Stately Homes
We were inspired by historical events, to approach some of the finest heritage sites in England, to host free concerts for their local older community. The project proved popular and very successful. On this page we list some of the sites who have been incredibly generous and welcoming to the older guests. The themed concerts have followed over the past few years enabling our guests to enjoy their culture and heritage at no charge.
Below you will find images of previous concerts we’ve run at a variety of Stately Homes, listed by location. Simply click on the location, and then on the images to load a bigger image and often a little bit of info about the event or the image itself!
English Heritage
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Audley End House and GardensThe Library with Glenn and audience.- Audley End House and GardensOutside the magnificent Audley End House with majestic ‘Capability’ gardens stretching out as far as the eye can see. The artists with Jamie Osborne, general manager of Audley End and the Mayor.
- Audley End House and GardensA view of Audley End House.
- Audley End House and GardensIntimate library provided a fine setting for a concert, attended by the Mayor of Saffron Walden.
- Wrest ParkMaria greeting a guest during the concert
- Wrest ParkEnglish Heritage Wrest Park, the stunning library entrance
- Wrest ParkWith residents from a local care home in Bedfordshire.
- Wrest ParkGlenn, Maria and Nick with our host, Alison Austin, Operations Manager, Historic Properties English Heritage and the Anniversary couple Doreen and Ron.
- Wrest ParkA cheeky Marie Lloyd number amuses the audience.
- Wrest Park“Thank you so much for your wonderful recital today. It was a wonderful surprise too, that you acknowledged Ron and Doreen's 65th Wedding Celebration. They did not know that they would meet you all. We were in tears when you sang The Anniversary Waltz. Even the gentlemen volunteers who help me were tearful.”
Heather Ann Baker, Lifestyle Manager, Taymar Nursing Home.
- Wrest ParkThe Library in Wrest Park where the concert, Victorian Vignettes, was held for a third year and funded by the Wixamtree Trust
- Ashby Family at Bolsover CastleMr Brian Ashby, his son Duncan and daughter Dr Tanya Spilsbury, who supported the Bolsover Castle concert through their Family Trust and Foundation Derbyshire. Always a pleasure to welcome our sponsors who attend a concert and see our work in the community.
- Bolsover Castleby The Tapestry
- Bolsover CastleJust for you Alf – La Vie En Rose!
- Eltham PalaceGlenn singing “ Where’er you walk – by Handel”
- Eltham PalaceThe Borgias
- Eltham PalaceThe Mayor with audience
- Kenilworth CastleKenilworth's Mayor elect Cllr. Mike Hitchins attend the concert at EH Kenilworth Castle. A fitting setting for the Princesses theme, concert held in the Oak Room where Robert Dudley, 1st Earl of Leicester wooed Elizabeth 1st.
- Kenilworth CastleAn ex ballet dancer in the audience conducts – to everyone’s delight
- Kenilworth CastleWith a couple of guests after the concert
Historic Royal Palaces
←- Hampton Court PalaceIn costume for a themed Georgians concert – at the top of the Grand Staircase in Hampton Court Palace.
- Hampton Court PalaceIn the stupendous gardens by the fountains where the RHS Flower Show is held annually.
- Hampton Court PalaceNick, Maria and Glenn at Hampton Court where Capability Brown lived as Master Gardener. He planted the Great Vine which still grows strong. The group perform three concerts for 300 older guests in the Clore Centre.
- Hampton Court Palace 2019“Our residents loved the event” - Sherwood Grange
- Hampton Court Palace 2019"Our residents had a fantastic time" - White Farm Lodge, Whitton.
- Hampton Court Palace 2019" Thank you for a most enjoyable concert at Hampton Court. We attended the 1.30 pm show and were very impressed by the unhurried reception, offer of refreshments and very helpful staff.
The performance was most enjoyable and there is nothing quite like a 'live' performance. A certain intimacy was added by the cast which made it even more poignant. Please thank Maria, Glenn and Gavin for all their efforts.
Thanks also to the sponsors without whose support these shows would not be possible. We came because of an invite through the Wandsworth Older Peoples Forum."
Margaret & Vernon Brookes
- Hampton Court Palace 2019“We really enjoyed your performances (and wonderful costumes) with the Connaught Opera at Hampton Court.” AgeUK Richmond.
- Hampton Court Palace 2019“Thank you for the lovely recital you and your colleagues put on for us on Friday. It was lovely to hear all the old songs and admire your wonderful dresses and hats. How on earth do you manage to change from one to the other so quickly? We were full of admiration.
