Bach to the future!

Livery News, January 2004

Ironmongers' Hall hosted a splendid musical evening in October, which saw a performance of "Flash Bach!" by Realm of Music. The event was a collaboration between the venue, Realm of Music and The Chelsea Catering Company. Realm of Music excels at presenting music for people who don't usually attend concerts and focuses on the enjoyment factor, so the audience does not feel stifled.

Andreas Kaempf RoM's manager, said, "We aim to provide a relaxed and enjoyable evening. Busy professionals can come along and enjoy themselves, whether it is with clients or colleagues. They can enjoy a drink and some food before the performance and then still have enough time to socialise and enjoy the rest of their evening afterwards."

This was the third big event of the year for RoM, which already has eight further shows lined up for next year. Andreas was full of admiration for the City and its venues, saying, "There are so many wonderful places in London to play music."

Indeed, the intimate Ironmongers' Hall provided not only an excellent performance environment visually, it also helped acoustically, as the sound of the baroque music was amazing. The audience was able to follow the music carefully with the aid of the informative 'listening pack' provided. Penelope Spencer, artistic director and star performer of RoM, explained that the instruments used are originals: a harpsichord from the 1700s; a viola da gamba made in England circa 1650 and Penelope herself played a violin made in 1756. The instruments were strung with gut, rather than metal, to add to the authenticity of the music.

The performance gave an insight into the personal circumstances that created some of Johann Sebastian Bach's greatest music and also touched upon how he confronted death through music with the famous Chaconne for solo violin, a very moving epitaph to his first wife.

Prior to the entertainment, guests were able to enjoy champagne cocktails and canapes while exploring the many treasures of Ironmongers' Hall. The post-concert reception was an ideal setting to network and socialise as well as meet up with the musicians and other people involved in creating the event.

Since FlashBach! in October, RoM has repeated the event, again at the beautiful Ironmongers' Hall with spectacular catering.

Penelope Spencer, artistic director of Realm of Music

As a result of the two FlashBach! evenings, a number of companies have expressed interest in hosting such evenings as a refreshing and innovative way in which to entertain corporate guests.

In response to this the three partners in the enterprise -- RoM, The Ironmongers' Hall and Chelsea Catering, have adapted their unique combination of fine music and food in beautiful surrounds to the needs of corporates and are now offering this special service. The question remains however -- why the interest in RoM from the corporate sector? Maybe John Grant, author of 'After Image, mind-altering marketing' (2002) has the answer when he remarks that consumers are shifting from awareness of brands to greater appreciation of learning and self-realization.

People want to be more than entertained -- they want to learn something at the same time. RoM's unusual combination of elegant entertainment and musical enlightenment may well be just the right mix.

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