Sir Thomas Allen, José Carreras and stars of the opera world have come together to help a soprano's young family
25 April 2017, 23:18
Musicians from around the globe have rallied to support the family of New Zealand soprano Anna Leese, whose husband has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of Motor Neurone Disease.
Soprano Anna Leese has shared her musical gifts around the world, taking to the stage at the Royal Opera House, the Royal Albert Hall, Opera Holland Park, Wigmore Hall, and singing concerts with the biggest names in music including José Carreras and Andrea Bocelli. Anna married her husband Stefano Guidi in 2015.
Stefano, a passionate Italian winemaker, had only recently moved to New Zealand to create a new life with Anna. Last year, just before the birth of their son Matteo, Stefano was diagnosed with the most aggressive form of Motor Neurone Disease with a prognosis of two years.
Anna and Stefano's friends and colleagues in the opera world wanted to help the family in their time of need. The concert Singing For Stefano took place on 8 April 2017 at Milton Court Concert Hall, in London's Barbican, with all funds raised going toThe musicians are hoping to raise £25,000 to help support the family through the difficult times ahead.
Legends of the opera stage José Carreras and baritone Sir Thomas Allen are among the patrons of the appeal. Here's Sarah Castle, Alisdair Hogarth and Madeleine Pierard to tell you more (after some gorgeous Mozart with Sir Thomas Allen)
If you weren't able to make the concert, you can make a donation to Anna, Stefano and Matteo here.
Here's the amazing concert, filled with so much beautiful music and love, featuring Sophie Bevan, Sarah Castle, Jacques Imbrailo, Madeleine Pierard, David Butt Philip and Wendy Dawn Thompson, accompanied by Bryan Evans, Alisdair Hogarth, Gary Matthewman and Lada Valesova. Enjoy! And please do donate to help this family in their time of need...
This is the first half, introduced by esteemed Kiwi baritone Ken Ryan. Listen out for some stonking Brahms and Strauss:
And the second half of this wonderful concert. Lots of lovely Mozart from the friends:
