The ‘Wright Occasion’

Elmhurst organised a very wonderful programme for Sir Peter Wright’s 80^th birthday celebration on 3^rd February 2007. The London Ballet Circle was invited to the event and a number of stalwarts made it to Birmingham to join in the celebration. This included a full programme of short ballets, some choreographed by students, and ranged from Classical to Contemporary to Jazz and so on.

The highlight of the evening was a new ballet from Michael Corder – Varii Capricci with music from William Walton and designs by Mark Bailey. The costumes were exquisite, all green and gold silk, and the Ballet Circle was thanked for its sponsorship in the programme.

I would particularly like to pass on Elmhurst’s thanks to all those who attended the November weekend in Birmingham and donated towards these costumes – they were worth it.

It was a wonderful occasion and Sir Peter was clearly overwhelmed by the warmth of feeling towards him and the high regard in which he is held. To end the evening there was a grand defile with every student on stage.

Dinner was served after this and I think we finally left at around 11.30 p.m.

The Ballet Circle will continue to maintain its excellent links with Elmhurst and will keep members up to date with other invitations.