No 42 -- Summer 1994 Edited by Michael Walters
The celebrations began with a lunchtime concert at the Royal Academy of Music. The Helier Quarter and soloists Nicholas Gedge (baritone), Ann Atkinson (mezzo), Fiona Motherway (soprano) and Philip Sutherland (piano) performed Romance for String Quartet, On the Hill, At the window (from The Window), Tears, idle tears, The Willow Song, Orpheus with his lute, Where the Bee Sucks. Konstantin Pfiz ('cello) and Jonathan Ayerst (piano) played the Duo Concertante. The Sullivan half of the concert closed with Charles Humphries (alto), Geraint Hylton (tenor), Daniel Neer and Nicholas Gedge (baritones) singing The Long Day Closes.
Next stop was the Beaufort Rooms at the Savoy Hotel. Among those present at the afternoon tea were: Sir Hugh and Lady Wontner, Colin Prestige, Giles Shepherd (manager of Savoy Hotel), Ray Brown, Michael and Mrs. Jefferson, John Ayldon, Valerie Masterson, Christopher Biggins, Paul Eddington, Bishop David Say, the Chaplain of the Savoy Chapel, David Walton, Brian Jones, Selwyn Tillett, David Eden, Stephen Turnbull, Pat and Peter Gibbons and Katie Barnes. During tea, David Mackie played a 90-minute medley of Sullivan pieces. Earlier that day the G&S postage stamp first-day covers had been officially launched at a press conference at the Savoy. The Chapel was full for the Thanksgiving Service which was graced by the presence of H.R.H. Princess Alice, Duchess of Gloucester, President of the Gilbert and Sullivan Society. Also present were Lord and Lady Wilson, and Robin Wilson, Meston Reid and his mother. Nearly all the music was by Sullivan. The lessons were read by Paul Eddington and Valerie Masterson and the address was given by Dr. Say. A chorister from the Chapel Royal read a letter from Sullivan to his mother while at the Chapel Royal, and Christopher Biggins read a letter from Gilbert to Sullivan. "Hail poetry" and "Eagle High" were sung by Glyn Adams, Richard Braebrook, Ann Eggleston and Eileen Shaw, all former members of the DOC, and currently with ENO. The events at the Savoy were organised by Kevin Chapple. The last event was a performance of THE YEOMEN OF THE GUARD at Sadlers Wells Theatre.
DAVID SKELLY
Web page created 31 July 1998