A Season of Enrichment and Connection

This February and March, you, along with friends and family, are warmly invited to enjoy any of our upcoming events, from talks on superfoods, Chopin’s music, Cadogan family history, and Titanic tales to the return of jazz nights and wine and cheese evenings exploring the flavours of Spain and Italy. However, places are limited so please get in touch with David Simpson at david.simpson@auriens.com or call 07917 352411 if you would like to attend.

January

Wellness Clinic: Discover the Power of Superfoods
TUESDAY, 28TH JANUARY
16.00 FOR 16.15 START. DURATION ONE HOUR. | LIBRARY
This talk is complimentary

Join us for an engaging wellness talk on the fascinating world of superfoods and their role in enhancing vitality and overall health. Learn how nutrient-packed foods like berries, leafy greens, nuts, seeds, and more can support your energy levels, boost immunity, and promote longevity. This 30-45 minute session, followed by a Q&A, will provide practical tips on incorporating these powerhouse ingredients into your daily diet. Whether you’re looking to optimise your nutrition or simply curious about the benefits of superfoods, this talk is for you! Let’s explore how small changes to what we eat can have a big impact on how we feel. 

Jazz Night: An Evening of Jazz and Soul
WEDNESDAY, 29TH JANUARY   
PERFORMANCE STARTS AT 19.00, DURATION 2 HOURS | CULFORDS
£45 for residents, £60 for FOA members*

Includes a three-course set menu Eleonora Kouneni, a London-based jazz vocalist and songwriter, is known for her contemporary and emotive style and unique original compositions. Launching her career in Athens in the early 2010s, she opened for major Greek artists such as Maria Farantouri and Savina Yannatou before relocating to London, where she has established herself in the jazz scene with performances at venues like the Green Note, Vortex Jazz Club, and New York’s Pangea. Her debut EP, If You Just…, was released in May 2023 and is available on all streaming platforms. Joining her is Eddie Abdullah, a versatile and soulful guitarist whose eclectic style focuses on jazz and funk. Having performed across the UK, Europe, and Southeast Asia, Eddie is a regular presence in London’s music scene, captivating audiences with his unique tone and sensitivity.  Completing the line-up is Martin Young, a classical guitarist turned bassist with a remarkable career spanning decades. From his early days playing big-band charts with Lancashire’s Sounds 18 to collaborations with renowned musicians such as Harold Salisbury and Hollies drummer Bobby Elliott, Martin has graced iconic venues like the 606 Club and the Bulls Head and is the regular bassist for the twelve-piece soul outfit SoulTrippers.

Spanish Cheese & Wine Night
THURSDAY, 30TH JANUARY 
17.15 FOR A 17.30 START, DURATION ONE HOUR | PRIVATE DINING ROOM
This event is complimentary | Booking is essential

Join us for a delightful evening celebrating the rich flavours of Spain. Jeroboams Wine Merchants will guide us through a carefully curated selection of Spanish wines, perfectly paired with exceptional cheeses highlighting the country’s diverse culinary traditions. Relax, indulge, and enjoy a convivial night of flavours, stories, and expert insights. ¡Salud!

February

Recital: Havisham Trio, Piano, Cello & Violin
WEDNESDAY, 5TH FEBRUARY 
17.30 FOR 18.00 START, DURATION ONE HOUR | LIBRARY
This recital is complimentary 
An à la carte dinner is available after the recital by reservation

Join us for a captivating performance by The Havisham Trio, a talented ensemble featuring piano, cello, and violin. Known for their expressive interpretations and seamless synergy, the trio will present a beautifully curated programme that highlights the richness and versatility of chamber music. An à la carte dinner is available by reservation in Culfords restaurant following the recital.

