▻ The Royal Opera House Wine Gala

Let's Talk About

29 May

Written By Sarah Kemp

In conversation with John Stimpfig

Episode Summary:-

John Stimpfig talks to Sarah Kemp about the Royal Opera House Wine Gala Dinner, which is being supported by The Wine Conversation and is taking place on June 11th, 2023, in aid of the Royal Opera House Foundation. Sarah tells John that the event is all about “the greatest evening possible of fine wine and world-class music… and raising money for an important cause,” and reveals the world-class wines which will be poured, including Champagne Laurent-Perrier Grands Siècle, 2014 Montrachet Domaine Jacques Prieur, Biondi-Santi Brunello di Montalcino Reserva 1999, Château Lafite 2007 and Taylor’s 30-year-old Tawny Port. As she tells John. “When you go the Royal Opera House, you only bring out your best.”

Sarah praises the generosity of the producers who have donated the auction lots of fine wine and exceptional lifetime experiences. As an opera lover, she is also very excited that singers Jonas Kauffman and Ludovic Tézier will be performing a special recital (she strongly recommends their latest CD, “Insieme”), along with the immensely talented Aigul Akhmetshina. Sarah then describes some of the auction lots which will be offered on the night by Charlie Foley of Christie’s: they include a visit to Laurent-Perrier and lunch with a family member, a visit to Domaine Jacques Prieur (with the possibility, if taken at harvest time, of joining the pickers for a harvest lunch, always a jolly occasion), double magnums of Biondi-Santi and Château Lafite, and a three-day visit to Portugal courtesy of Taylor’s Port.

For opera lovers, there is the opportunity to have the ROH young artists privately sing for you, a chance to shadow the ROH stage manager for a day, and – the one Sarah is looking forward to most – lunch with Sir Antonio Pappano (who just conducted the music at the coronation of King Charles III) and Sarah. There are still a few tickets available, at £900 per person or £8500 for a table of ten. Contact rohevents@roh.org.uk or ring Gabriella Wilby +44 (0) 7212 9458.

Running Order:-

0.00 – 13.05

“When you go to the Royal Opera House, you only bring your best.” – Sarah Kemp

– Choosing the wine for the Royal Opera House Wine Gala Dinner and Auction.
– The wines being poured.
– The musical recital.
– The exclusive auction lots being offered.
– How to buy tickets.