Robert Holliston has given pre-performance lectures for Pacific Opera Victoria since 1993. He was Pacific Opera’s répétiteur, chorus master, and Principal Coach for many years and is host of the company’s free community series INSIDE OPERA with Robert Holliston, INSIDE OPERA at the Union Club, and the community education series Opera Motifs.

Robert is Head of Keyboard at the Victoria Conservatory of Music and was Founding Director of VCM Opera Studio. He has conducted master classes and workshops with the Vancouver International Song Institute (UBC), the University of Victoria School of Music, Capilano College, Vancouver Opera Guild, Early Music Society of the Islands, Victoria Symphony, and Belfry Theatre.  At UVic he has taught continuing education courses in music history and hosted travel courses to Santa Fe Opera and New York City.

Robert has collaborated with many of Canada’s leading singers, including Benjamin Butterfield, Judith Forst, Ingrid Attrot, Nancy Argenta, Nathalie Paulin, Susan Platts, Richard Margison, Barbara Livingston, and Peter Barcza; string players Marc Destrubé, and Paul Marleyn; and (with Viveza) dancers Karen Kain and Evelyn Hart. He has also performed in collaboration with many artists throughout North America, England and New Zealand, and has been heard frequently on CBC Radio. Robert has recorded CDs with the popular salon ensemble Viveza, trombonist Ian McDougall, clarinetist Patricia Kostek, tenor Ken Lavigne, Tom Holliston, Show Business Giants, and members of the Hornby Island Ensemble.