There were a number of people from Wandsworth at each performance and they all thoroughly enjoyed the day out. It was such a good day and the grounds at Hampton Court were looking beautiful. Thank you!" - Lilias, WOPF.
- Kew PalaceThe signing of the Magna Carta is celebrated at Kew Palace.
- Kew PalaceKing George looks down on the assembled company.
- Kew PalaceThe sun shone for 'Moonlight and Roses'! hosted by Kew Palace. L to R, Nick, Rachel Mackay, Operations Manager at Kew, Maria in the protective custody of the wonderful Chelsea Pensioners Fred Rook BEM and Don Avery, Glenn and the Deputy Mayor of Richmond, Cllr Benedict Dias.
- At HM Tower of London 2019 concert, Victorian Vignettes.
- HM Tower of LondonYeoman Warder David Coleman with the trio outside the White Tower. The concert, supported by the Goldsmiths' Company Charity, commemorated the end of WW1 with an Edwardian theme.
- HM Tower of LondonAt the Tower with pianist Carol Wells.
- HM Tower of LondonBoys from the Merchant Taylors’ Vocal Group who featured in this Connaught concert.
- At HM Tower of London 2019 concert, Victorian Vignettes.
- At HM Tower of London 2019 concert, Victorian Vignettes.
- At HM Tower of London 2019 concert, Victorian Vignettes.
- Banqueting HouseThe children perform Christmas songs
- Banqueting HouseConnaught perform for elders from the tri-borough hub of Westminster, Kensington and Hammersmith & Fulham. Mayors from all three Boroughs attended, along with children who had a ‘spot’ in this Christmas show.
- Banqueting HouseMaria and Glenn sing a duet
Private Heritage Homes
←- MOGGERHANGER MANOR.The Wixamtree Trust once again generously supported a concert in Bedford for Dementia sufferers and their Carers.
Moggerhanger was host to Tibbs Dementia in Bedford for a Connaught Opera concert on 16th September.
- Watch VideoClick Here
- ChatsworthThe spectacular Painted Hall at Chatsworth, recently restored to its former glory by the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire - a rare privilege for Connaught Opera (Nicholas Bosworth, Maria Arakie and Glenn Wilson) to perform in this breathtaking setting.
- ChatsworthThe Enlightened Princesses programme was rapturously received by the audience of 90 elders from Derbyshire.
"Wow what a wonderful evening !! Venue I have never sat in although I have been to Chatsworth many times. The service of the staff, directions, buggy transport for less able to walk and the offer of refreshments and nibbles was wonderful. The voices and the content, no extra sound system, and the involvement with the artists with us was excellent.The voice of Glenn Wilson so close, when he moved into the audience I shall never forget.
I did not know how well known and important he is in other areas." (Stuart - Amber Valley CVS)
- Chatsworth
- Hatfield HouseThe artists pose below the magnificent Elizabeth 1 painting in Lord Salisbury's Marble Hall at Hatfield House. Our funders from the Hertfordshire Community Foundation and Quantum Care were present at the concert. The Hatfield Rotary were extremely generous in providing a splendid tea at Hatfield as well as serving the older guests and helping with stewarding.
- Hatfield HouseThe imposing frontage to Hatfield House
- Hatfield HouseWith Members of Hatfield Rotary who generously provided refreshments – and served them to the guests!
- Alnwick GardensThe Duchess of Northumberland's Alnwick Garden, a treasure trove of botanical beauty and imaginative creation play areas for children and the young at heart!
Glenn, Maria and Nick with two of the oldest residents at Percy Court in Alnwick - both 100 years young!
- Alnwick GardensBy the grand piano in the Conservatory
- Alnwick GardensGlenn Maria and Nick with Mark Brassell, director of the Alnwick Garden.
- AlnwickTo honour Queen Victoria, Empress of Indian – the Indian Love Lyrics.
- Alnwick‘Tis a glorious thing I wean to be a Regular Royal Queen’ - greatly amused Queen Victoria!
- Knebworth HouseKnebworth House, Operations Manager ,Trish Washer. with Nick, Maria and Glenn and Lady Martha Cobbold of Knebworth House.
- Knebworth HouseResidents from Quantum Care homes attended a concert to mark the Platinum Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth 11, on 8th September 2022
- Knebworth HouseWorld war 2 songs with our very own ‘Vera Lynn’!
