Connaught Opera was formed in 2003. We are a Registered Charity No. 1131004. Our management committee comprises Maria Arakie (Chair), Glenn Wilson (Treasurer), Dr. William Acker (Secretary), Shabir Dawood (Trustee) and Domenic Pini (Trustee).
Most of our concerts are performed by two singers, usually Maria Arakie (soprano) and Glenn Wilson (baritone), although other singers are occasionally added to order. They are accompanied by a top rate pianist, such as Nicholas Bosworth, Gavin Mole and Carol Wells, according to availability. All are fully trained and experienced performers.
We seek to provide high quality entertainment for older people in Greater London. The venues we visit include homes, hospitals, hospices, day care centres, sheltered housing and community-based clubs for elders. We have also had the good fortune to be hosted by some of the most glamorous and historical Heritage sites in England.
Our Ethos
The charity sector has been criticised for the high remuneration given to some of its workers. Our ethos has always been to ensure that all our income is restricted to fulfilling the grants we have been awarded. Although performers are paid a small, set fee for their services, we have no salaried employees and no expenses are paid to our Trustees. The Charity Commission has agreed that Connaught Executives/Trustees may be paid reasonable performance fees provided they are in a minority of the Committee that sets the fee. Two are indeed regular performers. However, neither is irreplaceable; if one is unavailable or indisposed a talented substitute can be drafted in. This has occasionally happened in the past, with the result that we have never in our ten year history had to cancel a planned concert.Let us introduce ourselves...
PREsident
Wendy Mead
OBE
Chair
Maria Arakie
Secretary
Dr. Bill Acker
Treasurer
Dr. Glenn Wilson
trustee
Shabeer Dawood
trustee
Domenic Pini
ALAN STEINFELD KC
We are deeply saddened to learn of the sudden death of our dearest Trustee and Secretary, Alan Steinfeld KC, whose continuous support and guiding light was valued, and appreciated, for the many years he helped to make Connaught Opera the solid and reliable Charity it has become. Rest in Peace kind and gentle friend and colleague, you will be sorely missed.
Dr Bill Acker, who has been one of our Trustees and a strong supporter of Connaught Opera has agreed to take on the role of Secretary.
Connaught Opera in the news…
Source: SW Londoner
A musical tribute to the Queen called ‘Songs for Elizabeth’ took place this week for older community members in Richmond.
Age UK Richmond clients were treated to a special performance by Maria and The Connaught Opera at Orleans House Gallery in Twickenham on 5 October.
The event took place in the Baroque Octagon Room, established in 1720.
The palatial room boasts paintings of classic Roman ruins along with portraits… read more
Source: Islington Tribute
IT’S been more than two years since they’ve been able to pay a visit, so opera singers returning to a community centre were delighted to put on a show for older residents.
Members of the Connaught Opera visited the St Luke’s Community Centre in Old Street on Tuesday.
Putting a tap in the toes of the cake-eating crowd as they sang a selection of hits from films, musicals (including The Wizard of Oz) and popular operas, Glenn Wilson and Maria Arakie regaled their audience with stories behind the music as well as going through a series … read more
