Richard W. Robbins is Artistic Director of the Washington, D.C.–based early music vocal ensembles Carmina and Illuminare, where he is recognized for historically informed performances of Renaissance and Baroque choral and vocal repertoire. Praised by the press as “moving” and “powerful,” Robbins has built a national reputation for choral artistry rooted in expressive text delivery and refined ensemble sound.

A specialist in early sacred music, Robbins is a published scholar whose internationally distributed editions focus on Italian music of the Counter-Reformation. His research and performance projects continue to illuminate lesser-known repertoire, and his conducting has been featured across the United States and internationally, including recent engagements in Poland, Lebanon, Portugal, and Spain. Robbins has published historical repertoire studies for organizations such as the American Choral Directors Association.

In addition to his early music work, Robbins serves as Director of Choral Activities at Shenandoah Conservatory, Chorus Director of the Richmond Symphony Chorus, and Chorus Master of the Opera Festival of Chicago.