More than 100 guests, Chelsea Pensioners and supporters joined Veterans Aid patron The Dowager Viscountess Rothermere at an exclusive concert in Mayfair to raise funds for the charity.
It was the first musical event to be held at the former home of controversial philanthropist Edgar Speyer at 46 Grosvenor Street since 1914. A year later he was driven into exile as a suspected traitor and `highly placed spy’.
Following a screening of the iconic Michael Powell film Smith and its modern-day counterpart Roy’s Story CEO of Veterans Aid Dr Hugh Milroy talked about the charity’s work.
He was followed by Professor Tony Lentin who signed copies of his book – Banker, Traitor, Scapegoat, Spy: The Troublesome Case of Sir Edgar Speyer (Haus Publishing, 2013) – at the event.
Professor Lentin said, “46 Grosvenor Street is a significant venue. As the former home of Edgar Speyer, no concert has been performed here since 1914. Speyer loved music, was the friend and patron of Grieg, Elgar, Richard Strauss, Debussy, Grainger and others. His story is a tragedy dating back to the Great War. A naturalised Briton of German parentage, he loved England and loved helping people in need. Despite his ordeal he insisted `my reward lies in what I have done’ for England. The encouragement of music was his passion. Little of this is acknowledged or even known today. I think it is fitting that this concert was held in support of a charity because he supported so many good causes.” See: EDGAR SPEYER
Speyer, financier and entrepreneur, was the true founder of the London Underground as we know it today. His generosity extended to rescuing the Proms from collapse and helping the British war effort during WW1. Honoured friend of Prime Minister Asquith, he became a prime target of anti-German paranoia and was forced to flee his adopted country.
The evening’s musical entertainement was provided by Chelsea Concerts, founded in 2009 by friends Alexandra Kennedy (soprano) and Oliver Gerrish (countertenor) to create a platform for talented, young Classical musicians and in so doing to attract a more diverse audience than would usually listen to Classical music. Their bi-annual concerts have become a firm fixture in the musical and social diary of the Royal Borough. Since its inception, the duo have collaborated with some of the UK’s brightest musicians. They were joined at Killik’s by violinist Victoria Lyon, harpist Marged Hall and classical guitarist Matthew Robinson.
Dr Milroy said after the concert, “We were delighted when this splendid evening was proposed by Oliver and Alexandra and touched that they should have chosen Veterans Aid to join the list of those they have already helped with their wonderful talents.
“The evening exceeded all expectations – the historical resonances of the Speyer connection and the screening of Smith was just the icing on the cake. Smith was the charity’s first film. It was made more than 80 years ago and lost for a long time, but it has as much relevance today as it did in the 1930s.
“In addition to Oliver and Alexandra, and their supporting musicians who captivated us all, I must thank Nicholas Brandram, from Killiks, who enabled us to use this wonderful room, so redolent with history and, as ever, Lady Rothermere who, along with others, sponsored the evening.”
Oliver said, “It was a huge honour for us at Chelsea Concerts to organise this evening with Killik & Co for Veterans Aid, a charity with such far-reaching views and extraordinary results.”
His feelings were echoed by Nick Brandram who said, “Killik & Co were extremely grateful and happy to host Chelsea Concerts for the Veterans Aid Concert. The event was a huge success and we were delighted to not only aid in the raising of some much needed and vital funding, but also honoured to help in drawing attention to, promoting and highlighting what is such an outstanding cause and notable charity.”
For futher details see: CHELSEA CONCERTS.
The film and history of Smith can be found HERE.
