Robert Gilder, recipient of the 2009 Patrick Hayes Award at the New York 2009 ISPA Congress, Transformation: Art as an Agent of Change.  View other ISPA Award winners.

Nominating Statement | "Over the past 15 years I have watched Robert develop his business into the well-respected, successful international agency it is today - with integrity, a deep passion for artists' careers, and a sometimes painful candor, he has earned his place at the top of the rare breed of "old-style" artist agent/managers."

Robert Gilder & Co has been at the forefront of international artist management for over 25 years. After studies at Durham University in the UK, Robert Gilder worked for English National Opera and the Festival of Music in Great Irish Houses before entering the world of artist management in 1982. Robert Gilder & Co now has offices in London, New York, Paris and Skopje (Macedonia) and manages a roster of singers, conductors and instrumentalists who are in worldwide demand.

Throughout his career, Gilder has worked tirelessly in the development of young people in the arts; not only performers, but also the managers who work with them, helping to create both a new generation of artists, and artistic administrators  who help in the launching of their careers.

During the last few years Robert Gilder has been invited to be on the jury of several vocal competitions including Verviers and the "Competizione dell'Opera" in Dresden. He is frequently asked to give guest presentations to Young Artist Programs on artist development and career management.