Robert Finegan

Described as “One of the most exciting Irish saxophone players in a generation”, Robert Finegan is an award-winning saxophonist based in London. 

 

Passionate about new music, Robert works closely with composers from around the world in the production of new works. His most recent projects include ‘A Modern View of Ancient Ireland’ for Solo Saxophone and Electronics and ‘Paris Chapters’ for Saxophone, Voice and Piano based on Irish writers in Paris. These original projects have been performed across Ireland, the UK, France and Croatia.

 

As an avid soloist and chamber musician, Robert has performed at venues including the Royal Albert Hall, National Concert Hall, Dublin, Ulster Hall, Belfast, Guildhall, Derry, Rudolf Steiner Hall, Royal Over-Seas League Princess Alexandra Hall, Milton Court Concert Hall, and the Irish Embassy, London.

 

In addition to solo performances, Robert has performed with the RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra, Ulster Orchestra, Britten and Shostakovich Festival Orchestra, RCM Symphony, Philharmonic and Jazz Orchestras.

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Robert has amassed an impressive list of awards and achievements, earning prizes at the Tunbridge Wells International Competition, RCM Jane Melber Competition, Irish Freemasons Young Musician of the Year, and Flax Trust Music Award.

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In 2021, Robert completed the Master of Performance degree, with Distinction, at the Royal College of Music, London, where he studied with Kyle Horch and was a Dr Michael West Scholar. He gained his Bachelor of Music (First Class Honours) from TU Dublin Conservatory of Music and Drama, where he studied with Kevin Hanafin. There he received the McNamara Gold Medal for Excellence in his Final Year Performance.

 

In 2018, Robert became the first Yanagisawa saxophone and Vandoren reed endorsee from the Republic of Ireland.