The Conductor Guy

Ukrainian Soprano Khrystyna Makar joins Robert for a wide ranging conversation about how music can provide an escape from daily life and a platform to rebuild a career. Khrystyna tells Robert about her musical life growing up in Ukraine and what life is like currently in Lviv. They also disucss the programme for their upcoming New Year Gala Concert in Wrexham.

Conductor Duncan Ward joins Robert for a conversation about his musical homecoming later this season with the London Symphony Orchestra at the Barbican in London. Their conversation explores these two concerts, as well exploring what excites them about programming, their motiviations for conducting and their shared early experiences at the University of Manchester.

Klaus Armstrong-Braun is a tenor with NEW Voices, a vocal ensemble based in Wrexham.  At the age of two he was made an orphan during World War II and via a circuitous route from Essen to Ireland, he settled in North Wales. His story is hard-hitting and eye opening. Klaus has found a musical home and family with NEW Voices and his story is a reminder how music can bring people together to find human connection that lifts the soul and heart when faced with dark times.

How do you become a conductor? Join Jonathan and Robert as they talk about the myriad of pathways you can take to becoming a conductor, sharing memories of their time growing up in Wales and now presently their work for Cardiff International Academy of Conducting where Jonathan is Artistic Director. 

Mark was in Manchester conducting the BBC Young Musician of the Year and both Robert and Mark found time to sit down and talk all things conducting! Psychology, personality, self development, connection and the never ending search for balance!

What's it like performing at the BBC Proms aged 25 with conductor Sir Malcolm Sargent in one his final concerts? What special traits does Norma look for when working with a conductor? Norma Fisher joins Robert for a wide ranging conversation, and gives an insight into the musical personality of one of Britain's greatest pianists.

Composer Paul Mealor joins Robert as they discuss the upcoming world premiere of 'Gelert', a new community opera commissioned by the North Wales International Music Festival. In a wide ranging conversation, they talk about developing your craft as a conductor and composer, networking and  memories of Stephen Sondheim, William Mathias and Michael Tippett.

Horn Player Fergus McWilliam joins Robert for an inspiring conversation covering a variety of topics. Fergus holds the enviable reputation of being one of the greatest horn playing musicians alive. They talk about his teaching philosophy. What do the Berlin Philharmonic like in a conductor? What is it like auditioning in front of Herbert von Karajan? Schubert 9 and closing brilliant advice for all pursuing a career in music!

Conductor Ellie Slorach joins Robert for an inspiring conversation about their shared experiences in building an ensemble and their vision for choral music outside of London! They talk openly and honestly about handling success and set backs.

Welsh Composer/Violinist/Singer Claire Victoria Roberts and Polish Violinist Ada Witzcyk join Robert for a wide ranging discussion about musical identity, bridging musical genres and championing new music.

Broadcaster and journalist Nihal Arthanayake joins Robert for a wide-ranging discussion including backgrounds, the music industry, parenthood and life in Manchester. This episode contains some strong language.

Robert discusses ideas of talent and success in the music industry with Ruth O'Keefe (Head of Trafford Music Service) and Dr Kate Blackstone (Project Manager at Young Classical Artists Trust, musician and researcher).

Robert discusses issues of diversity, culture and politics in classical music today, with Music students from the University of Manchester.