English Chamber Orchestra Gala 2026
The Evening Programme
An elegant evening of music, dining, cultural exchange and charitable support.
The English Chamber Orchestra Gala 2026 programme is currently being developed and will be confirmed closer to the event date.
Instrumental musicians, performers, guest contributors, speakers, artistic talent, and final programme details will be announced in due course. The overview below is intended to provide an outline of the evening experience rather than a final running order.
The English Chamber Orchestra Gala 2026 is being designed as a refined black-tie evening within the historic surroundings of Banqueting House, Whitehall.
The evening may include curated artistic or cultural displays, with selected works and experiences assembled to complement the setting and character of the Gala.
Programme Overview
Red Carpet
Arrival
Guests will arrive at Banqueting House for a formal black-tie welcome, with arrivals captured in keeping with the dignity, discretion, and atmosphere of the evening.
Champagne Reception in the Undercroft
The evening will begin with a champagne reception in the historic Undercroft, a vaulted space originally conceived as a private royal retreat associated with King James I and courtly gatherings.
Press, Photography and Media Moments
Selected photography, videography, and media moments will be arranged with discretion, capturing the atmosphere of the Gala while respecting the privacy and character of the occasion.
Reception
Performances
Guests will experience light live performance moments, setting the tone for an evening dedicated to musical excellence, cultural legacy, and artistic distinction.
Welcome and Partner Recognition
The reception will include formal welcomes and acknowledgements, recognising the supporters, partners, and contributors helping make the Gala possible.
Gala Dinner in the Main Hall
Guests will move into the Main Hall for a formal gala dinner beneath the monumental Rubens ceiling, one of the most significant Baroque interiors in Europe.
Cultural Installation and Special Collections
The evening may include curated artistic or cultural displays, with selected works and experiences assembled to complement the setting and character of the Gala.
English Chamber Orchestra Performance
The evening will include live performance by the English Chamber Orchestra, with music woven into the rhythm and atmosphere of the Gala.
Final repertoire, instrumental musicians, performers, and artistic details will be announced closer to the event date.
Speeches, Acknowledgements and Awards
The formal programme will include words of welcome, thanks, partner acknowledgements, and moments of recognition honouring contribution to music, culture, patronage, and public benefit.
Fundraising
Moment
A fundraising moment, including selected giving opportunities and charitable support activities, will take place in support of the Orchestra’s artistic, educational, and outreach mission.
Post-Dinner
Networking
Following dinner, guests will return to the reception setting for post-dinner drinks, conversation, and continued cultural exchange.
Close of the
Evening
The evening will conclude with final acknowledgements and a graceful close to a night dedicated to music, heritage, public benefit, and future generations.
The Musical Programme
A captivating programme of much-loved works, performed by the English Chamber Orchestra, celebrating the richness of the Baroque tradition, the Orchestra’s recorded legacy, and music that inspires across generations.
Performance One
The Banqueting House and Titans of the English Baroque
Antonio Vivaldi
The Four Seasons, Autumn, I. Allegro
George Frideric Handel
Arrival of the Queen of Sheba
Performance Two
The English Chamber Orchestra’s Recorded Legacy
Edvard Grieg
Holberg Suite, Op. 40: Praeludium and Sarabande
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Divertimento in D Major, K. 136: III. Presto
Performance Three
Close Encounters: Music for All
Ralph Vaughan Williams
The Lark Ascending, opening section
Gustav Holst
St Paul’s Suite, IV. Finale, “The Dargason”
The English Chamber Orchestra Gala 2026 will be shaped by music, heritage, discretion, and purpose. While final artistic and guest programme details will be confirmed closer to the event date, the evening is being curated to reflect the Orchestra’s distinguished legacy and its continued commitment to artistic excellence, education, access, and charitable impact.
Programme of the Evening
An evening of music, philanthropy and exceptional company at Banqueting House, Whitehall.
6:30 PM — Reception and Red-Carpet Arrivals
Red-carpet arrivals followed by canapés and caviar in the Undercroft, find out more about our partners and hear an opening performance by the English Chamber Orchestra.
