Matthew Rose's Christmas picks
Singer Matthew Rose selects his favourite Christmas gifts from Glyndebourne Shop.
This summer, Matthew should have been appearing in The Rake’s Progress, but after the cancellation of Festival 2020, he joined the cast of our outdoor production, In the Market for Love. He revived the role of the Police Inspector for our indoor autumn performances.
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Matthew Rose's Christmas gift guide
Above: Matthew Rose in The Rake’s Progress, In the Market for Love and A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
Gift Associate Membership
Glyndebourne was formed by the Christie family to bring the very best opera to the people of England in the most beautiful spot in the South Downs. I was fortunate enough to grow up in Sussex and I feel so privileged to have been part of the Glyndebourne story for the last 15 years. It is a place where people experience the very best, and return time and time again. So why not give a gift Associate Membership to someone who loves Glyndebourne and who would relish the chance to experience all the Glyndebourne offers year after year.
Existing Members will receive a £100 gift voucher for every gift Associate Membership they buy.
The Rake’s Progress Christmas Bauble by David Hockney, £39
I was supposed to have performed one of my favourite roles, that of Nick Shadow in The Rake’s Progress this summer, as I was lucky enough to do back in 2010. The set and contained designs by David Hockney are as well known as any in opera and the amazing collection of Hockney inspired gifts has slowly been filling our house (I’m sitting in my Hockney Rake’s Progress chair writing this). This bauble would be top of my list for Santa any year..
Men’s Linked Grey Socks, £15
Sir George Christie was famous for wearing his red socks to all performances at Glyndebourne, so socks are an important staple… so get some socks in a colour that inspire you.
Hot Water Bottle,
£29
When rehearsals start at Glyndebourne in late March, it can often be a bit chilly, especially for those staying in the house. This hot water bottle would do the trick…
Country Check Sage Scarf, £29
Again, something stylish to keep the Sussex winter at bay…
Tweed Baker Boy Hat, £39
I love these kinds of hats and have now gathered quite a collection, but I think this one will be on my shopping list this Christmas.
Chocolate Buttons by Montezuma, £28.99
I hadn’t had Montezuma chocolates until performing at Glyndebourne (in the garden) this summer. About the best milk chocolate I have ever tasted.
Elf Soy Wax Christmas Candle, £12
Nothing says Christmas like a beautifully scented candle… Especially this one as it’s a mulled wine fragrance! It’s a great stocking filler!
Deck the Halls Soap, £6
Soap has played an important part of Glyndebourne since the make-up was put on in those first operas.
It was carefully rationed after WW2 for the men playing the Roman Soldiers in Britten’s The Rape of Lucretia, the soap being weighed before and after showers post show… So get your soap while you can.
Mozart Christmas Tree Decoration, £12
Mozart has been the father composer at Glyndebourne ever since the first downbeat in 1934. A whole season was dedicated to his operas before the old house closed. So who better to have flying on your Christmas tree than one of the greatest musical geniuses who ever lived?
Image credits: The Rake’s Progress, Festival 2010 by Alastair Muir | In the Market for Love, 2020 by Richard Hubert Smith | A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Festival 2016 by Robert Workman | Membership pack designed by Fenton & Partners