclaimed UK violinist, Charlie Siem, also performed on the evening during the second half.
Adams performed as well, opening the concert singing a duet with the soprano Anita Watson: 'Love Unspoken' by Lehar. The evening concluded with a performance of 'All for Love' by the entire cast.
The funds raised from the event will support two projects. The Chelsea Pensioners' Appeal, which is raising funds to modernise parts of The Royal Hospital - a home for around 300 veteran soldiers - and Switchback which helps young offenders rebuild their lives when they come out of prison.
The evening was sponsored by Phonak, a leading and innovative hearing solutions provider, who are committed to supporting events that celebrate music and help emphasise the importance of good hearing.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
We are hugely grateful and enormously thankful to Phonak for their sponsorship and to Gordon Ramsay for donating the picnics. As well as to everybody else who supported the event so generously:
The Jette Parker Young Artists, The Pavao Quartet, Charlie Siem, At Your Service, Daylesford Organic, Perrier Jouet Champagne, The Wren Press, Big Fridge Ltd, Henny Lynne Flowers, Fudges, Hildon Water, L'Artissan du Chocolat, Green & Black's, Heal's, Casablanca Marquees, Jones Furniture Hire, AON Insurance, Atmosphere Apparel, Rock-it Cargo, Addison Lee, De'Longhi Coffee, Berry Bros & Rudd.
