Down Centre, is both a worthy cause and a pleasant shortish walk away so I try to see as many musical events there as I can.
I needed no additional encouragement to go and see the baroque double-bill of John Blow's Venus and Adonis and Henry Purcell's Ode on St Cecilia's Day performed by Richmond Opera for a very reasonable £20.
I did not know either piece but am familiar enough with baroque music to know what to expect.
Venus and Adonis has been called the first-ever opera in English and it told the story of Cupid's magical dart causing Venus, the goddess of love, to fall for Adonis, a young mortal, and the amusing consequences. It was light and fluffy and quite entertaining.
The interval was something of a disappointment as the downstairs bar was not open.
Purcell's Ode on St Cecilia's Day was a recital and while there was no story to follow, or action on the stage to look at, it was a charming piece of music in the same musical vein.
Richmond Opera is a community group so I did not expect the quality of the singing to be anything like that at Glyndebourne and I was pleased to hear a few very good voices among the decent ones.
The walk home was enhanced by a quick stop at Tide End Cottage, a perfect end to a fine afternoon.
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