‘A quick note to say how much we enjoyed the Friends Evening last night. Elin and Henry sang beautifully and their choice of songs was just right. Also, we thought locating the concert in the Ramsey Room and bar area was a very good idea and gave us an opportunity to chat to other Clonter addicts. Thank you very much for a lovely evening.’

‘Thank you so much for yesterday’s Friends’ Evening – much appreciated. The two performers put on an excellent show with plenty of character on display and, as ever, Robin Humphreys was a consummate accompanist. All of our party thoroughly enjoyed themselves, not least because of being out and about once again and, with it, a sense of normality… Many thanks indeed.’

‘We wish to extend a huge ‘Thank You’ to everyone at Clonter Opera for treating us to a great evening’s entertainment. The singing and piano accompaniment were wonderful and the glass of bubbly was very welcome. We’re looking forward very much to The Opera Gala in November. With our very best wishes and grateful thanks.’

Previous Audience Feedback
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We are delighted to announce that the two singers who will be taking part in this year’s Friends & Patrons Evening will be Olivia Carrell and Michael Gibson, accompanied by Robin Humphreys.

None of these artists are strangers to Clonter. Olivia and Michael have both taken part in the May Masterclasses and Spring Opera Showcase in the past, with Olivia returning to take part in Clonter’s prestigious annual Opera Gala, and we would have had Michael if he had been available. We are delighted that we have been able to lure him away from the Royal Opera House for this gig, and that following her appearance in the Buxton Festival, that we are able to reunite this dynamic duo – who performed in a digital Christmas Tea together – once more. And then there is Robin Humphreys – Where would we be without the ‘World Class’ Robin. His appearances at Clonter too many to mention.

Historically we have not advertised this event to the rest of our supporters, but we very much would like to offer the opportunity to as many people as possible to attend this rather special event. If you would like to become a Friend and attend this year’s Friends & Patrons Evening, please click here, or contact the Box Office on 01260 224514 or boxoffice@clonter.org.
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Olivia Carrell – Soprano

Olivia Carrell is a young lyric soprano based in London, singing under the tutelage of Alison Wells. She has recently graduated with Distinction in her Masters Degree from the Royal Northern College of Music where she was taught by Deborah Rees. Prior to this, she received a First Class BA in Music from the RNCM. Olivia is the happy beneficiary of the Countess of Munster Music Trust 2019-2020. She has performed roles such as Blanche de la Force in Poulenc’s Dialogue des Carmelites, Dew Fairy in Humperdink’s Hansel and Gretel, Helena in Britten’s, A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Maria Bertram in Dove’s Mansfield Park. In July 2019, she made her debut at the Buxton International Opera Festival covering the role of Rutilia in Cladara’s forgotten gem, Lucio Pappirio Dittattore. She returned to the festival in July 2021 for a principal role in Viardot’s Cendrillon where she recieved 5 star reviews for her comedic portrayal of Mageulonne. She has worked closely with composers in discovering the fascinating world of contemporary classical music, which resulted in her premiering a one-woman operetta – Growth of the Silk which received glowing revues at London’s Tete-a-Tete festival in August 2019. The performance was deemed “the highlight of the festival for me” by Tete-a-Tete’s founder, Bill Bankes-Jones.
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Michael Gibson – Tenor

Scottish tenor Michael Gibson is about to start his second year as a member of the Jette Parker Artists Programme at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden. Roles in the coming season include Borsa (Rigoletto), Young Servant (Elektra), Normanno (Lucia di Lamermoor) and Pong (Turandot) in the Royal Opera House’s 2024 tour of Japan. In the 22/23 season, mainstage roles included Heinrich (Tannhäuser), Pong (Turandot), Gastone (La traviata) and Ruiz (Il Trovatore) and in the Linbury Theatre, Male Chorus (The Rape of Lucretia) and Varo (Arminio). Michael is a graduate of the Royal College of Music’s International Opera Studio, where he held the Aldama scholarship. Prior to this he graduated from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, completing a Bachelor of Education in Music, and the Royal Northern College of Music, where he studied for his Master of Music with Peter Alexander Wilson. An in-demand concert soloist, Michael has performed as a soloist with both the LSO and LPO and is a Making Music Phillip and Dorothy Green Young Artist 21-23. He has given performances of song cycles including A die ferne geliebte, Dichterliebe, Songs of Travel, Winter Words, Ludlow and Teme and Die schöne Müllerin.

Click here for full biog
Click here to watch Michael Gibson’s Recital as part of Clonter’s Digital Outreach Programme
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Robin Humphreys – Accompanist

Robin Humphreys is a graduate of the University of Birmingham and a holder of the prestigious Diploma in Professional Performance from the Royal Northern College of Music, where he studied piano accompaniment with David Lloyd. Appearing in concert both as a soloist and an accompanist for over 35 years, he now pursues a successful career as an accompanist and répétiteur, the breadth of his repertoire being reflected in television and radio broadcasts ranging from BBC Radio 3 to Emmerdale! At the RNCM, Robin is a senior music coach within the School of Vocal Studies, for whom he was also chief répétiteur on the majority of college productions from the late 1990s until 2013. He has appeared with the Manchester Camerata in the world premiere of “A Feast of Fables” by Paul Reade, has been Musical Director for Feelgood Theatre Productions and, from 1990-2000, Opera & Concert Productions (Worldwide) Ltd with whom he toured throughout the Gulf, the Indian sub-continent and the Far East. Robin has a particularly close association with Clonter Opera Theatre in Cheshire, where he regularly works as Assistant Musical Director and Accompanist. He is also an accompanist member of the British & International Federation of Festivals.

Click here to watch ‘Graceful Ghost Rag’, William Bolcom 
Click here to watch Répétiteur in the Spotlight – Robin Humphreys
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Not Too Late To Become A Friend

If you would like to become a Friend and attend this event, please click here, or contact the Box Office on boxoffice@clonter.org or 01260 224514.
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6pm – Drinks Reception (Glass of prosecco or something soft)
7pm – 1 hour of entertainment
8pm – Enjoy your own picnic
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N.B. Please note that any drink consumed inside the premises must be purchased from the bar. If you would like to bring your own drink, a corkage fee of £4 per person will apply.
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Please click here to view our Wine & Bar list.