Cooper, Robert

Robert Cooper was born in Ballarat, Australia.  He won his first scholarship at the age of 10 and gave his first broadcast at the age of 11, continuing to give regular broadcasts until he left Australia in 1947.  At the age of 15 he won a scholarship to Melbourne University, where he graduated with a First class Honours Diploma.  Thereafter he was sent to England, by public subscription raised in Ballarat, to study with Frederick Grinke at the Royal Academy of Music in London.  In London he gave many performances with The Virtuoso Ensemble and with his own pianoforte trio he performed both in London and on tour in the UK.  He was leader of the Alexandra Chamber Orchestra in London which toured Switzerland in 1950 and 1952.   His performances as a concerto soloist won high praise.  Before coming to Edinburgh as leader of the New Edinburgh Quartet he was deputy leader of the orchestra at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden.

• The New Edinburgh Quartet