University News Last updated 12 March
Players from Royal Ballet Sinfonia, the orchestra for Birmingham Royal Ballet (BRB), visited RBC recently to take part in a side-by-side rehearsal with 60 students.
A total of 36 professional musicians from Royal Ballet Sinfonia rehearsed core ballet repertoire, including Swan Lake and Sleeping Beauty, with students and offered professional guidance and expert advice.
This opportunity arose as part of an ongoing partnership between RBC and BRB aimed at boosting student professional development. Essential skills such as ensemble awareness, stylistic interpretation and adaptability were taken on board by the students throughout the day.
António Novais, Principal Cello at Royal Ballet Sinfonia, is a mentor for the partnership’s training scheme and had a mentoring session with student cellist Gen Li preparing him for the rehearsal. RBC is building on its relationship with BRB, with both partners looking to create more ways to prepare students for the professional world of music.
António Novais reflected: “It is wonderful to meet such committed and talented students who are so eager to learn and make music in an orchestral setting.”
Gen Li added: “Rehearsing with Royal Ballet Sinfonia was a fantastic experience, opportunities like this are invaluable in preparing for a professional career.”
RBC Principal Stephen Maddock commented: “We are immensely proud of our wide-ranging partnerships with Birmingham’s leading artistic organisations, and of the great opportunities for students that these make possible.
“Our relationship with BRB is especially valuable to our students, who get to work alongside the best in the business on the very special skills involved in making music for ballet. Plus, the day itself was hugely enjoyable for all as well!”