Annual Tea - January 18 2020
The JASNA Calgary Annual Tea - 2020 January 18
Tea at the Opera House
Our annual Jane Austen celebration, this year titled “Tea at the Opera House”, was held on Saturday, January 18. A sold out crowd delighted to the sounds of opera, shared in a delicious afternoon tea menu, won big at our raffle, and danced the afternoon away Regency style.
Our coordinator Lindsey and her group of volunteers transformed the large Sunalta meeting room into a beautiful tea salon. Each table was graced with linens, decorated with flowers, and set for tea service. A buffet table to the side was resplendent with fruits and sweet sauces, veggie trays and dips, both buttery scones and those bursting with raisons, and a variety of tea sandwiches. Thanks to volunteers we were also all treated to fresh clotted cream and berry jams.
With everyone settled into their seats and sipping their delicious teas we were introduced to our very special guest, Soprano Rachel Stewart of Cowtown Opera. Rachel received her Bachelor of Music from UBC and her Master of Music and Professional Studies certificate from the Manhattan School of Music. Rachel is a proud Canadian soprano and enjoys singing here in Calgary aka Cowtown!
Delighting us all with a beautiful selection of Jane Austen related and inspired pieces, she transfixed the audience with her beautiful voice. We were all transported to one of the many balls and teas of the Regency period right alongside Jane and her many heroines. Included in the selections was the famed "Ombra Mai Fu / Largo" by Handel and many a comparison was made to poor Mary Bennett of Pride and Prejudice fame when contrasted with Rachel’s sublime rendition. Bravo Rachel and thank you for taking us all to the Opera, and Jane Country, with your beautiful canto.
With a break to refill cups of tea and plates of treats, a last call was sent out to all those wishing to try their luck at the Bring-and-Buy Raffle. With Jane inspired gifts, baskets, and books, there was something for everyone. With some healthy, and fun, competition between tables and members, we were able to clear the Raffle table and sent many guests home with fun new additions to their Jane memorabilia. As one of our fundraisers this fun pursuit also helps support our events and efforts throughout the year. Thanks to all who brought gifts and those who purchased tickets.
And what would a gathering such as this be without a dance? Calgary’s own Sprigged Muslin dance group shared traditional regency dances, and fantastic footwork, with us to cap off the event. While many tried, and met with varying levels of success, to trace the intricate dance patterns it was hard to keep up with the spins and unfaltering steps of the dancers. Traditional regency era dresses spun and whirled, as did cravats and red coats, adding to the sense of occasion.
What a site to behold as the entire assembly joined the call for dance volunteers and thanks to the dedicated volunteers of the Sprigged Muslin group for sharing their incredible dance talent with us.
