ABOUT

Beginning piano lessons at age 7, Robert was involved in a diverse range of music making throughout his youth. He studied composition at Birmingham Conservatoire with Richard Causton and Edwin Roxburgh (BMus: 2006-10), and then at the Royal Academy of Music under Simon Bainbridge (MMus/LRAM: 2010-12, PhD: 2016-2022).

Over his time at the RAM, Robert’s work was awarded various prizes including the 2011 Eric Coates Prize, the 2012 Royal Philharmonic Society Composition Prize, and the 2016 Priaulx Rainier Prize. On completing his MMus with distinction, he was awarded a DipRAM, The Charles Lucas Memorial Prize for best composition, and the Edwin Samuel Dove Prize for special merit during studentship. Robert also received valuable tuition from Sir Peter Maxwell Davies, Oliver Knussen and Christopher Austin during his studies, and whilst attending the Britten-Pears contemporary music course at Aldeburgh in 2013.

Described in the press as ‘…ear-tingling […] genuine music.’ (Geoff Brown, The Times), ‘…incident-packed, capricious and emotional…’ (Colin Anderson, Classical Source), and ‘…work of substance and resonance…’ (Paul Conway, Musical Opinion), Robert’s work has been performed across the UK and abroad by a wide range of professional, non-professional, amateur and young musicians; programmed and commissioned by major festivals; and broadcast on BBC television and BBC Radio 3. (July 2023)

Robert’s work is published by Composers Edition