Posted on 23 November 2010
We are excited to announce that there will be a silent auction taking place at this year's Festival of Saint Cecilia lunch.
Using individual pledge cards, the lunch guests will be able to bid on the various lots that have very kindly been donated. All proceeds from the auction will be going towards our vital work, helping to make a real difference to musicians' lives.
Find out more information about the auction lots below, and check back soon to see how much is raised!
Lot 1: Lunch for two with Sir Michael and Lady Parkinson at the award winning Royal Oak Restaurant, Paley Street in Maidenhead
Sir Michael Parkinson, guest speaker at this year's Festival of Saint Cecilia lunch, has kindly offered to host a lunch with Lady Mary at the Royal Oak Restaurant, in Maidenhead. The Royal Oak is owned by Michael and his son Nick and has recently been crowned 2011 County Dining Pub of the Year for Berkshire. In January 2010 it was awarded a Michelin Star.
During his distinguished career, Sir Michael has had the privilege of interviewing and hearing some of the greatest musicians of our time, so this promises to be a very special opportunity for the lucky highest bidder.
Reserve Price: £250
Lot 2: Sixty minute Organ Lesson with Robert Quinney at Westminster Abbey
Robert Quinney, sub-organist at Westminster Abbey and musical director of the combined choirs at this year's Festival of Saint Cecilia Service, is generously offering an hour-long lesson on The Harrison and Harrison Organ of Westminster Abbey. The Organ, installed for the Coronation of King George VI in 1937, plays a central role in the Abbey's daily liturgy and has attracted some of the world's leading performers. More information about the organ can be found on the Westminster Abbey website.
In addition to his work at the Abbey, Robert has a busy freelance career as a soloist, ensemble player, and writer on music. His recent double disc of organ music from Westminster Cathedral was Instrumental Disc of the Month in BBC Music, and was Editor's Choice in Gramophone. This really is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!
Reserve Price: £100
Lot 3: Jackie Morris Tower of Song unique signed print
Popular illustrator Jackie Morris has designed Christmas cards exclusively for the Fund since 1999 and is offering a signed first edition print of the 2010 card Tower of Song. The print for auction is 85cm x 57.5cm.
Jackie has illustrated books and other items for many eminent authors, including Ted Hughes and Terry Pratchett, as well as writing and illustrating her own books. To find out more about Jackie Morris and to see a range of her work from the past twenty years, please visit Jackie Morris' website.
Reserve Price: £450
Lot 4: Pair of Orchestra Stalls Royal Opera House tickets for Hansel and Gretel
Tony Hall, Chief Executive at the Royal Opera House and a past guest speaker at the Festival lunch, has kindly donated two Orchestra Stalls tickets for the performance of Hansel and Gretel on 23 December 2010.
The show is packed with delights and sung by a charismatic cast to bring all the fun of the characters to life. This is a perfect Christmas treat, allowing the winners to experience all the special thrill and charm of opera in live performance. To find our more, visit the Royal Opera House website.
Reserve Price: £250
Lot 5: Pair of front row seats to the Fund's 90th year launch event A Date To Remember and an opportunity to meet the artists and be photographed with them
A Date to Remember will mark the launch of the Fund's 90th year celebrations and will take place at Swiss Church, Covent Garden on 8 February 2011. The unique evening of music and song, champagne and canapes will feature some of today's finest artists and celebrate Elwes' talent and generosity to musicians.
Reserve Price: £180