Lakmé Triumph!
Totally revelling in a sumptuous Delibes’ Lakmé at Cadogan Hall last February, with our performers at their best in front of an enthusiastic near-full audience, I mused on the thin line between a thriving arts scene – and near extinction.
Not for many years has it been so important to make the most of, and appreciate, the options that still exist to enjoy the best of opera on our doorstep. Currently the shrinking chances even in London to enjoy – and at reasonable prices – the best of opera makes even more valuable the contribution smaller companies such as COG, which are independent of public subsidy, can make. We are ever grateful to our generous donors and supporters both new and longstanding who help make this possible. Thank you to you all, you know who you are!
Our three concert performances each year provide a reliable thread of exciting works that act as a conduit to lead newcomers further into the genre and provide stepping stones to younger artistes. Those developing soloists and conductors work alongside established ‘names’ and create magic. Audience reaction to Lakmé showed just how enthusiastic that support is. Critics were unanimous in their praise:
Chelsea Opera Group ‘thrill a packed Cadogan Hall’ – Sam Smith, Opera Classical Music Review
COG acquitted itself masterfully in adding what is now a more or less a rare opera to its repertoire – Curtis Rogers, Classical Source
COGs Lakmé has provided a ton of memories to keep at least this listener going’ – Colin Clarke, Seen & Heard.
Support Our Work
We work hard – along with the support from donors – to keep seats at affordable prices so that a night at the opera can still be a manageable treat even in hard-pressed times. Cadogan Hall is a beautiful venue with comfortable seating, where the audience is never far from the action and where sightlines are good. Ticket prices start at £15 and the early 6.30pm start on Sunday performances means that most people can still get home easily – or have time for supper out. COG receives no public subsidy. Ticket sales can never cover costs. Funds are raised from private donors and supportive companies through our registered charity, the Chelsea Opera Group Trust (President, Dame Fiona Woolf) and for this we are enormously grateful. If you would like to donate (or join the mailing list to stay informed), please contact:
mailing@chelseaoperagroup.org.uk
supporters@chelseaoperagroup.org.uk