Indeed, while Phillips makes a point of including in his concerts the standard classical guitar pieces that audiences never grow tired of, he is also passionate about exposing as many people as possible to new experiences, exciting new pieces that will move them in unexpected ways. Robert is as comfortable improvising on a Bossa Nova as he is performing a Bach fugue. His concerts are a journey of discovery, uncovering unexpected music, and presenting new repertoire often newly composed for him. And his expansive approach to programming is also reflected in his choices of venues.

“I’ll play anywhere that I can find an appreciative audience. I’ve even brought classical guitar to venues generally associated with rap or heavy metal. It’s all valid, and people are the same everywhere – they just want to be moved."

Phillips has recently recorded six new pieces that he commissioned by Jorge Morel, Benoit Glazer, Rex Willis, Troy Gifford, Howard Buss, and Charles Griffin. Each of these composers resides in Central Florida, as does Robert. The works are in dance rhythms ranging from waltzes to rumbas and incorporating elements of Afro-Cuban music, Flamenco, and Brazilian dance rhythms. They are to be performed as a set along with a prelude by Robert under the title of The Orange Blossom Dances. These important new works will be released by MSR Classics along with a group of nocturnes written for Phillips by London based composer, John W. Powell.

Robert transcribed several Spanish songs which he recorded with coloratura soprano Shudong Braamse for her album Sueños de España (Navona Records). He is also recording works for saxophone and guitar, and for multiple guitars with multi-instrumentalist Adam Phillips. This recording will include music by Philip Glass, Steve Reich, and Max Richter. 

Robert’s guitar was built for him in 2008 by Augustino LoPrinzi. It was the last instrument that LoPrinzi built, although he did continue to assist his daughter Donna in her construction of instruments until his recent retirement. Constructed of Brazilian Rosewood that had been stored by LoPrinzi since 1964, it is presently the only guitar on which Robert records and concertizes.

Robert has brought his brilliant interpretations to a diverse range of venues – from traditional concert halls including New York’s prestigious Town Hall, and Lincoln Center to jazz nightclubs. His performance at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall was sold out. In addition to the standard repertory, Robert performs his own compositions, and has premiered works by three-time Pulitzer nominee, Frank Brazinski, Eric Ross, Alfred Giusto, and Meyer Kupferman, as well as a concerto written for him by three-time Grammy winner, Michael Colina. The works by Kupferman and Colina were written for him.

Robert’s recordings include Guitarre Nouveau on TPL records and Lo Mestre, the Music of Miguel Llobet on Centaur records, as well as his self-re-released two volume set, Great Themes and Variations for Classic Guitar (originally released by Mel Bay as a companion to his anthology.)