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Graduate Round Up: Percussion Pathways

1 August 2017

Filed Under:

Music
Percussion

In recent Welsh National Opera and BBC National Orchestra Wales performances, percussion sections were brimming with Royal Welsh College talent.

Through placement schemes taken while training at the College, many musicians have formed lasting industry links that carry them into their careers.

We caught up with a few recent percussion graduates to see where they are now.

BBC National Orchestra of Wales

An impressive 7 out of the 10 percussionists needed to perform BBC National Orchestra of Wales’ 2016/17 season finale were RWCMD alumni, pictured above.

The repertoire featured both the Prokofiev Scythian Suite and Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring.

Welsh National Opera

Among several RWCMD alumni, recent graduates Paul Stoneman, Rhydian Griffiths and Max Irelance currently all sit in the percussion section for Andre Tchaikovsky’s Merchant of Venice with Welsh National Opera.

All three made their links with WNO through placement schemes taken while studying at RWCMD. Students can audition for the unique opportunity to ‘sit in’ and play in WNO rehearsals.

“It’s a fantastic chance for students to bridge the gap between being a student and becoming a professional musician, building up lasting relationships with ensembles while they train.”
Patrick King, Principal Timpanist of WNO and teacher at RWCMD 


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