Robert Samuel was originally introduced to brass when
he started playing the cornet with the Gwaun-Cae-Gurwen brass band,
aged eight. He quickly progressed to the National Youth Brass Band
of Wales, being awarded the John Childs Memorial Scroll in 1990 and
1991 as the most promising player. Robert also spent many years
playing with the Cory Band and Desford Colliery band and was guest
principal of the Black Dyke Mills Band under his professor, the
late James Watson.
Robert studied the trumpet at the Royal Academy of
Music between 1994-1998 under James Watson, who was a great friend
and mentor. Whilst at the Academy he was a member of the European
Union Youth Orchestra, with whom he travelled extensively
throughout the world. He was made an Associate of the RAM in
2010.
Robert was appointed second trumpet with the BBC
National Orchestra of Wales in 2002 and continues a very busy
playing schedule internationally with them. Professionally Robert
has worked with many orchestras, including the Philharmonia
Orchestra, Halle Symphony Orchestra, Welsh National Opera, London
Mozart Players, and the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra.