Week won

So the first week of OHP 2011 ended with a lovely fundraising event at Chickenshed in north London - for fitting it in James deserves a medal. It was very unusual for us to do such a thing both in that place and at that time and a very full evening, suffused with great humour and informality, delivered opera to what seemed like a lot of newcomers. And the young thesps of Chickenshed did themselves proud as they showcased the results of this week's workshop (yes, time was found for that too!) Congrats and thanks to all.

Back at OHP itself we have had an emotional and brilliantly successful week with both Don Pasquale and L'amico Fritz opening to fantastic reviews in general. With the weather turning chilly it hasn't been easy for them all...nor for us! Investec Wealth & Investment had their first event too which went terrifically well and we met some lovely clients who found the whole experience a delight. They are a really enthusiastic and imaginative sponsor and we simply need more companies like them to underpin the work of the arts in this country.

It has also been a week in which hundreds of new opera goers have enjoyed L'amico Fritz on the Opera Challenge and as occupiers of our £12 Inspire seats which is ironic since good old Alfie has been in the press again droning on about his working class roots and how all of us in the world of opera look down on him. Bless.

The vagaries of scheduling meant that we have had a ratio of three to one performances of Don P and Fritz so we look forward to the more balanced week. Anna Leese is shuttling between Cardiff Singer of The World and Fritz so a tiring week is in store for all. If you are coming in to the shows, we shall see you there. A word of advice; the Met Office and the BBC appear to be making up their forecasts as they go along. I cannot tell you how catastrophically bad and inaccurate their reports have been. Truly awful and inaccurate to the point of absurdity.
Listen to me.....if it is sunny and warm, bring a coat or blanket.