On Thursday 28th June, HRH The Duke of Kent joined supporters and special guests of the Orchestra for the London Philharmonic Orchestra’s 75th Anniversary Gala, celebrating 75 years of great music making and forming a spectacular start to the Orchestra’s landmark year. 

The historic surroundings of the Old Royal Naval College at Greenwich provided a magnificent backdrop to the evening’s proceedings.  Following a drinks reception in the beautiful grounds overlooking the River Thames, guests were treated to a performance of Britten’s Serenade for Strings in the Chapel, conducted by Principal Conductor Designate Vladimir Jurowski.  A formal banquet in the grand surroundings of the Painted Hall followed.

Simon Callow, a supporter of the Orchestra for many years, took on the role of compere for the evening.  He guided guests through a prize draw to win an exquisite Tiffany & Co. diamond necklace and a fundraising auction led by Christie’s auctioneer Andrew McVinish.  Auction lots included a trip to Vienna with British Airways to hear the Orchestra perform at the Musikverein, a day at Glyndebourne in Summer 2008, and a week’s holiday in a luxury Italian villa in Tuscany.

Thanks to the wonderful contribution made by all those who attended and performed on the evening, the Gala was a great success and the net income raised from the event stands at just over £128,000.  This includes an impressive £31,000 raised on the night itself through the auction and raffle ticket sales.  All funds went directly towards supporting the London Philharmonic Orchestra’s work both on and off the concert platform.

There are many ways that you can get involved in the life of the Orchestra, supporting us in our work and gaining access to a wonderful programme of events each season, including our annual gala.  For further information please contact Sarah Tattersall on 020 7840 4209 or email her at sarah.tattersall@lpo.org.uk.