Chopin &c.: Nocturne - The Romantic Life of Frédéric Chopin
WEDNESDAY, 12TH FEBRUARY 
17.30 FOR 18.00 START. DURATION 2 HOURS | LIBRARY 
Schedule: Arrive from 17:30, with the performance starting promptly 
at 18:00 and concluding at 20:00  (including an intermission).
Pricing: £70 for FOA members and £50 for residents*
What’s Included: A welcome drink upon arrival 
Wine or soft drinks during the intermission | A three-course dinner in Culfords

Join us for Lucy Parham’s celebrated account of the tender but volatile relationship between Chopin and the controversial novelist George Sand. This comes to Auriens the day after the performance at Cadogan Hall. Alex Jennings and Patricia Hodge will take us through a seamless narrative comprising extracts from letters and diaries, interspersed with Lucy’s performance of some of the composer’s most loved and poignant works for solo piano. The story covers their time together in Majorca, his fragile health, and his ultimate demise in poverty in Paris at the age of 39. Followed by dinner in Culfords restaurant.

Talk: The Cadogan Family, A Remarkable Journey Through History, by Tamsin Perrett
THURSDAY, 13TH FEBRUARY 
17.45 FOR 18.00 START, DURATION TWO HOURS | LIBRARY
£25 for FOA members and The Chelsea Society, complimentary for residents*
Includes a glass of wine 

Join us for an evening of history and insight as Tamsin Perrett discusses her important new book, which traces the extraordinary story of the Cadogan family. From their origins as Welsh warlords in post-Roman Britain to their prominent role today as owners of 93 acres of Chelsea, the Cadogans’ have shaped over 1,000 years of history and remain central to our community.

Jazz Dinner: A Jazz & Soul Soirée
WEDNESDAY, 19TH FEBRUARY   
PERFORMANCE STARTS AT 19.00, DURATION 2 HOURS | CULFORDS
£45 for residents, £60 for FoA members* | Includes a three-course set menu

Join us on for an unforgettable evening of live jazz featuring Karolina Micor (vocals), a versatile singer, pianist, and music educator known for her dynamic performances across Europe; Anita Łazińska (keys), a gifted pianist and composer active on London’s jazz scene with credits at Jazz Cafe POSK and Union Chapel; and Nick Lenner-Webster (double bass), an accomplished bassist whose career highlights include performances at Ronnie Scott’s and the Royal Albert Hall. 

Italian Cheese & Wine Night
THURSDAY, 20TH FEBRUARY | 17.15 FOR 17.30 START, DURATION ONE HOUR | PRIVATE DINING ROOM This event is complimentary | Booking is essential

Join us for a delightful Italian-themed evening celebrating the finest cheeses and wines. William from Jeroboams will guide us through a carefully curated selection of Italian wines, perfectly paired with exceptional cheeses that showcase Italy’s rich culinary heritage. Relax, indulge, and enjoy a convivial night of flavours, stories, and expert insights. Buon appetite!

Talk: The Aristocrat, the Able Seaman and the Tragic Sinking of  RMS Titanic, by Angela Young
WEDNESDAY, 26TH FEBRUARY 
17.30 FOR 18.00 START, DURATION ONE HOUR | LIBRARY
This talk is complimentary  | An à la carte dinner is available after the recital by reservation

Join us for a fascinating and poignant illustrated talk by Angela Young, as she explores the incredible story of the Countess of Rothes and Able Seaman Thomas Jones. While researching her novel The Dance of Love, Angela discovered the correspondence between her great-grandmother, the Countess, and Thomas Jones. Their story, rarely told, highlights the courage, skill, and kindness of these two unlikely heroes who worked together on the night of April 14-15, 1912, and then remained in contact. The talk delves into their divergent backgrounds, recounts their heroic actions that night and examines some of the causes of the tragedy and the reforms that came from it. Don’t miss this chance to discover a unique and inspiring Titanic story of bravery and humanity. Followed by dinner in Culfords restaurant by reservation.

March

An Evening with Noël Coward: A Tribute by Stefan Bednarczyk
TUESDAY, 5TH MARCH
18.00 | LIBRARY | £60 for FOA members, £45 for residents*  
Includes a three-course set menu

Step into an evening of wit, charm, and musical brilliance as Stefan Bednarczyk presents a masterful solo performance celebrating the genius of Noël Coward. Through a carefully curated collection of songs, verse, and prose, Bednarczyk brings to life the timeless artistry of one of the 20th century’s most talented writers and melodists. Acclaimed by critics, this show has been hailed as:
“A remarkable solo show… which both reveals and redefines the nature of the man’s genius. Bednarczyk comes across as both authentic re-interpreter and skilled champion.” Michael Coveney, What’s On Stage
“Can there be a better interpreter of Noël Coward operating in the UK – in the world – than Stefan Bednarczyk? A consummate performer – his piano playing is flawless, and he exudes an irresistible charisma… This is cabaret at its finest.” Craig Glenday, Musical Theatre Review
Join us for this fastidiously crafted evening of delight, where Bednarczyk’s talent and charisma will illuminate the legacy of Noël Coward. 

