Robert Crehan (b. 1991) is a British composer from Luton, Bedfordshire, whose music blends stark contrasts, abrupt cuts, and interruptions to evoke abstract and fragmented narratives. His recent work draws inspiration from the editing techniques of visual media, creating pieces that feel sculpted from divergent materials. Most recently, he completed a trilogy of orchestral works inspired by the styles of three prominent 20th-century Abstract Expressionists.

His music has been performed widely in the UK and internationally, with performances by ensembles such as the Carice Singers, EXAUDI vocal ensemble, London Chamber Orchestra, London Symphony Orchestra, Orkest de Ereprijs (Netherlands), Plus-Minus Ensemble, Psappha Ensemble, and Quatuor Bozzini (Canada).

Robert’s path to a music career was unconventional; having left formal education early to focus on his musical development independently. Through self-directed study, he learned fundamentals in composition and notation, ultimately securing a place at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire (RBC) in 2013. There, he completed his undergraduate studies with Ed Bennett, Seán Clancy, Joe Cutler, Andrew Hamilton, Howard Skempton, and Andrew Toovey. In 2018, he pursued postgraduate studies at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama (GSMD), where he studied with Laurence Crane, Hollie Harding, and Paul Newland, and was awarded a Junior Fellowship following his graduation in 2020, supported by scholarships from the Leverhulme Trust and the Guildhall School Trust.

Currently, Robert is engaged in doctoral research at the GSMD in London, where he is supervised by Richard Baker, Paul Newland, and Steve Potter.

In addition to composing, Robert is dedicated to music education, teaching across various levels from primary to higher education. He was a composer for the innovative Listen Imagine Compose – Primary project, which aims to establish a national curriculum for composition in primary education.

Alongside his creative work, Robert also serves as a civil servant for the Ministry of Justice.