Concert in the cloisters

Singing in convent gardens is nothing new for Eric Garrett. But, though, London's Royal Opera House Covent Garden (originally the convent garden of Westminster Abbey) may be grander, Pollensa's cloisters and gardens of the convent of San Domingo are arguably prettier and certainly more picturesque. And that is where the former principal bass of Covent Garden will be performing with friends on Sunday September 8 in a concert held to raise funds for the Pollensa Animal Refuge run by Josefina Vivancos. Local residents and regular Bulletin readers are well acquainted with the wonderful work done by the tireless Josefina and her family in caring for abandoned and maltreated cats and dogs. Sadly, the number of needy animals continues unabated and funds as well as good homes are always in demand (at the moment Josefina is inundated with tiny kittens, call her on 971 532 180 if you can help). The forthcoming concert is the idea of soprano Kate Gannon and her husband the musician James Anderson, a couple who spearheaded a very successful and enjoyable concert in the San Domingo Cloisters last year. Kate and James live in the Pollensa area for most of the year, relaxing and rehearsing here before appearing in concerts and at festivals all over Europe. Kate will be singing duets with Eric Garrett, who studied with Tito Gobbi and has sung many operatic roles ranging from Richard Strauss to Verdi. He sang the role of Sacristan in the famous Maria Callas/Tito Gobbi performances of Tosca at Covent Garden -- performances that are often shown on television. Eric is well known in the opera world for his portrayal of comic roles, and duets by Donizetti from the comic operas “Don Pasquale” and “L'Elisir d'Amore” will form part of the concert in the Cloisters. This will be the first time Kate and Eric have sung together in public. Eric is married to the pianist and singer Jean Garrett who also worked for many years at Covent Garden and ran the children's chorus there. Jean has played for Kate before, notably in a recital at La Residencia hotel in Deia, and she will be playing for Eric and Kate on September 8. This highly talented line-up is also joined by the pianist Suzanne Bradbury. Suzanne is truly an international pianist of distinction. Born in California, she grew up in Spain, studied in New York, Vienna, England and Munich and has appeared in concerts all over the world. A founder of the Allensbach Music Festival and its artistic director for 10 years, she has returned to live in Majorca with her family and has become a regular and welcome participant in musical events on the island. Her offerings at the Cloisters concert will include works by Liszt. Music-lovers will definitely not want to miss this one! Make a note in your diaries: Sunday September 8, Cloisters of San Domingo Pollensa, 9.30pm. The concert entry fee is 10 euros (payable at the door, no advance ticket sales) for which you are guaranteed a great musical evening and the knowledge that you are helping the animal shelter.