For Edwards, this was a chance to see how the Americans approach the problems he has been facing in his job for many years. Edwards is the lighting manager at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester where he is responsible for the lighting of the College's performances - especially the operas. His job entails not only looking after and operating the lighting systems in the four performance venues and keeping up to date with developments in the field, but also the artistic design of the lighting for dramatic performances.
The generosity of the Trust enabled him to visit eight establishments, to observe the operations of two regional opera companies as well as the New York City Opera, the Metropolitan Opera and a well-known lighting manufacturer.
He reported: "I have learned a great deal about the way the Americans operate and I hope I've left something behind with them as well. A marvellous experience! Now I have to concentrate on lighting for the RNCM's new production of the Marriage of Figaro."(Claire Beeson)
