Page 735 - Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Coverage Book 2023-24

The opportunity comes on the back of a series of career successes for
Robert, who received the prestigious Hilary Tann Award for his
outstanding contribution to Welsh classical music when royal composer
Paul Mealor described him as one of the UK’s “finest young conductors”

Robert is continuing his roles as Director of Conducting and Director of
Orchestras at The University of Manchester alongside his new
responsibilities with the Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Orchestra.

He’s also the co-founder with his composer brother Jonathan of NEW
Sinfonia, the resident orchestra at the North Wales International Music
Festival in St Asaph which also has close links with Llangollen International
Musical Eisteddfod.

NEW Sinfonia also runs a community vocal ensemble NEW Voices, and an
education programme, NEW Academi.

“It feels really good to be building on the momentum of the Liverpool
Philharmonic Youth Orchestra role,” said Robert, who was scouted for the
youth orchestra role by his musical hero, Sir Simon Rattle, Honorary Patron
and former player/conductor with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Youth
Orchestra.

“I sense a kind of momentum going on with my career. When I was
approached by Chris two weeks ago, my reaction was that this is great but
also surprising as I’m not from London, I’m from Wrexham and Lucy’s from
Wigan. It’s a very exciting opportunity for both of us.

“Just 10 years ago, I felt like I was always battling to prove myself. Growing
up, I had been told by a teacher there was no money in music and that I
should become a dentist. I did work experience for a day in a dentist
practice and I knew I couldn’t do it! I couldn’t do music as a hobby, it’s my
life.

“I absolutely love what I do, I’m very lucky to say that and never feel like
what I do is a job. On a personal level, it’s nice to be proven right and that I
am doing the right thing. Hopefully, it inspires other young people who
grow up in Wigan and Wrexham that nothing should hold them back.”

Piano

Robert was taught to play the piano by his grandmother at the age of
three despite not being able to hear a note. At the grand age of 94, she
proudly collects his press clippings.

He played the viola with National Youth Orchestra of Wales and then
professionally with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and the
Orchestra of Opera North while studying at the Royal Northern College of