Home What's New Speeches & Articles Newsletter - Jul 2008 Biography Diary Contact Information Photo Album Parliamentary Highlights Publications Links MEPs' Transparency   Conservative Party Latest News from Conservatives.com Conservative Party Website
		Welcome to Leicester! Friday, 2nd June 2006 Leicestershire – Last night Conservative MEP for Leicestershire Roger Helmer met the cast and crew of Verdi’s Rigoletto, staged by the Ukrainian National Opera of Odessa in collaboration with the Chisinau National Opera at Leicester’s De Montfort Hall. The spectacular production of Rigoletto, staged by Ellen Kent & Opera International visited Leicester for one night only following its critically acclaimed visit to the Royal Albert Hall in 2003. In his capacity as an MEP, Mr Helmer met with the Ukrainian company and welcomed them to the region. He spoke of his encouragement at moves towards democracy and liberalisation in the Ukraine and believed that while it is too early to speculate about the country possibly joining the EU, every opportunity should be taken to build cordial relations Speaking today, Mr Helmer said: “I was delighted to have the opportunity to welcome the cast of Rigoletto to Leicestershire and to attend the fantastic performance yesterday evening. I am enormously grateful to Sascha Gangurran and producer Ellen Kent, as well as the cast of Rigoletto for taking the time to meet with me before the performance.”