A visit to the Royal Northern College of Music for their December Opera is rapidly becoming a much loved tradition for the Commanderie and although the event on December 13th was only the third time we’d been there it was wonderful to be back.

Nearly 60 Commanders and guests enjoyed a champagne reception followed by an excellent supper prepared by the College kitchens. The first course of a delicate timbale of smoked trout was a delight and excellently complemented by an old favourite Ch Reynon 2016, and while the generous proportions of the venison fillet proved almost too much for some, it was widely enjoyed and the accompaniments including a very tasty dolmas of pork and apple were also much appreciated. The accompanying St Emilion (Ch Fonplegade 2000) was perfectly mature and excellent with the food. For many it was the star of the night – except, that is, for the music! 

The music was a pair of one-act Puccini operas from the 3-part Il Trittico. For those unfamiliar with these pieces the first, Suor Angelica, is an intense tale of human cruelty and tragedy set in a convent while the second, Gianni Schicchi, is a complete contrast – a rumbustious farce with the unlikely subject of forging a will. As we’ve come the expect the production was spectacular with Artists in Residence brilliantly portraying the titular parts while as ever the students themselves gave outstanding performances.

In the interval we enjoyed a trio of mini desserts and a delicious glass of Sauternes (Ch Rabaud-Promis 2007). 

All in all an evening that was a treat for all the senses and a definite date for the diary next year!      Many thanks to all at the RNCM for a wonderful evening.

“Thank you to those members of the Commanderie de Bordeaux who generously supported the RNCM Annual Appeal following the Puccini opera night. Your vital contribution will help nurture the health and vibrancy of a new generation of musicians, equipping them to build and pass on a robust future for music-making. Because of your kind support we will be able to provide increased counselling, expand our team of mental health ‘first aiders’, offer more injury-prevention activity such as yoga and Alexander Technique sessions, and extend our student outreach programme in hospitals and care homes. These are just a few ways in which we can strengthen our provision because of donations like yours: from all of us at the RNCM, thank you. I look forward to updating you on our progress, and hope to see you here in 2019.” 

With best wishes

Petra