Can you introduce yourself and your role at Opera Holland Park?
My name is Chris Baldwin and I have been volunteering at OHP for the last three seasons. This summer I deputised for Stephen Ratcliffe (the then Volunteer Manager). As Stephen has decided to step down from this role whilst still remaining as a volunteer for future seasons, I shall step up and do my best to carry on in his footsteps. The role involves communicating with the volunteer team, made up of around 60 people, and coordinating cover for each of the performances. As volunteers, we work alongside the Front-of-House staff and support them in providing our guests with an enjoyable experience from welcoming them, to showing them where their picnic tables are, selling programmes, advising where their seats are for the performance and signing in members of the cast and orchestra at the Stage Door.
Can you tell us a little about your background and what you were doing before becoming involved with Opera Holland Park?
The majority of my career has been in Human Resources, 30 years of which were with 3 major airlines. I took a career break when my wife needed major surgery and needed my support during her convalescence. I improved and extended my cooking repertoire as I didn’t want her to suffer from any “dodgy dishes” after all the excellent care she (and we) received at The Royal Marsden. After 4 months I was very pleased to be made redundant at home thanks to her complete recovery. For my return to work, I decided to change career completely – and became cabin crew. Covid came along after 2 years and I became a healthcare assistant at our local hospital. That was the hardest job I have ever done. Thanks to my aviation medicine training, I was able to work in the community vaccination service and then returned to work in the HR function before retiring last October.
How did you first hear about Opera Holland Park, and what drew you to volunteering here?
I had seen a flyer for the summer season and thought we would give OHP a try. I was expecting to be sat in a deckchair on a wind-swept lawn! Imagine my relief and pleasant surprise when we first came to OHP 4 years ago! The warm welcome we were given by the volunteers made a huge impression on me. I decided to apply to be a volunteer and have enjoyed the last three seasons. I enjoy the variety of volunteering roles here. What makes OHP stand out for me is that James Clutton and his team recognise our contribution and give us genuine thanks for it. I never feel we are taken for granted. The team spirit we experience and thanks we get count for a lot and help to bring us back year after year. In addition, the company does not take its customers for granted. For me, each individual customer is a Very Important Person. The opportunity to practice and hone my customer service skills is a huge draw for me.
What have been some of your favourite moments or memories from your time volunteering here?
My favourite memory is of an occasion when we had a full house and a shortage of staff (some virus or other had struck!). How we all “mucked in” and willingly took on extra responsibilities to literally “keep the show on the road” is something I am both proud of and grateful for. We remained approachable, easy-going… and above all, calm. I believe none of our guests would have realised anything was untoward. I think we are very fortunate at OHP – we have a great team (staff and volunteers) motivated by doing their very best for our guests.
Are there any performances or events that stand out as especially memorable?
Oh, that’s a difficult one, as each performance has been memorable for different reasons. The one that particularly stands out for me is this season’s performance of The Flying Dutchman. I was mesmerised by the Ghosts! How they appeared in the auditorium in their gauze-like attire just took me aback. I was reminded of being in the school playground at the age of seven with my school uniform grey jumper over my head and waving my arms around – pretending to be a ghost. I think the staging was brilliant and supported truly amazing performances from the soloists, chorus members and orchestra. They were all “ensemble”.
You’re also a member at Opera Holland Park – has being both a member and a volunteer given you a unique perspective on the OHP community?
Absolutely! Being a Member has given me better insight into the important work that OHP does for the community and making opera accessible to a broader range of people. Knowing that my financial contribution helps support such schemes underpins my belief that opera is for all. I have also contributed to a group of volunteers raising money to sponsor an individual in the Young Artists Scheme. I think this is a great programme which provides a step-up and meaningful professional support for people starting out in their careers. In particular seeing this year’s Young Artists perform in Itch was another source of pride. It was exceptionally well done!
For someone thinking about volunteering at Opera Holland Park, what would you tell them they might gain from the experience?
I hope they will gain a sense of belonging and contributing to a community of diverse people. We come together because we have a common interest in exploring opera and a passion for service. It’s always a pleasure to be at Opera Holland Park.
What is a common misconception about opera that you would like to see debunked?
That it is only for the few. OHP has “put its money where its mouth is” by drawing in new audiences for new productions such as Itch.
What is one piece of advice, musical or otherwise, that has stayed with you?
My parents worked together as shop-keepers. At the age of 5, I was sat on the counter as my mother told me, “the customer is always right – even when they’re wrong.” As I asked more questions about this, I learned that she meant that people in business should look beyond today’s transactions toward a longer-term and meaningful partnership. I think it has served me well.
Learn more about becoming a Volunteer at Opera Holland Park.
Interview by Holly Bancroft
