International Chair in Opera, Maestro Xu Zhong returns to RWCMD
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Guitarist at Glyndebourne: George goes on tour
Guitar graduate George Robinson travelled the UK performing on-stage with Glyndebourne’s touring orchestra last autumn.
Through Glyndebourne’s Pit Perfect scheme, George was invited to join the company, performing Gaetano Donizetti’s Don Pasquale.
The prestigious scheme is open to recently graduated postgraduate instrumentalists and offers them the chance to work professionally with Glyndebourne’s Tour Orchestra, joining one of its three autumn productions.
As part of the scheme, George was mentored by a member of the orchestra. Other opportunities included the chance to have one to one lessons, sitting in on extra rehearsals and performances, and engaging with seminars and talks on life in the music profession; learning how to make those vital connections from the get go.
Don Pasquale tells the story of the eponymous old bachelor Don Pasquale and how he plans to marry to punish his nephew, Ernesto, who is in love with the young widow Norina. Meanwhile, Dr Malatesta plots to help the loving couple.
George can be seen in the final act, playing the accompaniment for the aria Com’e gentil – ‘How lovely’. As the night draws in, Ernesto sings of his love for Norina, as he waits for her arrival…
George’s Pit Perfect experience
Taking time out of his busy schedule touring around the UK, George shared his thoughts about his Pit Perfect experience.
‘As a guitarist, it’s so rare to be involved in orchestras and opera, so I’ve always taken any opportunity to be involved in bigger things.
‘If it wasn’t for the College’s approach to collaboration, instilling the need to be versatile and to throw myself at everything, I’d never have considered the Glyndebourne Pit Perfect scheme as an option.’George Robinson
Studying at RWCMD
Throughout George’s time at RWCMD, he took part in many collaborative opportunities such as playing regularly with his voice and guitar duo, working across departments and playing with the REPCo Orchestra.
'I was lucky to be able to collaborate across all departments of the College, and I made lots of contacts throughout the UK before graduating.
I’ve really benefited from all the opportunities I was given.’George Robinson
‘I really enjoyed my four years as an undergraduate student at College. I was really lucky to be a part of a department that always wanted to do things together, whether that was performing as an ensemble, or competing in the weekly SU pub quiz together.’
Favourite memory from RWCMD
'My favourite memory of Royal Welsh College is the building and the sense of community it has. The College has a really inclusive environment where everyone is on the same page and is always rooting for one another.’
‘I believe the College draws in a special type of person who you become not only colleagues with, but friends for life.’George Robinson
Any advice for those hoping to study at RWCMD?
‘If I could give one piece of advice to anyone looking to study at RWCMD, I’d say be a part of everything you can. Everybody is friendly and understands the importance of what you are doing and why you are there, so just go for it!’
Thanks for talking with us, George and we hope you enjoyed your experience with Glyndebourne.
