I am delighted to report that the Sir David Maddison Opera Prize which was postponed from June 12th due to the Coronavirus pandemic, is now confirmed to take place on Saturday November 7th. There will be a limited number of tickets available to attend the event, due to social distancing considerations within the club, and reservations will be accepted from Thursday October the 1st. A further update will be circulated to the membership around the middle of September, in which further details will be given including ticket price, supper menu, timings, and full details of Students contesting for the Opera prize, and of their repertoire.
With revenue much reduced due to the limited tickets available this year, and yet overheads remaining the same, it would not be possible to stage the event without gaining sponsorship from within the clubs membership. Several Proprietors including myself have committed to covering the cash prize amounts for the contest, the commissioning of the trophy, and the students travelling expenses. We are left seeking a Club member who will undertake to sponsor the Pianists modest fees of £150, which will include playing for rehearsals and on the night of the contest. Without someone coming forward, we will struggle to meet costs. Please contact me directly, or via Jack Birley if you can help.
I am confident that the Sir David Maddison Opera Prize 2020 will be every bit as successful as last year’s inaugural event, with on this occasion not five, but six top class singers, who are very definitely the Opera stars of the future contesting for a stylish trophy and a generous cash award. Please support this keynote event on the Athenaeum calendar.
With warmest wishes,
David Cox
Proprietor and producer of Opera at The Athenaeum