Orr, Robin Robert Kelmsley (1909–2006)

Scottish composer. A champion of modern music, he was the founding chair of the Scottish Opera, where he served 1962–76, and director of the Welsh National Opera 1976–83.

He was born in Brechin, Scotland, and studied at the Royal College of Music in London and with Edward J Dent at Cambridge, Alfredo Casella at Siena, and Nadia Boulanger in Paris. From 1938 to 1956 he was organist and director of studies at St John's College, Cambridge. He was professor of music at Glasgow University 1956–64, and at Cambridge 1965–76. His works include the operas Full Circle (1968), Hermiston (1975), and On the Razzle (1988), as well as three symphonies and several chamber pieces.

Works Opera Full Circle (1968), Hermiston (1975), and On the Razzle (1988).

Orchestral three symphonies (1965, 1971, 1978); Sinfonietta Helvetia (1990).

Chamber divertimento for chamber orchestra; three Latin psalms for voice and string quartet; string quintet (1971); sonatina for violin and piano; violin sonata; viola sonata; piano pieces; songs.