The Royal Opera House (ROH) will rename the Floral Hall as the Paul Hamlyn Hall to acknowledge a £10m donation from the Paul Hamlyn Foundation. This is one of the largest donations ever received by the ROH, which has enjoyed long-standing support from the Foundation.
The money will be spent on education and community activities including free events for adults and families within the House; a schools project centred on its production of Tosca; and promoting singing in schools, culminating in a performance in the main auditorium by children from across the country. Tony Hall, ROH Chief Executive, said, This extraordinary forward-thinking gift ensures that generations to come will benefit from Pauls enjoyment of the ROH. In 1999 the Floral Hall was re-named the Vilar Floral Hall in recognition of Alberto Vilars £10m pledge towards the Development Appeal. When his money failed to materialise on schedule the Hall reverted to its former title.