The event brought together members and friends of WRVS for a night filled with classical music and poetry, all in support of a meaningful cause. A packed auditorium was treated to an exquisite recital by a talented professional trio: Esther Georgie (clarinet), Stephanie Abson (violin), and Catherine Stockwell (bassoon). Their programme ranged from J.S. Bach’s “Partita No. 1 for Solo Violin in B Minor” and Gordon Jacob’s “Aria Antiqua” for solo bassoon to a striking solo clarinet piece by Stravinsky, alongside ensemble works by Robert Muczynski and Jacques Ibert.

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Interwoven throughout the evening were poetic readings from members of the Blue Orange Poets: Angelique Neumann, Beth Bendry, Jean Page, and Olivia Dawson.

The event served as a fundraiser for the Salvation Army Casa Novo Mundo children’s home in Sintra. Major Pedro das Neves shared the importance of this initiative: Casa Novo Mundo currently supports 14 children, aged 2 to 18, who cannot live with their families or be placed for adoption due to ongoing legal proceedings. While the home receives grants from the Instituto da Segurança Social, these do not cover the full costs of care, making community support and events like this essential to ensuring a high standard of living and support for the children.

The WRVS is proud to have contributed to such a vital cause and extends sincere thanks to all performers, poets, and attendees, generosity who made the evening such a success.