Music, Remembrance and Friendship at Evgeni Minchev’s Charity Lunch in London

An intimate gathering at Mark Masons’ Hall brought together support for the Chopin Society UK, reflections on remembrance and a welcome for emerging fashion talent.

There was much to appreciate around the table at Evgeni Minchev’s charity lunch in London: the music, the conversation and, above all, the opportunity to hear people speak about the work and causes that matter to them.

I was delighted to attend at Evgeni’s invitation, alongside Elvijs Plugis, a Board Member of the English Chamber Orchestra, and our friend Denise Parkinson, Vice-President of Sales and Marketing, Global, at Variety. Held at the historic Mark Masons’ Hall, the lunch brought together 25 guests from public life, business, fashion and the arts in support of the Chopin Society UK.

Evgeni, a public relations specialist, author and philanthropist, has been a long-standing member and donor of the Chopin society. His invitation brought British and Bulgarian friends and colleagues together in a setting that allowed everyone to contribute to the conversation.

One of the most memorable contributions came from Admiral Lord West of Spithead, the former First Sea Lord and Chief of the Naval Staff, who later served as a government security minister. Hearing him speak about Remembrance Day was particularly moving. His reflections brought a moment of contemplation to the afternoon, reminding us of the significance of remembrance and the service it honours.

Lord West also thanked Evgeni for bringing everyone together and for organising the charitable occasion.

The Chopin Society’s contribution offered another perspective on remembrance: the work of keeping a composer’s music and history alive for successive generations. It was a pleasure to hear more about Chopin and the society’s activities, including its encouragement of young pianists and its interest in his connections with Britain.

Evgeni’s donation was accepted by Marek Ostas, the society’s co-chairman and newsletter editor. Founded in 1971, the organisation continues to create opportunities for audiences to encounter Chopin’s work through recitals and talks.

The afternoon also gave guests the opportunity to introduce their businesses and share something of their professional lives. These exchanges were among the pleasures of the lunch. Around a relatively small table, there was time to listen, ask questions and discover connections that might otherwise have passed unnoticed.

For our part, we spoke about the forthcoming Business Fashion Awards, taking place on 6 March 2027 at the Lansdowne Club in London. It was a welcome opportunity to discuss the event and acknowledge some of its nominees, several of whom were present.

Among them was British designer Simon Carter, whose attendance brought an established fashion perspective to the gathering. International auditor Svetla Evtimova was introduced as an Honorary Lady of the awards. Lady Carol Coffin-Parsons was also among the guests.

A particularly warm reception greeted Martin Georgiev, a young Bulgarian fashion student and Business Fashion Awards nominee.

Music provided another highlight. Tony Moore, the singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist whose early career included a spell as Iron Maiden’s keyboard player, entertained guests for more than half an hour. His performance brought warmth and energy to the afternoon, adding a different musical voice to a lunch supporting the classical tradition.

During his welcoming remarks, Evgeni also spoke generously about our friendship and collaboration, congratulating me on the honour I had received shortly before the event. I was touched by his thoughtfulness and grateful for the acknowledgement.

What I enjoyed most was the opportunity to hear from everyone: an admiral reflecting on remembrance, representatives speaking about Chopin’s legacy, businesspeople explaining their work and a young designer receiving encouragement.