- Knebworth House"Then one of us will be a Queen" – G & S. Gondoliers
- Knebworth HouseThe grand entrance to Knebworth House
- Knebworth HouseThe grand entrance to Knebworth House
- National Trust CroomeThe 'Favourite Child' of Capability Brown and the first concert in the Country Garden series. Performed in St Mary Magdalene Church.
- National Trust CroomePianist Gavin Mole with Maria and Glenn.
- National Trust Croome
- National Trust Croome
- KirkharleKitty Anderson, hosts Connaught Opera in St Wilfrid’s Church, Kirkharle. A rare, Grade One listed Church in Northumberland.
- KirkharleThe strange proclivities of Lucretia Borgia (a penchant for poisoning her guests)! At Kirkharle, where Kitty Anderson and her team bedecked the marquee with drapes and chandeliers for the concert.
- Kitty Anderson with Glenn Maria and Nick and some of the guests in the Marquee
- Kitty and John Anderson with the team in St Wilfrid’s Church
- KirkharleGlenn, ‘The Villain’ and Maria ‘Poor Little Vera’ in a Victorian Melodrama with lots of audience participation.
- Burgh House and Hampstead MuseumPictured here with Lilacs in the Spring. Sponsored by the Hampstead Wells and Campden Trust (the Harrison Family)for older people from their area of benefit. Held in memory of HWCT Trustee, Ian Harrison.
- Burgh House and Hampstead Museum
- Burgh House and Hampstead Museum
- Orleans Gallery“Thank you for a wonderful performance yesterday. You all looked so perfect in the Octagon room too.
Your wardrobe was fabulous as was your repertoire. Than you so much for inviting our clients – they loved the concert”
Warm wishes, Marie-Therese Keegan, Age UK Richmond upon Thames.
- Orleans Gallery
- Orleans Gallery
- Orleans Gallery
- Orleans Gallery
- Ingatestone HallLord Petre, Lord Lieutenant Essex, once more generously hosted a Connaught Opera community concert in his beautiful 15th Century Home, Ingatestone Hall.
- Ingatestone HallMarie Lloyd makes an appearance.
- Ingatestone HallThe guests enjoying themselves!
- Leighton House“The Mayor of London’s Culture Seeds initiative enabled Connaught Opera, Maria Arakie, Glenn Wilson and Pianist Nicholas Bosworth, to perform a free concert for Carers at the stunningly beautiful Leighton House Museum in Holland Park. One of 14 concerts funded for Carers Centres in London.
We were delighted to welcome the Deputy Mayor of RBKC Cllr. Mohammed Bakhtiar, and Honorary Alderman Barrie Taylor, who represented the Lord Mayor of Westminster.
The concert on 31st October, generously hosted by Leighton House Museum, was entitled The Fabulous 50s, and featured music and costumes from that era.
Open Age, Time for Me, which provides services for Carers, invited guests from their hubs in RBKC, LBHF and City of Westminster. They also provided a welcome glass of bubbly to get the evening off to a flying start. Carers from Carers Network, Westminster also attended.”
- Leighton House
- Leighton House
- Leighton House
- Gunnersbury House Museum & ParkThe stunning, newly decorated suite of Rothschild Rooms at Gunnersbury Park Museum, Gunnersbury House, played host to Connaught Opera for a community concert for residents from local care homes.
- Gunnersbury House Museum & ParkThe stunning, newly decorated suite of Rothschild Rooms at Gunnersbury Park Museum, Gunnersbury House, played host to Connaught Opera for a community concert for residents from local care homes.
- Gunnersbury House Museum & ParkThe stunning, newly decorated suite of Rothschild Rooms at Gunnersbury Park Museum, Gunnersbury House, played host to Connaught Opera for a community concert for residents from local care homes.
- Gunnersbury House Museum & ParkThe stunning, newly decorated suite of Rothschild Rooms at Gunnersbury Park Museum, Gunnersbury House, played host to Connaught Opera for a community concert for residents from local care homes.
- Gunnersbury House Museum & Park
- Shuttleworth HouseA joyous occasion at Shuttleworth House – ‘A hidden gem’ in the heart of Biggleswade
- Shuttleworth HouseMore of the happy audience from Tibbs Dementia
- Shuttleworth HouseSarah Russell, Cofounder and CEO of Tibbs Dementia with Nick Maria and Glenn in the Library at Shuttleworth.
- Shuttleworth HouseStart of the concert in the magnificent Saloon at Shuttleworth.
Check out a video of the Knebworth performance on our Filmed Concerts page
Our Funders
If you enjoyed the images above, please take a moment to consider our funders, without whom our work would not be possible.
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+ View our funders list