Soft sponges, decadently dark chocolate brownies, freshly-made ham sandwiches sliced into triangles and scones slathered with clotted cream and strawberry jam: These afternoon delights were paired with jaw-dropping, intimate operatic performances by If Opera stars Alyona Abramova and Andres Presno, at our 2025 Friends Summer Tea Party.
Whereas our annual Friends’ fundraising get-together is usually held in a local garden in June, the new directors, Executive Director Sarah Robertson, and Artistic Director Daniel Clark, wanted to host the members at the venue so they could reveal more plans for their vision and mission. This includes plans for a refurbishment of the building.
We decided that the ideal event was an afternoon tea party served on authentic vintage china. Fat Fowl Kitchens, our dedicated hospitality partner generously donated a sumptuous afternoon tea menu, Great West Wine donated fizz and Sainsbury’s in Bradford on Avon supported with strawberry jam.
After a meet and greet with staff and directors and a welcome speech by Daniel Clark, 80 guests took their seats to eat, served by staff and volunteers, while enjoying an accomplished performance by young WEYO musicians, siblings Harriet and Flo Gwyn. The sisters will both of whom will be appearing in the next WEYO concert at the end of August, about which you can read more here.
If Opera performers then followed.: “Alyona Abramova and Andres Presno sparkled in dazzling arias from some of opera’s most dramatic scenes” says Artistic Programme Manager, Adam Laughton. “Their set climaxed in a selection from Bizet’s ever-popular opera Carmen, where they showcased the torrid relationship of Carmen and Don Jose with vignettes from across the score. A real treat that whisked everyone away from Bradford on Avon to sunny Seville!”
After the opera was over, the afternoon finished with our Amazing Annual Raffle, hosted by Adam and our Creative Learning Producer, Emily Pieczko, with prizes donated by local businesses and which raised a fantastic total of £1100!
Sarah Robertson ended the event with a heartfelt speech, impressing upon the guests just how appreciated the Friends and Angels of Wiltshire Music Centre are. She, like Daniel and the rest of the staff are very much looking forward to an inspirational season ahead!
To date, the event has raised £4510, which is just shy of our £4,845 target. Thank you to everyone who took part and who donated.
With thanks to:
Barry Savell, photographer
and all of the following businesses for their raffle prize donations:
- The Bradley Hare at Maiden Bradley,
- Boots in Bath
- Bristol Beacon
- Thermae Bath Spa
- The Roman Baths
- Bradford on Avon Massage
- Bristol Ensemble
- Salisbury Racecourse
- The Beckford Bottle Shop
- Bath Symphony Orchestra
- Hartley Farm Shop & Cafe
- Flourish Farm Shop & Cafe
- Marshfield Farm Ice Cream
- The Hall
- Katy Smith Coaching
- Rathbones