Emigrating to New Zealand in 2003, Robert is Principal Viola for the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra. He studied with Thomas Riebl and Veronika Hagen at the Universitaet Mozarteum in Salzburg, and with Gerald Stanick at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver. He has been guest-principal viola for the Sydney Symphony, Melbourne Symphony, New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, the Australian World Orchestra, the Australian Opera and Ballet Orchestras, as well as assistant-principal for the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra. He is the violist for the Jade String Quartet in Auckland, an active touring ensemble dedicated to championing New Zealand music alongside the great works of the traditional repertoire. Robert frequently performs as a soloist with the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra, the Auckland Chamber Orchestra, and St. Matthew's Chamber Orchestra. He is a twice-recipient of the Canada Council for the Arts Award for Emerging Artists and has performed with various groups at international chamber music festivals in Europe, North America, and Japan. He has made a deep connection with the diverse and vibrant musical culture in Aotearoa and performs with an enthusiasm that comes in part from his Commonwealth heritage. Robert plays a 1995 John Newton "cut-away" viola.