The Hallelujah Chorus auction winner

15 November 2024

The Hallelujah Chorus auction winner at the 50th anniversary performance of Messiah from Scratch® was Professor Christopher Wood. Escorted by a steward around the labyrinthine corridors of the Royal Albert Hall, he made his way to the Arena. To loud cheers from the capacity audience, he removed his jacket, took the proffered baton, and climbed to the rostrum. For five minutes he occupied the same spot as many famous conductors of the past, including Sir Henry Wood and Sir Malcolm Sargent.  

For anyone unable to get a ticket for this glorious celebratory occasion, perhaps we should explain. It is now a tradition at special TRBC anniversaries to auction the chance to conduct an additional piece of music. If the concert is Messiah, as on Sunday 10th November, then the extra piece is the Hallelujah Chorus. The British Heart Foundation was to be the recipient of the entire auction proceeds.

Encouraging the bidding was the Deputy Chairman of Bonham’s UK, Harvey Cammell. Auctioning possibly the most extraordinary lot of his professional career, he elevated the bidding until two competing individuals remained. After a further tense few minutes, a valiant soprano dropped out and Harvey Cammell announced our winner. Molly Rice from the BHF covered Professor Wood’s descent from Circle to Arena with a speech describing some astonishing recent achievements in the prevention and treatment of heart disease.

As our Hallelujah Chorus auction winner arrived in the Arena, TRBC’s Principal Conductor Brian Kay processed solemnly through the orchestra waving a symbolic baton which he duly handed over. With his own score, Chris Wood was now equipped to direct the professional orchestra and the 3,200 voices of TRBC. It could only have gone well: Christopher, although a medical man by profession, is no stranger to concert platforms. A known philanthropist in the musical world, he is also the composer of several major choral works, many commissioned for prestigious occasions in his native Wales. His works have been premiered at the Welsh Proms, Cadogan Hall, King’s College, Cambridge, and also broadcast on Classic FM. 

He is chair of the Campaign Committee at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, a committee which aims to establish a legacy fund to support talented individuals who are unable to meet the tuition costs. Recently, he was been appointed Chair of the St Alban’s International Organ Festival. Additionally, he is a trustee of the Royal College of Organists and of the Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra.

A former surgeon, Professor Wood now directs his energies to the research and discovery of new medicines. His companies are now researching drugs to treat cancer, autoimmune disease, lung infections and Alzheimer’s disease. He has received numerous honours and awards for his achievements in the field of medicine and pharmaceutical research.