Orr, Robin

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Orr, Robin [ Kemsley, Robert] (b Brechin, 1909). Scottish composer, organist, and teacher. Ass. lect. in mus., Leeds Univ., 1936–8; org., St John's Coll., Cambridge, 1938–41, 1945–51; lect. in mus., Cambridge Univ. 1947–56; prof. of comp., RCM, 1950–6; prof. of mus., Glasgow Univ., 1956–65; prof. of mus., Cambridge Univ., 1965–76; chairman, Scottish Opera, 1962–76; dir., Cambridge Arts Th. 1970–6; dir., WNO 1977–83. Works incl. operas Full Circle (1967), Hermiston (1975), and On the Razzle (1988); 3 syms. (1965, 1971, 1978); Sinfonietta Helvetia (1990); chamber mus.; and songs. CBE 1972.