Raffaello is a fairly new face in the neighbourhood, but Fidelio is fast becoming the hottest spot for creatives in the city to gather and enjoy good food with even better music...
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What is Fidelio?
Fidelio is a cafe/bar and event space dedicated to promoting classical music in unconventional ways to people who are not necessarily very familiar with it.
It’s the first cafe space I know of whose mission is to invest everything in the cultural profile of our programming. We want to provide high-quality entertainment to our customers, without being elitist or a members club.
We want to shake the very foundations of the classical music establishment, and create excitement and buzz amongst the next generation.
What is your role, and what does it entail?
I’m the founder of Fidelio, and also the founder and music director of Fidelio Orchestra, a semi professional symphony orchestra made of over 60 regular members.
My role in Fidelio involves the running of the day-to-day operations of the business, auditioning and meeting artists who want to be booked for concerts and events happening in our space, and ensuring that in this initial phase we provide a special experience for our customers.
My role in Fidelio Orchestra involves conducting the orchestra, and taking care of the programming, funding and logistics for our concerts.
Where are you based in Hatton Garden, and how long have you been here?
The cafe is based at 91-95 Clerkenwell Road; we opened in late July 2019.
The orchestra is resident at St Andrew Holborn, at the south end of Hatton Garden.
What sets your business apart from other cafes and performance spaces?
We are almost entirely dedicated to classical music, with some occasional exceptions which fit our artistic vision. We want to make the cafe into a hub for classical musicians, as well as a place where an audience can meet performers in a public context, chatting after or before a concert and getting to know more about what classical music is about.
What has been your proudest moment since working at Fidelio?
My proudest moment was definitely when my father said "Beethoven would have been proud of you".
What's your favourite thing about working at Hatton Garden?
I like the crowd that the many companies and offices in the area tend to attract. It’s a healthy mixture between intellectual sophistication and a not-too-serious attitude toward life. At least, this is my impression.
We need people who smile and take life easy!
Where's your favourite place to get a coffee in Hatton Garden (other than Fidelio)?
I like Catalyst Cafe and Roastery, it's just over on Grays Inn Road.
Where's your favourite place to get lunch in Hatton?
KIN on Leather Lane is my go-to choice.
Where's your favourite spot for a drink?
The Olde Mitre is a lovely traditional spot.
