A Feast of Music and Wine: "An Evening with Wagner" at the Athenaeum Club, London | Speech by James Crabbe, Advisor to CBCGDF

On the evening of May 23, 2024, in London, the Athenaeum Club hosted a special music event - "Wagner Night." The event, presented by the Music Committee and the Wine Committee of the Athenaeum, commemorated the famous composer Richard Wagner's visit to the Athenaeum Club on May 23, 1877.

That night, the restaurant studio was full of guests and friends, the atmosphere was warm. Professor James Crabbe, Chairman of the Wine Committee and Senior Advisor of China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation (CBCGDF), gave a speech, briefly introduced the relationship between Wagner and Athenaeum, and expressed his expectations for the performance of the evening.

Then the concert officially began. Conducted by music director Brian Henry, the musicians played excerpts from Wagner's most famous opera works, including "Tannhauser," "Lohengrin" and "Valkyrie," among others. The beautiful melody and moving voice echoed in the studio, bringing the audience into a romantic and legendary music world.

In addition to the concert, the evening also featured a talk by International Wagner expert Professor John Deathridge, photos of Wagner during his 1877 concert in London, and a rare menu showing the dishes Wagner and Mr Siemens had for dinner at the Athenaeum. With music and food, guests had an unforgettable evening. They not only enjoyed the wonderful music and delicious food, but also had a deeper understanding of the history of Wagner and Athenaeum.

Professor James Crabbe said, " It is a great pleasure to join you in remembering Mr. Wagner. Music and food are an important part of human civilization, which can transcend language and cultural barriers and bring people together. We hope that by holding such an event, more people can understand and love Wagner's music, and feel the unique charm of Athenaeum Club in its bicentenary year.”

After the event, many guests spoke highly of the performance. A viewer from the US said, " It was a wonderful concert. I have never heard such a beautiful operatic work. Thank you to Athenaeum for such an unforgettable experience.” Another viewer from the UK said, “Aside from the music, I really enjoyed the menu that night. The dishes are not only delicious, but also full of history. It was as if I had been transported back in time to 19th century London to have dinner with Herr Wagner.”

"Wagner Night" successfully held, once again highlighted the Athenaeum as a platform for cultural exchanges important role. In the future, Athenians will continue to hold various forms of cultural activities to bring more wonderful experiences to our guests.

The Athenaeum Club, located in the heart of London, near to St James's Park, is one of the most historic and culturally rich private members clubs in London. It was founded in 1824 by a group of gentlemen who were keen on science, art and culture. Since its inception, the Athenaeum has been a gathering place for London's elite, with politicians, academics, artists and others having been regulars.

Editor: Sara 

Contact: v10@cbcgdf.org; +8617319454776

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