Liverpool Philharmonic announce new principal conductor of Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Orchestra

Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Orchestra offers valuable orchestral and performance experience to young musicians.

Members of the Youth Orchestra will have the opportunity to perform alongside world-class soloists and conductors at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall, including a concert playing alongside members of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra for a concert in November 2024, and participate in inspiring workshops to support their musical development.

Applications for the 2024/25 academic year can be submitted here and close on the Friday 24 May 2024.

Welsh conductor Robert Guy is passionate about making classical music accessible to everyone; utilising the art’s unique potential to communicate, connect and empower these young talents.

He has worked regularly with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra in his early professional career as a viola player.

Robert is an experienced conductor of youth orchestras and until recently has been the director of ensembles at the University of Manchester and leads their highly acclaimed Conducting Programme.

Speaking on his appointment, 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.

“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.”

Robert is co-founder and artistic director of NEW Sinfonia – a multi-faceted arts organisation which boasts a professional chamber orchestra, a community vocal ensemble ‘NEW Voices’, and an education programme ‘NEW Academi’, all based in North Wales.

In May, Robert was invited to conduct the Kosovo Philharmonic Orchestra and Peter Donohoe at the Chopin Piano Festival held in Pristina, and in December 2022, he made his debut with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales.

He regularly guest conducts for Manchester Camerata and is the recipient of the inaugural Hilary Tann Award for outstanding achievement in music in Wales 2023, awarded by the Welsh Music Guild.

Young musicians can find out more about Youth Company and how to apply here.