Taking place at the beautiful St John’s Church in Kingston on Sunday 17 November, the event saw performances from solo artists and chorus members from some of the world’s most prestigious opera houses and music institutions.

Talented bag piper, John Andrews, started the evening with an exquisite rendition of Highland Cathedral, a nod to the very first opera event for Momentum, more than 15 years ago, which also saw a bag piper open the event.

World-renowned musicians who were part of the evening included soprano Juliana Cook, mezzo-soprano Sophie Patterson, tenor Thomas Elwin, pianist Chris Hopkins, organist Stephen Westrop, and soloist Rosanna Harris.

Talking about the Gala Night, our Founder and CEO, Bianca Effemey OBE said: “What a truly wonderful evening – there are no words to describe what it meant to have so many special individuals together in one venue. We are very grateful to everyone who was part of the production, as well as our speakers, and of course, our guests. Extra special thanks go our conductor, Stephen Harris, who flew into the UK from Oslo, especially to direct the event, our brilliant host, Jean Rigby, and to Howard and Charlie Thomas, two teenage brothers who spoke bravely and from the heart about how Momentum has supported their family. The evening had a real sense of families coming together for this special night for Momentum. This might’ve been the last event of its kind for our charity, but happy memories never fade.”

The event raised more than £4,500 for Momentum, with every penny going to help support families with seriously ill children.