We are delighted to feature a Spotlight interview with one of Opera Holland Park's supporters, Ursula Baxter, who tells us about her favourite memories at OHP and what made her initially want to join the OHP family, as a volunteer, a supporter, and most recently as a corporate supporter.
Hi Ursula. You’ve personally supported Opera Holland Park in many different ways over the years. What initially made you want to join the OHP Family?
The very first reason was to have the chance to take a risk on seeing lesser known operas without spending a fortune on tickets. To be honest, most operas would have been less well known to me at that time! I quite quickly became a Friend because it really does feel like a family. When the time came for the price of the Friend level support to be (voluntarily) increased, and going through a leaner period personally, I decided to offer my time instead of increasing my donation.
Can you tell us more about Tideway and their relationship with OHP?
Tideway Wealth is a bespoke wealth management and financial planning firm which my husband James and I co-founded in 2009. We specialise in, but are not restricted to, retirement planning, and have a team committed to personalised financial solutions. We have approximately 650 clients and manage investments of around £450 million. This year, we’ve formed a corporate partnership with Opera Holland Park, an organisation I’ve been supporting personally for a number of years. We are pleased to be able to support James Clutton and his lovely team at OHP and look forward to being able to share the forthcoming season with some of our clients and friends.
What do you enjoy most about volunteering at OHP?
It’s great to be a little more involved with the Company. It’s always fun, and a surprise, to be standing at the programme desk and see friends come in who are attending a performance. It’s lovely to see the other volunteers, some of whom I have got to know a little over the years. And of course, it is always gratifying to have lively interactions with the members of the public who are excited for the performance they are about to enjoy.
What would you say to someone considering becoming a supporter at OHP or getting involved with volunteering or corporate sponsorships?
I would say do it! There is a large enough group of volunteers that you are unlikely to be asked to help out at more than about four or five performances throughout the entire season. This is hardly too onerous and it really is fun. We are relatively new to the corporate sponsorship side – and whatever happens in the future I will continue my personal support – but anyone can see how difficult the current climate is for arts organisations. As a Company we were already making a commitment to support a small sailing charity (my husband’s passion) and so we agreed to make an equal pledge to a charity of my choice, which was OHP. We immediately became aware that what is a relatively small amount for Tideway makes a huge difference to OHP and we are pleased and proud to be in a position to be able to offer our support.
Finally, what is one of your favourite memories at Opera Holland Park?
It is so hard to choose just one but I will say La traviata with Lauren Fagan singing Violetta. It was such a beautiful performance that I was both moved to tears and to give a standing ovation at the end.
If you are interested in finding out more about volunteering with Opera Holland Park, click here. If you would like to find out more information about corporate support, click here.
