Trustees
Linda Esther Gray
Bob and I first met, when I was able to give him a ticket for the first night in Cardiff of Welsh National Opera’s production of Wagner’s ‘Tristan und Isolde’, when I sang my first Isolde. He became not only a fan but a valued friend over the years coming to many of the performances I was involved with.
As I got to know him, I was amazed at his knowledge of singers in the opera world and of course was thrilled to know that he had heard Kirsten Flagstad sing at the Metropolitan Opera when he was a young boy.
Bob gave me a generous gift towards the publication of Dame Eva Turner’s Biography which I wrote in 2007 and so I am very pleased to be able to repay his kindness by serving on the board of the ‘Robert W. Hendra Charitable Trust’ which is being founded in his name.
James Leaney
I first met Bob in 2003, and over time, we became enduring friends and partners in life.
In 2008, Bob expressed a sincere wish to leave a meaningful legacy to the opera he cherished - one that would provide tangible support to aspiring opera students during their education. With the assistance of his trusted friend Gerard, he established a trusteeship to oversee the creation and management of the Robert W. Hendra Charitable Trust.
It is an honour to uphold Bob’s legacy, and I remain fully dedicated to ensuring that his vision continues to benefit future generations of opera students.
Gerard Matthews
Gerard Matthews is a Barrister and now works in the sphere of legal education.
He has known Robert Hendra since 1980 when he was his student lodger whilst pursuing his legal studies in London. He acquired a great knowledge and a greater appreciation of classical music and opera during that chapter in his life. He still continues to appreciate all music forms and the arts and looks forward to carrying out RWH’s wishes to further the careers of young opera performers who show significant talent.
Craig Smith
I first met Bob in 1996. I was working at English National Opera and he was kind enough to put me up for a few weeks in his home. We became firm friends. He was a great supporter and came to see many of my performances both in the UK and abroad. One that stands out is an outdoor Aida in Bruges where I sang Amonasro. He was a lovely man who truly loved opera. When he asked me to be a part of his planned trust for opera singers I was only too delighted to say yes. Sadly this means that he isn't amongst us anymore. However, his legacy is assured. It was a privilege to be his friend and it is an honour to be a part of this most worthy endeavour.
Sandra Verlinde - Retired
The Trustees would like to thank Sandra for her time, commitment, and invaluable contribution as a Trustee.
Her support has made a lasting impact.
Our aims are to provide financial assistance to students who have shown significant talent in opera singing or clasical music and to generate funds to provide bursaries.
