St Asaph Conductor's West End Debut with Singing Sensation Lucy Thomas
Robert Guy, artistic director of NEW Sinfonia and resident conductor at the North Wales International Music Festival in St Asaph, will make his West End debut on 22 October.
Guy, 36, will conduct a 30-piece London orchestra for the concert of rising star Lucy Thomas at Andrew Lloyd Webberâs Theatre Royal Drury Lane. The opportunity came as a "bolt out the blue," fulfilling a lifelong dream for the conductor, who overcame childhood deafness to forge a successful career in music.
Thomas, a 20-year-old singer from Wigan, gained global recognition after appearing on ITV's The Voice Kids UK in 2018, reaching the semi-finals at the age of 14. Since then, she has released five critically acclaimed albums and amassed a dedicated following worldwide, boasting close to a million subscribers on YouTube and over 1.5 billion views of her music videos.
This concert marks a significant milestone for Guy, who also recently secured the position of principal conductor for the Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Orchestra. He described the West End opportunity as "surreal" and a testament to his dedication and hard work.
"You kind of say you want these things to happen, but when they do, itâs completely surreal," said Guy. "A lot of people think that if you have talent, you get lucky breaks, but thatâs only 10% of the story. 90% is hard work, and people donât always see that."
The concert promises a captivating blend of musical styles. The first half will feature West End star Will Callan and beloved songs from musicals such as Les Misérables, Beauty and the Beast, Evita, and Cats. The second half will showcase songs from the upcoming musical "Rosie," written by Chris, who is also responsible for securing Guy for the concert.
The orchestra will be comprised of London-based session musicians, with accompaniment provided by pianist James Breckon.
Guy is thrilled about the momentum in his career, stating, "It feels really good to be building on the momentum of the Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Orchestra role." He credits his musical hero, Sir Simon Rattle, honorary patron and former player/conductor with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Orchestra, for scouting him for the youth orchestra position.
Reflecting on his journey, Guy expressed his gratitude for the opportunities he has received. He said, "Just 10 years ago, I felt like I was always battling to prove myself. Growing up, I had been told by a teacher there was no money in music and that I should become a dentist."
Ultimately, Guy's passion for music prevailed, leading him to the prestigious platform he enjoys today. The concert on 22 October promises to be a memorable event, showcasing the talents of two rising stars and the dedication of a conductor who defied the odds to achieve his dreams.
