Client brief
The client wanted two memorable events for the orchestra's patrons – to finish its European tour on a high note. The patrons were a well-educated group, with an exceptional appreciation of art and music.
- Client: 20 patrons of the world-class Philadelphia orchestra.
- Event: Three days in London on the final leg of a European tour.
- Season: September
Our solution
Inbound Travel created and organised two special activities – and provided the main staffing and transportation throughout the London leg of the tour.
The first event was a private visit to Cambridge University's historic Library and King's College Chapel... a feast for eyes and intellects – with their baroque architecture and original manuscripts on display. The Library's special collections include Newton's Principia Mathematica, early Shakespeare editions, and A.A. Milne's Winnie-the-Pooh. The Library walls are lined with limewood carvings by Grinling Gibbons, and feature marble busts of Newton, Bentley and Byron.
A short architectural walking tour then brought the guests to King's College Chapel (main picture ), where they were met by the Director, a well-known musician and a Chapel expert for the tour. Following an excellent talk about the Chapel, guests were addressed by the Master of Music about music at King's and the Choir. After lunch there was a short organ recital and an opportunity to hear the world-famous Choir sing, before the group dined together privately at King's College.
The Cambridge visit met the client's brief in full – a real highlight to mark the closing stages of the tour and an exciting day outside the capital.
For their final evening together, the beautiful Georgian townhouse where Handel once lived in London offered an intimate setting for a second memorable event – a recital and dinner (photo below ). As a tribute to the orchestra's status, the Chairman of the Trust and the Academy of Ancient Music agreed to give a talk about Handel and some of the world's greatest music that was composed there... including the Messiah, Zadok the Priest, and the Music for the Royal Fireworks.
Following the dinner and fine wines, an exclusive recital lasting 30 minutes was arranged in the same room where Handel entertained his guests – creating a fitting high point to complete the patrons' European tour!