The Bryan Adams Foundation held its inaugural fundraising event, An Evening of Opera and Picnic, last month on the lawns of The Royal Hospital, Chelsea in London.
The Foundation was set up by Bryan Adams to improve the quality of people’s lives around the world, and aims to achieve this by providing financial help and support to those people who are committed to bettering the lives of other people, by providing grants to finance specific projects.
A 4 course picnic, donated by Michelin star chef Gordon Ramsay and eaten on rugs to the accompaniment of music by The Pavao Quartet, was followed by a performance of Opera in the hospital’s chapel sung by the Jette Parker Young Artists from the Royal Opera House, who sung pieces by Puccini, Bizet, Mozart, Verdi and others. Critically acclaimed UK violinist, Charlie Siem, also performed on the evening during the second half.
Adams performed as well, opening the concert singing a duet with the soprano Anita Watson: ‘Love Unspoken’ by Lehar. The evening concluded with a performance of ‘All for Love’ by the entire cast.
The funds raised from the event will support two projects. The Chelsea Pensioners’ Appeal, which is raising funds to modernize parts of The Royal Hospital – a home for around 300 veteran soldiers – and Switchback, which helps young offenders rebuild their lives when they come out of prison.
The evening was sponsored by Phonak, a leading and innovative hearing solutions provider, who are committed to supporting events that celebrate music and help emphasise the importance of good hearing.
The Bryan Adams Foundation was established in 2006, and has given grants to IIMPACT – an organization whose aim is to educate more girls in India – as well as to Brad Pitt's Make It Right, Build It International, Nordoff Robbins, the Gaza Emergency Appeal, the Breast Cancer Haven in London and many more.
Presently all fundraising is done through Bryan Adams’ photography and with private donations associated with photography. For more information, click here.
