Robert Porter - Artistic Director

Robert (Bob) Porter began studying the bassoon aged 11. By the age of 14 he had been accepted as a Junior Exhibitioner at the Royal Academy of Music, and two years later joined the National Youth Orchestra.

After studying with Martin Gatt, Roger Birnstingl and Enzo Mucetti he played with every major professional orchestra in London and was appointed Sub-Principal in the London Mozart Players in 1987.

He has taught in the Junior Department of the Guildhall School of Music since 1973, and as Head of Wind since 1985.

As Artistic Director of the Brandenburg orchestras since their inception in the early 1980's he has shaped the musical ethos of the orchestras and built a unique musical entity, recognised internationally.

In addition to regular appearances at all the major venues in London, and a monthly concert series at St Martin-in-the-Fields the orchestras have undertaken many overseas tours, including three major US tours and a residency in the Barbados Festival.

He was made a Freeman of the City of London in 1991 for services to music.

In 2001 he was appointed as Associate Music Director of Central Festival Opera and also as a member Artistic Commission of the Jove Orquestra National de Catalunya.