Robert Parker

NYO French Horn

Robert is a Graduate and Fellow of Trinity College of Music, studying with John Burden, former principal horn of the LSO.

Originally from Bath, Robert enjoyed youth orchestras including the County of Avon Schools Orchestra with whom he travelled abroad, and was principal horn with the Snape Maltings Training Orchestra. Having gained a PGCE he came to Nottinghamshire as a brass teacher. Over the years Robert has taught many NYO brass players, and started students in all three NYO orchestras.

Robert is a member of the Executive Committee of the British Horn Society, and regularly contributes to their magazine including educational material for young aspiring horn players! He is Nottinghamshire Representative for Trinity College London music examinations. He has a wealth of conducting experience as Music Director of the Nottingham Concert Band and local Operatic Society productions.

Robert gave first performances of two horn concertos composed for him by Andy Evans and David Machell, and has performed concertos by Richard Strauss, Schumann, Haydn and Mozart. He performs professionally with the Hough Ensemble and orchestras including the British Philharmonic Concert Orchestra, Orchestra da Camera and English Pro Musica, and is principal horn in many other Midlands ensembles.

As a founder member of the Southwell Music Festival Sinfonia, Robert continues to be involved in the Festival. For the 2019 Festival Fringe he assembled a group of nine horn players, including current and former members of NYO, for a ‘Round the Horn’ concert.