Opera and Dinner 10 December 2024
What a way to begin the Christmas Season!
The Opera and Dinner at the Northern Royal College of Music (RNCM) now has virtually a decade of success under its belt and has earned its place as one of the most fun evenings in the calendar! This year it exceeded all expectations and we were treated to excellent food, delightful wine and a fantastically jolly and entertaining Opera .
We gathered informally in our private dining room with the customary glass (or more) of champagne and were soon tucking into a very tasty salmon dish with its accompanying pickled cucumber and crème fraiche. This was well matched with that traditional Semillon dominated favorite of Les Trois Hectares Blanc from Chateau Bauduc[1] (2021).
We were also kindly introduced to Opera and the RNCM by its Director of Development – Rhiannon McKay-Smith. We were fascinated to learn the short rehearsal times and that over one hundred students participated in both the orchestra and on stage. Other students also served us attentively, professionally and without any fuss - one of the front of house team even entertained us with a short aria! We also had our trigger warning for adult content in the opera!!
We then enjoyed the main course of cannon of Lamb with George de Chateau Puygueraud 2016 from Francs Cote de Bordeaux which was drinking well and full of fruit and subtle notes of cedar. We then headed to the first act of the main event – the opera L’Etoile by Chabrier.
It is very difficult to describe the Opera but a riotous combination of Gilbert and Sullivan and an Adult Pantomime would be a start; perhaps, with some Shakspearian misidentifications thrown in for good measure. The singing and music was of the highest standard and you would find it difficult to believe that the principals weren’t professional singers (although they may well be in the future). The ensemble were outlandishly (and some kinkily) dressed and were like the characters from a rather exciting dream, or fantasy and we had cavorting ladies on a spa day, dancing lipsticks and songs about Green Chartreuse (Oh and did I mention the champagne bubble bath?). There was also a contrast in the choice of chair offered to the King, with one considerably less comfortable that the throne (but depending on your inclinations). It was all deliciously bonkers and uplifting.
We managed to have a very pleasant dessert of White Forest Roulade in the interval. This course was accompanied by the outstanding L’Ouset de Lamothe Guignard Sauternes 2010. Even better we were able to take some (in plastic glasses) back to the theatre for the second half; where the entertainment and mayhem continued.
The event having concluded it shows what fun, entertainment and pleasure can be had when two great northern organisations get together. Thanks to the Conseil for setting Christmas off to a flying start!
[1] Gavin & Angela Quinney kindly offered discounted rates for large orders via our dear late Commandeur Robert Watson (to whom our table raised a toast) and now via Andy Bacon