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Royal Opera House and Decanter Wine Gala Dinner with Auction in association with Christie’s

Royal Opera House Covent Garden, London Wednesday 2 March 2005

Tickets for this exclusive evening are priced £375 with all profits donated to the Vilar Young Artists’ Programme.
Book your tickets today! Call the Royal Opera House on +44 (0)20 7212 9349/517

Decanter and the Royal Opera House are delighted to present the inaugural Wine Gala Dinner to be held in the Vilar Floral Hall at London’s Royal Opera House. The aim of the event is to bring together the world’s greatest opera stars and the world’s greatest wines for one unforgettable evening, in order to raise funds for the Vilar Young Artists’ Programme at the Royal Opera House.

This unique evening will consist of a recital and a gourmet dinner, with great wines introduced by their principles and a live auction conducted by Christie’s David Elswood, of unique wine and theatrical lots – see below.

Sir Thomas Allen, Britain’s greatest baritone, has agreed to be Master of Ceremonies for the evening. Simon Keenlyside, the brilliant young baritone, has agreed to sing on the night; also confirmed to sing is Diana Damrau, the glamorous German soprano, who has just received stunning notices in Ariadne auf Naxos. Antonio Pappano, the Royal Opera House’s Music Director, himself a fine wine lover, will also be performing at this unique recital.

The stars of the wine world will also be shining brightly. No Decanter reader will be able to resist this list of legends:

Dom Pérignon 1996

Introduced by Richard Geoffroy, chef de cave

Domaine Leflaive, Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Pucelles 2000

Introduced by Anne-Claude Leflaive, domaine manager

Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars 1996 SLV

Introduced by Warren Winiarski, owner & founding winemaker

Château Magdelaine 1990

Edouard Moueix, château manager

Château Lafite 1978 en magnum

Introduced by Baron Eric de Rothschild, owner

Graham’s Vintage Port 1970

Introduced by Paul Symington, managing director


Charity Auction

David Elswood, International head of wine, Christie’s

Not only are these great producers flying in especially to introduce their wines; they are also generously providing some unique auction lots, exclusive wine experiences that money usually cannot buy. The Royal Opera House is delighted that the artists and staff of The Royal Ballet and The Royal Opera have offered a fabulous range of historical theatrical lots and amazing backstage experiences for this auction. Guests will be able to bid for lots including:

Wine Lots

• A bottle of the legendary and rare 1959 Dom Perignon

• Private tasting and lunch with Anne Claude Leflaive in Burgundy*

• Exclusive lunch with Edouard or Christian Moueix in Pomerol*

• Two night stay at Graham’s beautiful Quinta dos Malvedos*

Theatrical Lots

• Unique view of Die Walküre, starring Plácido Domingo and
Bryn Terfel, sitting in the wings or Directors’ Box*

• Watch Darcey Bussell and Roberto Bolle from the wings or Directors’ Box*

• A signed Faust poster by opera’s most famous couple
Angela Gheorghiu and Roberto Alagna.

• Plácido Domingo’s costume from his role in Tosca as Caravadossi

The live auction at the Gala will be conducted by David Elswood of Christie’s but if you can’t join us on the evening you can still make your bid for some of the world’s most exciting wine and theatre experiences by making a silent bid for one of thirty lots to be sold by silent auction.

To receive a catalogue, registration pack and more information on silent bids please email your name and postal address to: tickets@decanter.com or call +44 (0)20 7471 2001.

*(subject to availability on selected dates)

Tickets for this exclusive evening are priced £375 with all profits donated to the Vilar Young Artists’ Programme.

Book your tickets today!
Call the Royal Opera House on
+44 (0)20 7212 9349/517

Decanter reserves the right to change or cancel any element of this event without notice. Royal Opera House ticket sale terms and conditions apply.

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