Michelle Crowe Hernandez tells us more about the LPO Illuminate Gala

Walpole: What is your history with the London Philharmonic Orchestra?

Michelle Crowe Hernandez: I have been a musician since I was eight years old, performing with my university symphony orchestra through graduate school. I still play the piano whenever I get an opportunity. So, when our Chair Dr Catherine Høgel asked me to join the LPO Board to help galvanise development efforts, I accepted with pleasure as it is the ideal way to combine my professional background with my true love of music.

What have been some of your highlights during your time with the LPO?

The highlight of my time with the LPO has been seeing the orchestra perform to a full house at New York’s Carnegie Hall last October. It was incredibly special to see our Principal Conductor, Edward Gardner, make his Carnegie debut and encore with Elgar’s "Nimrod".

Why does the LPO host its annual Gala – and why is it important to the organisation?

As a registered charity, the Gala is the pinnacle of the LPO’s fundraising event calendar. It brings together our highest-level supporters, stakeholders and eminent musicians to raise essential funds so we can keep delivering world-class musical experiences in the concert hall and share the unique power of music in schools and communities.

What can we expect from this year’s event?

Our 2025 Illuminate Gala will be held in the breathtaking Grand Hall of London’s iconic Battersea Arts Centre. Over 200 guests will be treated to a sparkling reception and sumptuous three-course dinner with dazzling music performed by our world-leading musicians under the baton of LPO Principal Conductor Edward Gardner, joined by special guest soloist, pianist Benjamin Grosvenor. I won’t reveal any more about the programme, but suffice to say we’re confident that some illuminating reveals will excite and delight our guests.

We are also raising money on the night through a live pledge appeal and an exclusive silent auction. The pledge appeal will raise funds for our flagship education projects, Music Makers and BrightSparks, designed to tackle the decimation of high-quality music education and provide inspiration for young people in schools. Meanwhile, in the fortnight leading up to the Gala, a spectacular array of silent auction prizes will be made available online to the general public and our VIP guests, who’ll continue placing bids throughout the night.

Can you tell us more about the food?

We're thrilled to announce that this year's Gala will feature a bespoke culinary experience crafted by our longstanding Gala catering partner, Zafferano. Their expertise in creating exceptional dining for LPO Galas is unmatched, and together we have designed a delicious three-course menu that aligns perfectly with our 'Illuminate' theme. We can't wait for our guests to savour the magic.

Is there anything else we should know about the event?

We’re always delighted to be connected with brands in the Walpole family who share our passion for music, its transformative impact and its unique power for creative brand storytelling. Opportunities to participate in this unforgettable evening of entertainment and celebration include ticket or table purchases, as well as visibility through brand partnership and our silent auction. We welcome enquiries from both individuals and brands.

The LPO Illuminate Gala is on Tuesday 17th June 2025. To find out more, visit lpo.org.uk

Photo credit: Photographer London