Isabel Garcia Gonzalez - Royal College of Music - Double Bass - Update Report

8th January 2025

Dear Valerie, Patrick and Didy,

I wanted to express my gratitude for being one the awardees of the Knights of the Round Table Award at the Royal College of Music this year. Your scholarship has made it possible for me to continue studying at the RCM with my amazing professor from who I am learning so much from. I couldn’t be grateful enough and I’m very much looking forward to the Award Winners’ Luncheon!

This term has been one of the busiest and most rewarding periods of my life.

My academic year began earlier than usual in August when the RCM Symphony Orchestra performed The Planets by Holst at the BBC Proms. This marked my debut at both the Royal Albert Hall and the Proms, making the experience truly special. I had the privilege of leading the double bass section for the performance. As part of the same project, we also travelled to Finland in collaboration with SIBA. Additionally, the RCM gave me the opportunity to perform in Athens at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, with stunning views of the Parthenon as a backdrop.

This term, I also performed with the RCM Philharmonic under the baton of Ben Palmer and participated in the annual RCM Chorus concert conducted by Martyn Brabbins.

I have the upcoming performances coming up next term:

Saturday, 22nd February – Nova Philharmonia, debut concert:

Mendelssohn: Hebrides Overture

Arutiunian: Violin Concerto

Brahms: Symphony No. 1

St. James’s Church, Sussex Gardens, London W2 3UD

Friday, 21st March – RCM Symphony Orchestra, Rafael Payare conducting:

Carlos Simon: Fate Now Conquers

Beethoven: Piano Concerto No. 1

Berlioz: Symphonie Fantastique (leading the bass section!)

I’d love to see you at one of these concerts!

Thank you so much again for everything. It is deeply appreciated seeing you at my concerts. Cheers to so many more to come!

With best wishes,

Isabel