Young composer with Llangollen links lands dream job

* Conductor Robert Guy. 

A talented young conductor who has often performed in Llangollen is following in the footsteps of his musical hero Sir Simon Rattle.

Robert Guy, 36, from Wrexham, says he’s hugely honoured to be appointed as conductor of the Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Orchestra where Sir Simon, the legendary classical conductor, started out as a young percussionist.

Remarkably, Robert overcame childhood deafness to forge a successful career in music as a conductor, educator and entrepreneur.

Thanks to operations to widen his ear canals, by the time he was completely discharged from hospital at the age of 15 his hearing had been fully restored.

He is 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.

Last year Robert 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”.

He will be picking up the baton at the Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Orchestra in September.

The orchestra offers the opportunity to perform alongside world-class soloists and conductors at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall.

Members will be playing alongside the senior Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra at a concert in November, as well as taking part in workshops to support their musical development. 

In his early professional career Robert worked regularly with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra as a viola player.

Until recently he was the Director of Ensembles at the University of Manchester and led their highly acclaimed Conducting Programme.

Robert said: “It is a great honour to have been appointed Principal Conductor to the Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Orchestra.

“I was invited to work with the orchestra earlier this year, when I   prepared them for a special reunion concert conducted by  Sir Simon Rattle, and later my own concert at the Philharmonic Hall.

“Sir Simon is a giant of classical music and one of my all-time musical heroes so this really is my dream job.

“I hope this can act as a springboard working towards the orchestra's 75th Birthday in 2026.

“The orchestra has a special history and I am proud to be a part of it, working alongside a great team. 

“I am passionate about making classical music accessible to everyone and I would encourage all young people in Liverpool and the North West to sign up for an audition and be part of something very special for young people in the heart of Liverpool.”

Michael Eakin OBE, Chief Executive of Liverpool Philharmonic  was excited about Robert’s appointment.

He said: “We are delighted that Robert will be joining Liverpool Philharmonic. His passion for music and many years’ experience as a conductor and musician will bring a fresh energy to our Youth Orchestra and help to inspire these incredibly talented young musicians.

“The city’s young people are a central focus of our work. We provide regular musical training to 2,000 young people through Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Company and In Harmony and are delighted to welcome the next generation of talented musicians into our Youth Company this year.”