Kazakhstan performance date for conductor Robert
A CONDUCTOR will hit an unusual note as he combines two very different cultures by leading a performance of traditional Welsh music - in Kazakhstan.
Robert Guy, 30, of Offerton, is originally from Wrexham and will celebrate St David’s Day in Astana, the former Soviet republic’s capital.
He has been invited to be an adjudicator at an eisteddfod - a Kazakh version of a festival of Welsh literature and music for youngsters.
And while there on March 1 he will conduct a performance of Serenade for Orchestra by composer William Mathias, who was a Welsh music luminary and professor at Bangor University, at a St David’s Day celebration.
Robert said: “As this is the Welsh national day we will, of course, be performing Welsh music. I’m pretty sure this will be the first time his Serenade for Orchestra has been heard in this country.
“I’m delighted to have been invited to Kazakhstan for these two very special occasions which are a fusing of the cultures of Wales and Kazakhstan.
“It’s also going to be something a bit different in my career and helps to build my international profile.”
Both events were arranged by his friend Ross Clarke, who Robert first met while playing with the National Youth Orchestras of Wales.
The eisteddfod took place for the first time last year and was a success so Ross invited his pal along for the repeat.
And Robert, who studied at Manchester’s Royal Northern College of Music, will be guest conductor for the Astana Philharmonic Orchestra for the Welsh-themed concert.
Closer to home he is the founder and director of the NEW Sinfonia Orchestra, which is a showcase for young musicians.
He is also a conducting tutor at the University of Manchester, helping students secure places with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra Chorus and Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama.
Rob said: “I’ve worked in quite a few countries over the years but this will be my first time in Kazakhstan.
“The events out there also bring together two of my favourite things – conducting an orchestra and working with young people.
“I’ve been playing in eisteddfods since I was young so it’s also nice to be looking at things from the other side as an adjudicator.”