Handel at Claridge's

We're in London, continues...

Last night we went to a fundraising event to benefit the London Handel Festival. We are huge fans of Handel but, more importantly, we are huge fans of Laurence Cummings, who is musical director (and one of our best friends.)

The evening started with a concert by the London Handel Orchestra at St. George's Church on Hanover Square. John, Mary and Eliza and I all went together and sat in the first row of the balcony so we could see and hear everything. And it gave me an opportunity to take discrete photos during the concert which is something I never get to do.

The music and performances were flawless and completely gorgeous. Carolyn Sampson and Christopher Ainslie were fabulous and the orchestra was perfection. The event also celebrated the release of the cd of the London Handel Orchestra's world premier recording of Handel's opera "Esther" from which they played excerpts. It's stunning, I must have it.

After the concert we headed over to dinner at Claridge's. (Wow, galas in posh hotels two nights in a row. I could get used to this.) We met some familiar faces and some fun new ones. The four of us sat at Laurence's table and, amazingly, I got to sit next time him. I'm verklempt! He is an amazingly talented musician and one of the nicest people I've ever known. He is one of my favorite people ever, so it was great to be able to chat and party. Eliza was sitting on the other side of me which made it even more fun. She is adorable, hilarious and really fun to be with.

Since the event was a fundraiser, of course there was an auction. They auctioned off some fabulous things, including Laurence. LOL! It was for a private recital by him and Christopher Ainslie. Below is a photo of Laurence being auctioned off. '-) Dinner was delicious and the other members of our table were wonderful. I want to be friends with all of them, I actually gave them all my card.

Spectacularly lovely music, dinner at Claridge's with fabulous people and hanging out with my friends Laurence, Mary and Eliza: it was another perfect evening in London.

Comments

[margaret]

I've attended musical events at St. George's, and enjoyed them immensely.
Did you bid at the auction?

[Jan Hanford]

I did not bid at the auction. '-)

[Glenda]

Hey Jan. Looks like such a lovely evening! As usual, I'm completely envious.
I got married three weeks ago and am slowly settling into life in a new state, new house, new stuff, with a new guy... it's all very new:) Trying to keep up with your blog when I can. Glad you're still having a wonderful time in London.

[Jan Hanford]

Congratulations, Glenda! Best wishes to you!