It was not your typical night at the opera. The singers were young and unknown. The music was by a long-forgotten female composer. The audience, a curious mix of City millionaires and arts professionals, spent as much time quaffing champagne at the party afterwards as they did sitting in their seats. Whatever the critics made of it – and most wrote approvingly – the consensus was that the evening had been worthwhile.

This was not some country-house event for the idle rich. Nor was it a black-tie gala at London’s Royal Opera House. There was no fund-raising, no mention of a charity. The entire “happening” was a dream-come-true for 52-year-old former hedge fund manager Bill Bollinger, who decided three years ago to form an opera company and share the pleasure with his friends.