| VISITING ARTIST-TEACHER - BIOGRAPHY |
Described after a Liszt recital as 'a pianist of Herculean stamina', British concert pianist Robin Zebaida enjoys a flourishing international career. 2005 sees his debut performance in China, along with further tours to the Far East and the Americas. Other recent engagements have included visits to Canada, Central America, South Africa, Europe and Australia, where his Sydney recital was reported as achieving 'a warmth and empathy with the audience rarely seen'. Robin Zebaida has also appeared as a guest artist for Crystal, Cunard and other cruise lines. At home in London he has performed at venues including St John's Smith Square and the Queen Elizabeth Hall.
Wide ranging and versatile recital performances encompass not only standard repertoire from Bach to Gershwin but also many unfamiliar or neglected composers. Particular areas of interest include Russian music, orchestral and vocal transcriptions, and music for the left hand, and these are reflected in a CD due for release later this year. In a career which embraces many aspects of music making, he also makes appearances as an accompanist, chamber music partner and concerto soloist.
Away from the concert platform, Robin Zebaida's broadcasting experience includes studio recordings and live appearances on radio and television for several national and foreign networks. As a Steinway artist he was specially chosen to demonstrate the qualities of the 'Rolls Royce of the piano world' in an interview for the BBC World Service to mark the publication of a new history of Steinway pianos.
A former recipient of awards from the Ann Driver Trust, which supports musical education, Robin Zebaida also enjoys the opportunity to combine recital tours with teaching. As well as individual coaching for pianists and chamber groups, he has given masterclasses around the globe in English, French and German for various educational establishments and under the auspices of the British Council. He also works as an international adjudicator and as an examiner for the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music.
Robin Zebaida was born and educated in London, England, later winning an Exhibition to read music at New College, Oxford, from where he graduated with maximum distinction in performance. He completed his formal studies with a postgraduate year at the Royal College of Music.
Exquisite elegiacal playing and fiery thunderous brilliance.
South China Morning Post
Robin Zebaida's delicate discrimination was apparent in everything he played from Mozart's Fantasie in C minor to the mammoth demands made by Rachmaninov's Sonata no. 2 in B flat minor ... I was impressed by his versatility and prestidigitarian skill, showing his nimble dexterity as he performed incredible feats on the keyboard.
Daily News
A pianist of Herculean stamina ... with strength in charm, lyricism and subtle turns of phrase.
Musical Opinion
Quelle interpr?tation! Quel programme! (Ses mains) alliaient cette performance technique ? la plus grande d?licatesse des 'piani'. L'extraordinaire souplesse de ses poignets a ravi les connaisseurs.
Nice Matin
A perfect exponent of Rachmaninov's romanticism.
Sunday Observer
Zebaida brought the house down ... what a wonderful performance! I hope Robin Zebaida comes back soon to give us more music.
The Island
A dazzling piano recital.
British Council Website
Relaxed and effortless ... his fluency was obvious, his approach unique.
The Nation (Barbados)
Robin Zebaida - Home Page
