As the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra continues to work its way through one of the most challenging periods of its 75-year history, we give grateful thanks to our family of supporters. There are many ways you can help support the Orchestra, including joining our thriving Chair Partner programme as an individual or a corporate sponsor. Read on to find out what being an RPO Chair Partner means to two of our supporters: The Gabrán Family and Adam Calderwood of Calderwood Wealth Management.
Meet RPO Chair Partners Niclas and Charlotte of The Gabrán Family (pictured above):
What inspired you and your family to support the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra by becoming a Chair Partner to Tutti First Violin, Joana Valentinaviciute?
“A friend introduced us to both the RPO and its Chair Partner programme and, for us, it was love at first sight. There are many reasons for this – not least, our love of classical music and live performances. For us, it was something our entire family could support together and over the years it has provided us with many memorable and enjoyable experiences. We are also pleased that we can support the important work that the RPO is doing within communities through its RPO Resound programme.”
Tell us about what some of the most enjoyable moments of being an RPO Chair Partner have been for you and your family.
“There have been so many memorable moments over the years, but nothing beats experiencing the Orchestra live in action, be it at John Rutter’s Christmas Celebration at the Royal Albert Hall, or more intimate concerts at Cadogan Hall. A big part of the enjoyment is meeting some of the musicians during intervals – especially, of course, Joana and hearing her views on the concert. We would also like to highlight the very personal approach by the lovely staff at the Chair Partner programme, which keeps us well-informed with concerts and event updates.”
What have been your most memorable RPO live performances?
“If you ask our children it would probably be the Film Music Gala at the Royal Albert Hall. For us (Niclas and Charlotte), it is hard to pick one favourite as there are so many. One particular performance which comes to mind is when Vasily Petrenko conducted Strauss’ ‘Ein Heldenleben last April. What made this special were the extra-ordinary circumstances – it was when the UK was in its first lockdown and the Orchestra had to perform without a live audience. The beautiful music (which we were able to enjoy via the RPO’s YouTube channel) was conducted brilliantly by Petrenko and was very memorable indeed.”
What would you say to someone who is considering becoming an RPO Chair Partner?
“It is seldom that you are able to support a good cause and also be able to enjoy the spoils of it. The RPO Chair Partner programme is in this regard fairly unique as it provides so many benefits, such as access to concerts and special events, whilst at the same time channelling the support to very worthy causes.”
What are you most looking forward to about seeing your Chair Partner, Joana Valentinaviciute, and the Orchestra perform live in the concert hall again?
“It has been a challenging year for many, not at least the Orchestra, and so we are very keen to meet Joana again and hear how she has managed through the year. We are sure that she and the rest of the Orchestra are looking forward as much as we are to returning to live concerts”.
Find out more about becoming an RPO Chair Partner here or by contacting Huw Davies (RPO Business Development Director / Deputy Managing Director) at
Meet RPO Corporate Chair Partner Adam Calderwood of Calderwood Wealth Management
Tell us about you and your company’s (Calderwood Wealth Management) journey becoming Corporate Chair Partner to our Principal Oboe, John Roberts?
“I have always loved listening to classical music, especially live. Therefore, when I was thinking about a launch party for my new business in 2015, it seemed the obvious choice to host it at a classical performance. I was introduced to the RPO’s Huw Davies, and ended up sponsoring one of the Orchestra’s concerts at Cadogan Hall. That was a huge success and, so, it was a natural progression to join the RPO Chair Partner programme to support the Orchestra and, at the same time, be able to entertain clients at concerts throughout the year.”
What would you say have been some of the key enjoyments for you and your colleagues of being an RPO Corporate Chair Partner?
"John Roberts is a phenomenal talent and a very nice guy. He always makes the effort to seek me out during the interval if I’ve got clients attending a concert, and they really appreciate that – a few sprinkles of stardust to take home with them.”
What have been your most memorable moments of seeing the Orchestra perform live?
“There have been so many memorable moments, but the one that comes up again and again with clients are the Christmas concerts with John Rutter at the Royal Albert Hall. Everyone just loves that event, and I end up hosting clients for both the afternoon and evening performances. The evening guests are always very impressed when I get all the answers right for the Christmas quiz!”
What would you say to someone who is considering becoming an RPO Corporate Chair Partner?
“I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend the RPO Chair Partner programme to anyone. My clients like to see me supporting the arts, and they love hobnobbing with the talent. I also think the programme is extremely good value for money – particularly if you compare it to other sectors, such as sport, where corporate sponsorship is cripplingly expensive.”
What are you most looking forward to about seeing your Chair Partner, John Roberts, and the Orchestra perform live in the concert hall again?
“I think the RPO has done a great job during the pandemic of making some of its archive performances available to stream and also recording new concerts as best they can, given the ongoing restrictions – e.g. the John Rutter Christmas concert from St. Albans Cathedral, as well as the more recent socially distanced concerts at the Royal Albert Hall with Vasily Petrenko. That being said I can’t wait to, once more, get back to a packed concert hall to appreciate the power and majesty of a full orchestra playing in unison.“
Find out more about becoming an RPO Corporate Chair Partner here or by contacting Huw Davies (RPO Business Development Director / Deputy Managing Director) at