It is no exaggeration to say that, without Kentish Opera, I would have had no career. Sally Langford's beloved late mother, the energetic and determined Audrey Langford, decided that I would be a conductor and inveigled Sally into accepting me as music director pretty well unseen. I was thrown into a production of La Traviata never having conducted an orchestra, let alone an opera.

My blood runs cold to think of my innocent fearlessness now; but even colder to think what I would have lost had I not been so forcefully thrust on to the podium.

My story is typical of the invaluable work Kentish Opera does to encourage and foster young talent. There are so few opportunities for young singers to try roles out, to test themselves and discover their strengths and their limitations. Sally is a first-rate director and, like all expert directors, a great teacher. The singers are cared for and nurtured. The company is a huge asset to the world of professional opera.

At the same time, the company provides an immensely satisfying outlet for the expert amateur, particularly for the rich seam of excellent amateur singers who make up the chorus. This coming together of the young professional and the seasoned amateur worlds, of young hope and honed enthusiasm, is of great benefit and delight to both sides. The members of the wider community feel part of the artistic process and gain possession of it, rather than acting simply as bystanders. And the young artists truly learn to know the men and women who support them and cheer them on, the very people for whose future delight they are developing their talents.

Last but by no means least, the company provides wonderfully enjoyable performances of great operas in a part of London which otherwise would not enjoy such things. What a great privilege for North West Kent that is!'