A leading classical pianist made his Wolverhampton debut last week to help raise money for two local charities.
Philip Lange tickled the ivories at the Mount Hotel to raise nearly £1,000 for Legacy for Lucy and Walsall-based Bark Inn Kennels.
The former London Festival Gold Medal winner entertained over 50 guests with a stunning recital of a varied repertoire including Handel’s ‘Arrival of the Queen of Sheba’, Debussy’s ‘The Submerged Cathedral’, Mozart’s ‘Rondo Alla Turca’ and Schubert’s ‘Impromptu’ in A flat major.
Local companies C&D Consultancy and First 4 Staff came together to put on the charity evening, which also attracted former Wolverhampton Wanderers legends Steve Bull and Mel Eves.
“Between the two companies we have arranged a number of sports related fundraisers and wanted to host something different that would appeal to a different audience,” explained C&D’s John Woodward.
“My wife and I had seen Philip perform on a number of cruises and invited him to headline an event in the West Midlands, which I’m delighted to say he gladly accepted. It has proved a winning combination, with nearly £1000 raised from ticket sales, a silent auction and raffle.”
He continued: “A lot of people had never been to a classical piano recital and I think his performance really changed perceptions of this genre.
“Bark Inn Kennels was my chosen charity as we have benefitted from their outstanding work rehabilitating and rehousing racing greyhounds. Hopefully, this donation will help them offer their service to even more dogs.”
Philip Lange studied at the Royal College of Music in London, before making his debut at the Wigmore Hall at just 19 years old. A recital on the South Bank followed just twelve months later and this led to a distinguished career performing at exhibitions, festivals, more than 30 cruises and annual concerts in Mallorca.
“This was a very intimate performance and it gave me the opportunity not only to play some classical pieces, but actually engage with the audience so I could give them the background to the music and what inspired the pieces. I also enjoyed chatting to the audience about my career and answering their questions…there were some very interesting lines of discussion!”
The second charity benefitting from the evening was Breast Cancer Now, which was organised by Jason Guy.
The First 4 Staff MD lost his wife Lucy to the disease at just 33 and has so far raised over £100,000 as part of her legacy and his desire to fund research that can save more lives and, one day, wipe out cancer.
“I want to say a big thank you to Philip and all the people who came out to support us. Elgar was a big Wolves fan so I suppose it was only right that we should incorporate some classical music into our fundraising activity.”
Jason concluded: “There’s something very special watching a master of his art up close and personal.”
If you would like further information, please visit www.barkinnkennels.co.uk or www.breastcancernow.org.
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