The Summer Opera Picnic

Since Hollis Morgan was established in 2010 we have thanked 400 clients, family and friends by hosting an annually party with a difference – A Summer Evening of Opera Highlights which is now an established fixture of the Bristol Social scene! Also included on the guest list are many representatives of the numerous other charities we support throughout the year.

Each summer we are privileged to have four members from The Welsh National Opera give a performance of favourite opera arias in the beautiful iconic setting of All Saints church Clifton. This year we welcomed two new singers Megan Llewellyn who stepped in at the last moment due to regular soprano Naomi Harvey being indisposed. We also welcomed for the first time Jeff Stewart whose amusing anecdotes kept the audience laughing throughout the evening. Under the direction of Simon Phillippo the quartet was completed with Joanne Thomas and James Gower who always give sparkling performances. The eclectic programme included works by Verdi, Strauss and, of course Lloyd Webber. “Mrs Beamish” by Stillgoe and Skellern, dramatically delivered by Jeff, amusingly and very succinctly epitomised the foibles of some stereo-typical members of church congregations much to the amusement of several clergy in the audience !

This “Glyndebourne” style evening starts with a relaxed drinks reception in the secret gardens of All Saints with its Topiary Garden with a fine feature of one of the most handsome Victorian jardinières in the West Country. After being suitably welcomed with copious amounts of “Fizz” served by Origami Events, guest were able to wander in these sublime surroundings before taking their seats for the first Act preceded with a rousing verse of the National Anthem. During the interval everyone returned to the garden for a delicious summer picnic beautifully prepared by The Mall Deli and once suitably refuelled they returned to the church for the final act!

In 2018 we chose to support an excellent local charity “Off The Record” which has helped young people’s mental health and wellbeing across the region for over 50 years! Thank you to everyone who donated and we were delighted to raise in excess of £5,000 for this excellent local cause.

In 2017 the evening was dedicated to our Charity of the year - a LIFE for a CURE – Ryan Bresnahan’s Meningitis Appeal and our generous guests donated nearly £4,000 in cash and online donations. If you would like to make a donation to this wonderful charity FOLLOW THIS LINK TO VIRGIN MONEY.