Hailed by The Sydney Morning Herald as “one of Australia's leading musical lights,” George Torbay completed studies at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston, Massachusetts USA, the University of Sydney and the Queensland Conservatorium of Music.
He is currently Head of Music Theatre at the Elder Conservatorium of Music, University of Adelaide.
As a director he has considerable credits both in plays as well as musicals and opera. He directed the Sydney production of Chess: The Musical;
Blood Brothers and David Williamson’s Up for Grabs at the Zenith Theatre; The Norman Conquests and The Woman in Black at Sydney’s Genesian Theatre. Musicals include Urinetown and Spring Awakening in Singapore, Titanic – the Musical, The Hatpin, Godspell, Jesus Christ Superstar as well as music director for Les Misérables. George is also an accomplished opera director and has directed La Bohéme, La Traviata, Susannah and The Marriage of Figaro for Opera New England. Most recently, he directed Spring Awakening for ECMT at the Adelaide Festival Centre.
From 1997 – 2008 he was the Chief Conductor for NSW Department of Education & Training and was artistic director of the Sydney Opera House Concert Series. In 2000 he arranged, conducted and recorded the National Anthem for the Closing Ceremony of the Olympics with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra and was also the vocal coach for the Opening Ceremony. He was the Choral Director of the Schools Spectacular from 1998-2007. In 2008, he was the Director of Music and Judge on Channel 7’s Battle of the Choirs.
George is the author of the first national syllabus in musical theatre for the Australian Music Examinations Board and currently serves as their advisor and Chief Examiner. He is a published arranger with Hal Leonard Australia and has also released a singing series for schools entitled ChoralTime!
PODCAST GOOFS
I incorrectly infer that the opera 'Susannah' was written/composed by George Floyd; it was written by Carlisle Floyd.
EPISODE CREDITS:
Presented by Adam and Julie Goodburn
Produced, edited and mixed by Adam Goodburn
Artwork design by Timothy Ide.
Segment jingles sourced through Soundtrap
Goodie's Fab Five theme by PJ Oaten
The Struggling Artist is a SINGular Productions presentation.
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