American Friends of the Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra’s weekend of Festivities in London and Oxfordshire with Joyce DiDonato
The weekend started with Trustee, Francesca Schwarzenbach at her 18thc. Culham Court, Henley-on-Thames with a recital led by Maestro Marios Papadopoulos followed by dinner. Guests included Prince and Princess Johannes Auersperg, Suzanne Kohlberg, April and Roddy Gow, Ann and Bill Nitze, Faanya Rose, Shirley and Jim Sherwood and Bruno Wang.
The following night Trustee Raymond Blanc hosted patrons at his 15thc. Manoir aux Quat’ Saisons to hear the principal cellist perform a Bach recital in the medieval chapel, followed by dinner.
The black-tie finale at the Wallace Collection included 150 guests, chaired by Trustee Bruno Wang. The evening began with champagne to view the finest collection in the UK of 18thc. French Old Master paintings. Guests were seated in the Great Gallery for a spell-binding performance led by Maestro Papadopoulos with Joyce DiDonato and members of the Oxford Philharmonic. Guests were seated in the conservatory for a Solstice dinner with award winning wines donated by Nicole and Xavier Rolet’s Chene Bleu Vineyard. Lord Harry Dalmeny of Sotheby’s ran the auction which raised support for the Orchestra’s 20th Anniversary Fund. Guests included TRH Prince and Princess Michael of Kent, Prince Pierre d’Arenberg, CeCe and Lee Black, Catherine and Laurent Faugerolas, Sir Jeremy and Lady Greenstock, Susan Gutfreund, Marion and David Khalili, Lady Jane Rayne Lacey and Robert Lacey, Lily, Duchess of Marlborough, Lady Maiko Rothermere, Roberta Sandeman and Kari Tiedemann.
American support for the Orchestra’s 20th Anniversary Fund will provide underwriting to bring the Oxford Philharmonic to perform in New York.