Gresham Society Seasonal Gathering: Soirée

"Do not be afraid when the stars collide towards the darkness, because sometimes the most beautiful things begin in chaos." - Robert M Drake

The Gresham Society Soirée, by longstanding tradition, offers a medley of music and readings, mainly of a Seasonal nature. The first half was presented by professional musicians: Anglo-Venezuelan soprano Sofia Kirwan-Baez who is best known for her vibrant performances of eclectic repertoire, from piano bar to operatic classics.

We also, with delight, welcomed back our regular organist David Jones, who works in music and theatre. In 2021 he appeared with the Royal Shakespeare Company in “The Comedy of Errors” in Stratford-upon-Avon and at the Barbican. Recent highlights have included “The Gondoliers” with FORBEAR! THEATRE LIMITED at the International Gilbert & Sullivan Festivals and a new ballad opera by Nick Bicât, “South Sea Bubble”, at the Reform Club. He is also celebrated for his quickfire delivery of Tom Lehrer’s Elements Song.

The second half of the evening, as is our tradition, was entrusted to the membership. We may safely say that the music, songs and poetry were all in a style which would have astonished Sir Thomas himself. The evening ended, as always, with a spirited rendition of the Gresham Professors’ Song (see headline image and below). In our case, therefore, "contre Drake" as it were, we began with beautiful things and progressed towards chaos.

If by some strange chance you would like to know more about this event, you can read more about it on Ian Harris's Ogblog - click here.