8pm – Guests Proceed to the Main Hall
Guests proceed to the Main Hall for the Royal Gala Dinner and Programme.
8.15pm – Royal Gala Dinner and Programme
A three-course candlelit dinner beneath the Rubens ceiling, accompanied by performances from the English Chamber Orchestra. Hear welcome addresses, partner presentations and the Royal Gala Awards. Treat yourself to something special at the silent auction.
10.30pm – Cocktails and Conversation
Guests return to the Undercroft for cocktails, wine, coffee and networking.
11.30pm – Carriages
The evening draws to a close.
Programme and timings may be subject to minor changes
Programme of the Evening
An evening of music, philanthropy and exceptional company at Banqueting House, Whitehall.
6:30 PM — Reception and Red-Carpet Arrivals
Red-carpet arrivals followed by canapés and caviar in the Undercroft, find out more about our partners and hear an opening performance by the English Chamber Orchestra.
7:35 PM — Doors Open & Champagne Reception
Guests enter Banqueting House for a champagne reception, introductions and networking in the historic Undercroft.
7:35 PM — English Chamber Orchestra Reception Performance
Guests are welcomed to the Main Hall for the opening performance by the English Chamber Orchestra, followed by welcome remarks and opening speeches.
8:30 PM — Royal Gala Dinner & Evening Programme
Guests are invited to dinner as the Royal Gala programme continues throughout the evening, including three further performances by the English Chamber Orchestra, the Royal Gala Awards Ceremony, honorary and guest speeches, the story and charitable mission of the ECO, opportunities to support its work, and recognition of the partners and supporters making the evening possible.
10:30 PM — After-Dinner Reception & Networking
Cocktails, coffees & teas, conversation and further opportunities to connect with fellow guests, partners and supporters
11:45 — Evening Concludes
The evening draws to a close.
Programme and timings may be subject to minor changes
ROYAL GUEST OF HONOUR
Her Royal Highness Princess Katarina, Lady de Silva
The English Chamber Orchestra is honoured to welcome Her Royal Highness Princess Katarina, Lady de Silva as Royal Guest of Honour at the English Chamber Orchestra Royal Gala 2026.
Her Royal Highness will join guests at Banqueting House and take part in the formal programme of the evening, including a special address and the presentation of recognition awards on behalf of the English Chamber Orchestra.
three programme highlights
SPECIAL ADDRESS
A Royal Gala Address
Her Royal Highness will address guests during the formal Gala programme, reflecting the spirit of an evening bringing together music, philanthropy, culture and charitable purpose.
AWARDS
Presenting the Royal Gala Awards
Her Royal Highness will participate in the Awards Ceremony, presenting recognition awards on behalf of the English Chamber Orchestra.
MEET
Meet Our Royal Guest of Honour
Guests will have the opportunity to welcome Her Royal Highness as part of the distinguished gathering at Banqueting House and during the evening's reception and Gala programme.
For sponsorship, partnership, or event enquiries relating to the English Chamber Orchestra Gala 2026, please contact:
Event Leadership
The English Chamber Orchestra Royal Fundraising Gala 2026 is being led by Elvijs Plugis, International Advisory Board Member of the English Chamber Orchestra and Event Director for the Gala.
As an International Advisory Board Member, Elvijs stepped forward to help create, organise and manage the Royal Fundraising Gala as a major fundraising initiative in support of ECO’s future. In his role as Event Director, he is helping shape the evening as a landmark cultural and philanthropic occasion, focused on strengthening patronage, building strategic relationships, supporting education and outreach, and creating long-term value for the Orchestra.
Elvijs is also the founder and CEO of Sigulp, a strategic growth marketing consultancy supporting individuals, brands, companies, products and organisations through positioning, partnerships, branding, communications, sponsorship and commercial development. He also serves as Vice Chair of the Parliamentary Society for Arts, Fashion and Sports, reflecting his wider commitment to supporting the arts, culture, public life and meaningful opportunities for future generations.
