Robert studied conducting with Ilan Volkov and Kristian Kluttig as well playing trumpet professionally for many years.
He is a regular guest conductor for Scottish Ballet and has conducted performances at theatres across the UK. Works include The Nutcracker (Tchaikovsky), Cinderella (Prokofiev), The Snow Queen (Rimsky-Korsakov), Dextera (Mozart), The Scandal at Mayerling (Liszt) and Coppelia (Delibes, Karlsson and Atkinson).
With the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, he conducted the British premiere of Gavin Bryar’s viola concerto, and the world premiere of the animated film “Yoyo and the Little Auk”, with subsequent performances at the Edinburgh Film Festival and throughout Scotland. Future engagements with the RSNO include numerous film recordings and concerts, including “A Night at The Oscars, an evening of music by John Williams” (March 2023).
He has been Musical Director for Colours Classical and for the group, Belle and Sebastian in the SSE Hydro in Glasgow and for Goodgreef Classical in Middlesbrough. His debut at Celtic Connections was to conduct a BBCTV broadcast from the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall with the Irish folk group The Chieftains, Kris Kristofferson and Eddie Reader.
He has been passionately involved in youth and community music for over 20 years and is currently Musical Director for the Glasgow Chamber Orchestra, Dunblane Chamber Orchestra and the Dunbartonshire Concert Band. With the latter, he has commissioned and premiered many new works, recorded, toured, and won top awards at competition. He was conductor/musical director of the Helensburgh Orchestral Society (2005-2021) and is a regular guest conductor for Amicus and the Glasgow Orchestral Society.
Making Music Award: Robert was delighted to receive the award for Best Instrumental Music Director 2021 from UK wide, Making Music.
Kessington Hall: 2021 witnessed the launch of this new rehearsal and performance arts venue in Bearsden, North of Glasgow, with Robert as Artistic Director and Trustee. This venue has enabled arts-based groups to have a more permanent home for their activities within the community.