In October, Robert Guy was invited to conduct the City Chamber Orchestra of Hong Kong making his debut at Hong Kong City Hall. Whilst in Hong Kong, Robert presented a guest lecture at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, sharing his story of being born with severe hearing loss and how after life-changing operations as a child, music became his revelation. Passionate about widening engagement and participation in music, Robert worked with school students from the Kellet School Hong Kong in music workshops and conducted the Hong Kong Welsh Male Voice Choir.
Robert has a belief that music can transform lives - like it did his - and he wants to do the same for others. Fresh from his trip to Hong Kong, Robert shares his experience and insights working across culture in Hong Kong and Manchester, specifically within music and education.
Biography
Mr Robert Guy MMUS FRSM DipLCM
Director of Ensembles and Conducting at the University of Manchester
Principal Conductor to the Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Orchestra
Co-Artistic Director to NEW Sinfonia
From silence to symphony: Born with severe hearing loss, Robert didn't hear birdsong until after a life-changing operation as a child. Music wasn't just a passion—it was his revelation. Now, as an internationally recognised conductor, he transforms that early silence into powerful, electrifying performances that leave audiences on their feet.
From his early days as a professional freelance viola player with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, Opera North and playing alongside the Allegri String Quartet, to standing on the podium with world-class ensembles, he has built a career defined by bold leadership, relentless energy, and a belief that music transforms lives. He has conducted 66 world premieres and led orchestras and choirs from London's West End to Hong Kong including the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, BBC National Orchestra of Wales, City Chamber Orchestra of Hong Kong and the Kosovo Philharmonic. As Principal Conductor of the Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Orchestra he nurtures the next wave of talent, earning the trust of Sir Simon Rattle himself. As Co-Founder of NEW Sinfonia, he is breaking barriers in North Wales, he is making classical music accessible to all. A passionate educator, he leads one of the largest university music programmes in the UK at the University of Manchester. His work has been featured on BBC Radio and recorded for Sony PlayStation.
The Manchester Confucius Institute Public Talk Series
Manchester Confucius Institute public talks are free, informal and informative lectures aimed at anyone with an interest in Chinese culture and language.
