Robert Heard, violin

Robert Heard was born in Ebbw Vale and brought up in Leicestershire, studying piano and violin and taking advantage of the county’s thriving youth music scene. He read music at Cambridge University, then studied violin with David Martin at the Royal Academy of Music. His first orchestral job was with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra where he remained for five years, followed by a three-year period in Belgium with Brussels Opera. He then joined the Philharmonia as Principal 2nd Violin, and also played in St Martin’s Chamber Ensemble, maintaining his relationship with the ensemble from 1989-98. In 1990 he was invited to join the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra by Sir Simon Rattle as Deputy Leader.

Robert has also appeared as guest leader with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra and the Northern Sinfonia. In addition to his work with the CBSO Robert Heard also plays with the Birmingham Contemporary Music Group and gives regular chamber concerts with Pro-Musica and in the CBSO Centre Stage Series.

Recent solo appearances have included Ravel’s Tzigane with the CBSO and Sakari Oramo in Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Sally Beamish’s A Book of Seasons with the Birmingham Contemporary Music Group and a solo trio performance with Thomas Hampson and Thomas Ades as a Live Radio 3 radio broadcast at the Royal Albert Hall as part of the BBC Promenade concerts.

Performances with the Corinthian Chamber Orchestra