Robert Smith

Robert Smith serves as Professor of Viola da Gamba and Baroque Cello at the Cologne University of Music and Dance, where he teaches both Bachelor's and Master's students in historical performance practice. His pedagogical approach integrates historical research with artistic experimentation, covering repertoire from the mid-17th century to early Romanticism.

His educational foundation was built through studies with renowned mentors: Mieneke van der Velden and Paolo Pandolfo for viola da gamba in Amsterdam and Basel respectively, and Wouter Möller, Jaap ter Linden, and Viola de Hoog for baroque cello. He plays a viola da gamba by Pierre Bohr (Milan) and a baroque cello by Guust Francois on loan from the Nationaal Muziekinstrumentenfonds der Netherlands.

Smith's artistic research centers on viola da gamba and baroque cello traditions from the 16th to 18th centuries, with particular focus on improvisation, continuo realization, and reinterpretation of historical sources. He challenges conventional assumptions through experimentation with bow grips, tunings, and chordal accompaniment, often extending into genre-defying collaborations such as performing Metallica arrangements in historical circus productions.

His significant recognition includes:

• Winner of the International Bach-Abel Competition for Viola da Gamba (2013)

As an active performer, Smith is a core member of the Amsterdam Baroque Orchestra and co-founder of the ensemble Fantasticus, whose recordings have received critical acclaim. His 2017 recording of Telemann's newly discovered solo fantasias for viola da gamba was praised by The Observer for its "exceptional technical quality". He maintains an active performance schedule with live broadcasts on BBC Radio 3 and Deutschlandfunk Kultur.