This week, we chat to Georgina Cooksley about life as an intern with the OAE…

What’s your role in the OAE office?

I’m the graduate intern so I get to be involved in all parts of the OAE. Mainly I work with the Projects team organizing and planning concerts but I also liaise with the Communications and Development teams and help the Education team with string club (although I can’t actually play the violin…yet.)

What does your typical day involve?

No two days have been the same here and there’s always a new challenge. One morning I had to dash to the Barbican to deliver Sir Simon Rattle his Tristan and Isolde music and another I’m backstage at the QEH catching Nick Logie with the chocolates or giving out flowers on stage. Most days I’m in the office talking to the players’ on the phone, helping Megan with US visas and E101s, drinking coffee, fixing the photocopier and anything that pops up.

Which mobile number do you call the most?

I text message rather than call people, so the number I probably text the most is my friend Amanda. My mum would be a close second and it’s normally for cooking or cleaning advice.

What – or where – is perfection?

Lying on a beach with your feet buried in the sand, listening to the waves roll along the sand.

What’s your favourite ritual?

Oh dear, this is going to sound bad but I would have to say ‘Friday night wine.’ It’s more about celebrating the end of the week and having a chat and a giggle with your friends over wine. It’s especially good if it’s a New Zealand wine.

Who is your favourite hero from fiction (book/comic/film/opera) – and why?

I don’t necessarily know if she’s considered a hero but my favourite opera character is Carmen. There is something about her hedonistic attitude and inner strength that I admire. She also sings my favourite operatic lyric “Love is a rebellious bird that no one can tame … He has never known law. If you don’t love me I love you, if I love you watch yourself!” in the Habanera.

What other talent or skill would you like to possess?

I really wish I could either drive a Formula One car or sing like an opera singer, (preferably like Dame Kiri Te Kanawa).

What do you fear the most?

That one day I will wake up and regret not making the most out of life’s opportunities and forcing myself out of my comfort zone.

What is the most important lesson life has taught you?

That you should always welcome and not be afraid of change. You can plan your life out as much as you like but when you least expect it will shift you into a new direction and out of your comfort zone.

What was the first album you ever bought?

I’m from the Disney generation so my first about was the soundtrack to Beauty and the Beast and I must say that 20 years it’s still on high rotation. Wow, I can’t believe it was that long ago!

What is the most played piece of music on your MP3 player or in your CD collection?

It’s equal first for Amy Winehouse’s Back to Black, Phoenix Love is like a Sunset and Gershwin’s Summertime.

Which OAE concert are you most looking forward to this year?

The Night Shift on 4 May. I love the idea of classical music without the rules and who doesn’t love a good hearty Beethoven Concerto?

What’s been the highlight of your time at OAE so far?

Meeting all the fabulous people in the office and getting to know the musicians…. Oh and working on the Birex reconciliation.