Robert Spivey

Robert started playing the French Horn at school at the aged of 11.  He wanted to play the trumpet but the school had run out of them but they did find a funny old curly object in the cupboard for him – which turned out to be a French Horn.    Despite having no access to rehearsal facilities (practising brass instruments in small terrace houses - not really possible) Robert’s innate musical ability quickly came through and he was soon playing in a number of local junior orchestras.  Robert continued though playing his horn until his late teenage years when life go so much more interesting elsewhere. 

After University and a 30 year career in consultancy both in the UK and abroad Rob revisited his love of the French horn.  After buying a new horn and several false starts he found a fantastic teacher in Jonathan Lipton of the Guildhall School of Music and a wonderful local accompanist, Ian Flowers.  

Robert has been with his teacher Jonathan Lipton for more years than Robert cares to remember.  Jonathan played for over 30 years with the London Symphony Orchestra and he is also a professor of horn at the Guildhall School of Music.  When asked how he would describe Robert’s playing he said “It’s been a great pleasure to work with Rob all these decades. He is unquestionably one of the finest non-professional Hornplayers I’ve worked with. He’s had many diversions, political and bicycle, yet somehow he’s always kept his hornplaying a top priority.”

When Robert took up the horn for the second time he soon got back into the swing of it, taking the music grades with his accompanist Ian, up to Diploma Level.   Robert and Ian played together over many years in local concerts and at Ian’s home where Ian’s wife, Sheila, always encouraged him and fed him home made scones and other goodies that all horn players need.  Sadly Ian died four years ago and Sheila died earlier this year so this concert is dedicated to both of them for all their support over the years so freely given.   Some of their family are here tonight and Robert and Hilary are very happy that they are here.  Robert would not have been the player he is without Ian and Sheila’s constant support and encouragement.

Robert plays in many local orchestras and chamber groups, including Sudbury Symphony, Ely Sinfonia, Colchester Symphony, Suffolk Sinfonia and Wolsey Orchestra.   When he is not blowing his horn Robert has been Mayor of Sudbury twice, is a keen fair weather cyclist and a life member of Essex Cricket Club.