Tea & Talk: Red Savannah – Travel Insight
THURSDAY, 6TH MARCH 
16.00 FOR 16.15 START, DURATION ONE HOUR | CULFORDS
This talk is complimentary | Includes tea & cake

Discover the fascinating world of travel with George Morgan-Grenville, whose career began with a commission in the Coldstream Guards and took him across the globe, culminating in a post in Hong Kong. After declining a Foreign Office offer, George embraced adventure, accompanying Prince Charles on journeys through Turkey, the Himalayas, and Tanzania. In 2011, George founded Red Savannah, which quickly garnered accolades such as The Queen’s Award for Enterprise and Condé Nast Traveller’s World’s Best Tour Operator Award. Today, George shares his reflections on leading a travel company through global upheavals and behind-the-scenes stories of crafting extraordinary experiences for high-profile clients. George will also offer a glimpse into the future of travel, exploring what’s hot and what’s not in 2025 and beyond, while capturing the essence of exploration in a changing world. Indulge in a delightful afternoon tea buffet while learning from one of the foremost experts in luxury travel.

Recital: Vusala Babayeva, Solo Pianist
WEDNESDAY, 12TH MARCH
17.30 FOR 18.00 START, DURATION ONE HOUR | LIBRARY
This recital is complimentary | An à la carte dinner is available after the recital by reservation

Join us for a captivating solo piano recital by the highly talented Vusala Babayeva. Renowned for her expressive performances and technical brilliance, Vusala will present a carefully curated programme showcasing her exceptional artistry. Prepare to be mesmerised by a night of exquisite music, as she brings each piece to life with grace and passion. An à la carte dinner is available by reservation in Culfords restaurant.

Tea & Talk: A Brief History of Artificial Intelligence – & its Long Future
THURSDAY, 13TH MARCH 
16.00 FOR 16.15 START, DURATION ONE HOUR.  | CULFORDS
This talk is complimentary | Includes tea and cake

Is artificial intelligence the most terrifying or the most exciting technology of our lifetime? As AI is set to reshape our world in the 2020s more dramatically than the internet did in the 2000s, it’s crucial to understand its potential. Join Chris Stokel-Walker, tech journalist and author of best-sellers TikTok Boom and YouTubers, for an engaging and accessible talk about AI’s rapid rise. Chris, who knows the Silicon Valley innovators behind machine learning and works closely with insiders at Google and OpenAI, will explain what’s going on in a way everyone can understand. With his ability to answer all your questions, this promises to be an enlightening and entertaining session. Indulge in a delightful afternoon tea buffet while learning about the future of AI.

Recital: Valentina Wang, Pianist, and Alex Acomb Cellist
WEDNESDAY, 26TH MARCH 
17.30 FOR 18.00 START, DURATION ONE HOUR | LIBRARY
This recital is complimentary | An à la carte dinner is available after the recital by reservation

Join us for an enchanting recital featuring Valentina Wang on piano and Alex Acomb on cello. Together, they will present a captivating programme that highlights the expressive power and beauty of both instruments. Expect an evening filled with exquisite melodies and masterful performances from two highly talented musicians, blending technical brilliance with emotional depth. An à la carte dinner is available by reservation in Culfords restaurant.

Friends and family are very welcome although places are limited and reservations are required. To R.S.V.P. please email David Simpson david.simpson@auriens.com or call 07917352411.

*We cannot guarantee a place at any of our events without reservation. For dietary requirements, special requests or large parties, please let us know when booking. We understand that plans can change. If you need to cancel or modify your reservation, please do so at least 24 hours in advance. Cancellations made within 24 hours of your reservation may incur a cancellation fee.