Robert Hodge, Conductor

Robert is a conductor known for his considerable skill, clarity of technique and good rapport with musicians. He devises exciting programmes that are enjoyable and challenging for players and audiences.

Robert, an experienced orchestral trainer, is the Musical Director of the City of Cambridge Symphony Orchestra and also of Essex Symphony Orchestra and Aylesbury Symphony Orchestra. He has worked with Malta Philharmonic Orchestra and conducted a side-by-side workshop for the BBC National Orchestra of Wales in Swansea. In the 25/26 season his guest appearances include Malta Youth Orchestra, The Rehearsal Orchestra and the Chamber Orchestra of the RCMJD.

Robert is an Undergraduate Professor of Conducting at the Royal College of Music, and teaches several classes in conducting technique at the Junior Department. He regularly delivers workshops and training for schools and music services.

Particularly known for his work with young people, he is the Musical Director of Stoneleigh Youth Orchestra and regularly conducts the National Children’s Orchestra of Great Britain. He is Conductor in Residence at St Albans High School, and conducts the Sinfonia at the RCMJD.

Born in Pembrokeshire, Robert studied at Royal Holloway, University of London before winning a scholarship, funded by the H R Taylor Trust, to the Royal College of Music where his conducting teachers were Peter Stark and Robin O’Neill. At the RCM he acted as assistant to conductors including Lorin Maazel, Bernard Haitink and Vladimir Ashkenazy. In 2011 Robert was a member of the European Union Youth Orchestra, playing orchestral piano and celeste for their European tour.

For three years Robert was Musical Director of Nonesuch Orchestra, conducting an extensive series of outreach concerts and appearing at London festivals including the St Jude’s Proms in Hampstead. He has toured the UK with aerial theatre company Ockham’s Razor, directing choirs for their critically acclaimed production, Not Until We Are Lost. In past seasons, he has guest conducted widely including Benslow Music, Farnborough Symphony Orchestra, Finchley Symphony Orchestra, King’s College London Symphony Orchestra, Kingston Philharmonia, Malta Philharmonic Orchestra, Music for Everyone in Nottingham, Oasby Music Group, Oxford University Orchestra and Suffolk Sinfonia.