Jim Fagan
For 17 years Nigel Bates has worked with the world’s most celebrated ballet dancers at the Royal Opera House at Covent Garden and this Saturday he will tell members of ADFAS NOOSA (Australian Decorative and Fine Arts Society) just what life is like backstage.
Nigel is music administrator of The Royal Ballet and his talk, which includes rare video and film clips, is called Tantrums and Tiaras.
It reveals the pressures faced by performers—dancers, singers, conductors, musicians—and discusses how the historic Victorian building copes with the demands of modern, world-class opera and ballet.
According to ADFAS spokesperson Julia Gamble members are thrilled to have Nigel as the first international speaker of the lecture year which lasts from March to November.
“We try to have global professionals who are all experts in their own particular fields.
“Nigel has been a performer for 40 years in and out of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, worked with many of the leading figures in the classical music industry.
“He commenced his career of more than 6000 performances, broadcasts and recordings in the Regimental Band of the Scots Guards before joining the Orchestra of Sadlers Wells Royal Ballet and working as a freelance player with most of the London orchestras and ensembles.
“He was principal percussionist of the Opera House Orchestra from 1993 to 2009 and joined The Royal Ballet Music Department in 2012. He has given lectures and presentations for many years both in the UK and abroad.”
Tantrums and Tiaras, Saturday 11 March at St Mary’s Church, 17 William Street, Tewantin. 3.45pm for a 4pm start. Visitor fees $25. Come and meet the speaker and enjoy a glass of wine and canapes after the talk. Bookings are essential, contact membership secretary Jenny Reeve. Email: membershipnoosaadfas@gmail.com
