English Chamber Orchestra Royal Gala champions music education and emerging talent at Banqueting House
With HRH Princess Katarina, Lady de Silva, as Guest of Honour, the evening connected the Orchestra’s musical heritage with support for Close Encounters, New Horizons and its continuing artistic work.
LONDON — The English Chamber Orchestra brought together an international community of business leaders, diplomats, philanthropists, royalty and cultural figures at its Royal Gala Fundraiser 2026, held at Banqueting House, Whitehall, on Saturday, 17 October.
The evening combined performances by the English Chamber Orchestra with a candlelit dinner, awards and a silent auction. Its purpose was to build lasting support for the Orchestra’s artistic future, community and education work, and opportunities for emerging musicians and composers.
The English Chamber Orchestra, whose Patron is His Majesty King Charles III, has held a distinctive place in British musical life for more than six decades. The Gala connected that heritage with an international network of supporters and partners, encouraging relationships that can sustain its work on stage and in communities.
Following red-carpet arrivals and a champagne and caviar reception in the Undercroft, guests moved to the Main Hall for dinner and performances beneath the Rubens ceiling. Directed by violinist John Mills, the Orchestra performed a programme featuring Vivaldi, Handel, Grieg, Mozart, Vaughan Williams and Holst, reflecting the breadth of its repertoire and recording history.
In his message for the Gala, James Rutherford, Chief Executive of the English Chamber Orchestra, said: “Looking ahead, we want to build on everything that makes the English Chamber Orchestra special; bringing extraordinary music to more people, creating exciting new partnerships and opening doors for the next generation of musicians. Through our performances, education and community programmes, we will continue to find new ways to connect with audiences, inspire young talent and share the joy of music across the UK and around the world.”
Musical excellence beyond the concert hall
The fundraising message centred on widening access to music and supporting its future. Close Encounters, the ECO’s award-winning community and education programme, with Dr Gregory Boardman, carries that commitment into schools and communities.
Between 2024 and 2026, Close Encounters delivered 65 UK school-based projects, engaged more than 5,000 young participants and presented over 20 bespoke concert performances for young people.
Through lasting partnerships with schools and communities, the programme creates hands-on experiences that encourage curiosity, confidence and creativity. Children and young people encounter professional musicians, explore composition and discover the experience of making music themselves.
Boardman’s account of the initiative emphasises that musical excellence belongs wherever music is made. Its ambition extends beyond an enjoyable first encounter to the participation, relationships and opportunities that can continue after a project ends.
The Gala also highlighted New Horizons, with Ada Witczyk, scheduled to launch formally in autumn 2027. The programme will offer emerging musicians and composers a two-year pathway from education into professional life through mentoring, workshops, rehearsals, performances, commissions and career development.
Together, Close Encounters and New Horizons connect opportunities to discover music with support for those aspiring to pursue it professionally. They form part of the Orchestra’s wider commitment to sustaining both musical participation and artistic achievement.
In her message for the evening, HRH Princess Katarina, Lady de Silva, said: “I am especially passionate about giving children and young people opportunities to experience the arts, to discover music and to develop their own creativity. Music education can open a child’s imagination, build confidence and introduce them to a world of possibility.”
Recognising support for the Orchestra
HSH Dr Donatus, Prince of Hohenzollern, Trustee and Chair of the Friends of the English Chamber Orchestra, delivered the opening address on behalf of the trustees, whose board also comprises Chairman Hugh MacDougald, Christian Rutherford and John Thurgood.
The Gala was supported by TrinityBridge, Principal Gold Partner; Orient Express, Gold Partner; ATARATMA London, Silver Partner; Eton Holdings, Bronze Partner; Generation by Kiera and Spencer Chaplin, Spirits Partner; and Danbury Ridge, Wine Partner. All six received awards recognising their contributions to the English Chamber Orchestra’s mission and its artistic and charitable work.
The Orchestra also congratulates Ekin-Su, HSH Dr Donatus, Prince of Hohenzollern ISM, Ishani Bhoola and Nadiya Bychkova, who received philanthropy awards in recognition of their support for its mission.
Elvijs Plugis, Event Director and International Advisory Board member of the English Chamber Orchestra, led the Gala’s organisation, partnership development and delivery through Sigulp, working with the ECO team and event collaborators. Rebeca Riofrio co-hosted through the Parliamentary Society for Arts, Fashion & Sports, the Gala’s Alliance Partner.
In his Gala message, Elvijs Plugis said: “We are connecting artistic excellence with enterprise, influence and international relationships – not simply to create an exceptional evening, but to build partnerships that can strengthen the Orchestra’s future for generations to come.”
The evening concluded with guests returning to the Undercroft for after-dinner cocktails and conversation.
Supporting the next chapter
Support for the Orchestra continues beyond the Gala through major giving, corporate partnerships, the ECO 1960 Circle, chair sponsorship, annual patronage and individual donations.
Its wider annual fundraising goal is £1 million across community and education, emerging talent, international touring, and artistic and organisational development. This is an annual fundraising target, rather than a statement of proceeds from the Gala.
To explore opportunities to support performances, education and the next generation of musicians, visit englishchamberorchestra.com/support-us/
Acknowledging our partners and supporters
The English Chamber Orchestra extends its thanks to all the partners, sponsors and supporters who helped make the Royal Gala Fundraiser 2026 possible:
- TrinityBridge – Principal Gold Partner
- Orient Express – Gold Partner
- ATARATMA London – Silver Partner
- Eton Holdings – Bronze Partner
- Parliamentary Society for Arts, Fashion & Sports – Alliance Partner
- Generation by Kiera and Spencer Chaplin – Spirits Partner
- Danbury Ridge – Wine Partner
- Sigulp – Strategic Growth Partner
- Empire Caviar – Caviar Partner
- The Hideaways Club – Prize Partner
- Jumblebee – Auction Partner
- Songtradr – Patron Table
- Country & Town House – Media Partner
- Getty Images – Media
- Recsy – Patron
- R. Owen Rolls-Royce – Collaborator
- Justerini & Brooks – Prize Partner
Special thanks also go to London AIM Ltd and Yuejiao Yuan.
The Orchestra also thanks its musicians, trustees, advisory board, staff and event teams, including Rebeca Riofrio and Art Infusion TV; Lara Accison and LALDN Productions; Master of Ceremonies James Hasler; the Banqueting House and HRP Event Productions teams; Lavender Green; Foodbydish; and Ian Calow of Calow Design.
Further partner information:
https://englishchamberorchestra.com/english-chamber-orchestra-royal-gala-2026/sponsors-partners/
Media enquiries, photographs and interview requests
Elvijs Plugis
International Advisory Board Member & Gala Event Director
English Chamber Orchestra
elvijs.plugis@englishchamberorchestra.co.uk
+44 (0)7549 945392
