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Christmas 2021 at the Windsor
The morning of December 9th was rather chilly but once the one hundred Opera Society members arrived at the Windsor Hotel they received a warm welcome from the Opera Society President, Valma Allaway OAM, and members of the Committee. The Grand Ballroom is always a very special venue for our final lunch of the year and we were offered a glass of bubbles when we entered the Ballroom.
We were entertained with some wonderful singing by baritone Stephen Marsh who was accompanied by repetiteur Phillipa Safey. Stephen invited us all to join him when he sang Mendessohn’s “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing”. Our special guest for the performance was Life Member, Margaret Ironside, who was our most efficient and much loved office volunteer for over 20 years.
Turkey Ballantine was followed by an excellent Christmas pudding with chestnut cream and vanilla ice cream – a traditional Christmas lunch which we all enjoyed.
Our guest speaker was Amy Black, the CEO of Melba Opera Trust. Amy spoke about their 2022 program and thanked the Opera Society who will be giving scholarships to two of their young singers in 2022.
Our next lunch will be at the Lyceum Club on March 17th 2022 and we look forward to seeing you all again then.
Christmas in July 2021 at the Marriott
On a cold but bright Sunday morning circa 90 members of the Opera Society met for lunch. This was the first time we had met in many months due largely to the COVID 19 restrictions.
An excellent meal and beverages, wonderful entertainment and those ever popular bon bons were the highlight of a very successful afternoon.
Not only did our sponsored singer from the Melba Opera Trust (MOT), Chloe Harris sing beautifully but she was very ably supported by repetiteur Rhodri Clarke.
They were followed by a brief address from MOT Director of Operations, Olivia Giglia. This was of particular interest to members as we received an update on the progress of many of the artists our society has supported over a number of years. All are highly sort after and much respected for their all round industry experience and skill by Opera Houses in major European cities.
Olivia expressed the sincere appreciation of the support provided to MOT by the Opera Society and forecast a growing and mutually beneficial future as we continue to work together.
