The Queen Charlotte's Ball dates back to the era of King George III, when the event was held not only as a key part of the London Season but to honour his wife Queen Charlotte. As such the cake is an integral part of the event, dating back to Queen Charlotte's birthday celebrations. The cake is always quite a spectacle in scale and this year was no exception. It was carried in by six dashing young RAF servicemen, making quite an entrance. The magnificent design was by Choccywoccydoodah and when you look closer the detail on it is stunning. One can only imagine the work that went into it. I looked to Gavin Munro of Choccywoccydoodah to find out a little more about this year's design and the brand behind the chocolate.
Choccywoccydoodah is quite a name, could you tell me a little history about the brand? Choccywoccydoodah started as a tiny chocolate shop, next door to Christine's first cafe. The shop was opening and the shelves looked a little bare so Christine baked a batch of her infamous cakes to fill the spaces – they were a hit, then someone asked for one as a wedding cake and the whole thing grew from that one cake.
What is it about your cakes that sets them apart and makes them special?
Each of our bespoke cakes is unique and individually crafted for each occasion. We don’t listen when we are told that we cannot do something with chocolate, we just do it.
The cake is such a key part of the Queen Charlotte's Ball, how did you go about making your mark on a tradition that is hundreds of years old?
We echoed cakes of the past, including a design by Cecil Beaton and gave it a modern chocolatey twist.
I first came across Zoë's stunning vocal talent at the charity drinks party organised by myself and the rest of the debutante Executive Committee of 2010. Then at the Queen Charlotte's Ball in 2010 she gave a gorgeous rendition of Puccini's O mio babbino caro asthe debutantes made their entrance. An emotional moment, I think, for the parents! I know it brought a tear to my father's eye. It was wonderful to see her again at this year's event and so I thought it would be lovely to find out a little more about her musical background:
How did your love of singing and classical music begin?
I was always involved with music growing up and with two musical older sisters there was no escaping the recorder trios! I am always in awe of the way opera singers can belt out notes with such projection, where did you go for your training?
I moved on into the local groups and took the leads in many a Gilbert and Sullivan production. Mabel in Pirates of Penzance for example. This then moved me into the world of opera and I studied singing at the Royal Academy of Music and then Trinity College of Music London.
What is it about classical music that you love?
I love classical music as the music speaks more than words can. It evokes deeper emotions to me than anything else ever can. I love my job as a singer as I get to travel around the world and meet new people and discover new things.
Is there a particular piece or character you love to perform?
My favourite opera roles are Lucia from Lucia di Lammermoor, Violetta from La Traviata and of course the Queen of the Night from Mozart's The Magic Flute! I love singing the Queen of The Night as it's so high and fiery! Full of temperament!
Do you have any exciting projects or performances coming up?
I have just returned from singing opera highlights in India and the role of Violetta in La Traviata. My next exciting project is to perform The Four Last Songs by Strauss early next year. To hear me sing and for any further details please visit me at www.zoeturner.net
